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. 2024:31:58.
doi: 10.1051/parasite/2024060. Epub 2024 Sep 27.

Gasterophilus intestinalis infestation in lion (Panthera leo) and plains zebra (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem: Morphological and molecular profiling

Barakaeli Abdieli Ndossi  1 , Eblate Ernest Mjingo  2 , Maulid Mzinga Mdaki  2 , Marry Wokusima Zebedayo  2 , Seongjun Choe  3 , Mohammed Mebarek Bia  3 , Heejae Yang  4 , Sungbo Seo  4 , Keeseon S Eom  3
Affiliations

Gasterophilus intestinalis infestation in lion (Panthera leo) and plains zebra (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem: Morphological and molecular profiling

Barakaeli Abdieli Ndossi et al. Parasite. 2024.

Abstract
in English, French

This study was conducted to clarify the host specificity and the geographical distribution of Gasterophilus species (Diptera, Oestridae) in the Serengeti ecosystem. A total of 317 larvae were recovered from two common zebras (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii) in Maswa Game Reserve, and 58 larvae were recovered from an African lion (Panthera leo) in the Serengeti National Park. The study emphasizes the rare occurrence of Gasterophilus sp. in lions, shedding light on the broader life cycle and physiological implications for hosts. Genetic analysis of cox2 genes from Gasterophilus species, sourced from a single geographic location, reveals significant genetic distinctions and host specificity. This study reports the first case of G. intestinalis infestation in an African lion in the Serengeti ecosystem, extending its known range from zebras and other equids, and highlighting ecological and veterinary implications. This unusual prey-predator transmission highlights the value of molecular taxonomic tools in clarifying host-parasite dynamics and guiding targeted conservation strategies.

Title: Infestation par Gasterophilus intestinalis chez le lion (Panthera leo) et le zèbre des plaines (Equus quagga) dans l’écosystème du Serengeti : profilage morphologique et moléculaire.

Abstract: Cette étude a été menée pour clarifier la spécificité de l’hôte et la répartition géographique des espèces de Gasterophilus (Diptera, Oestridae) dans l’écosystème du Serengeti. Au total, 317 larves ont été récoltées chez deux zèbres communs (Equus quagga, anciennement Equus burchellii) dans la réserve de gibier de Maswa, et 58 larves ont été récoltées chez un lion d’Afrique (Panthera leo) dans le parc national du Serengeti. L’étude souligne la rareté de l’occurrence de Gasterophilus sp. chez les lions, mettant en lumière le cycle biologique plus large et les implications physiologiques pour les hôtes. L’analyse génétique des gènes cox2 des espèces de Gasterophilus, provenant d’un seul lieu géographique, révèle des distinctions génétiques et une spécificité d’hôte significatives. Cette étude rapporte le premier cas d’infestation par G. intestinalis chez un lion africain dans l’écosystème du Serengeti, étendant son aire de répartition déjà connue chez les zèbres et autres équidés, et mettant en évidence des implications écologiques et vétérinaires. Cette transmission inhabituelle de proie à prédateur souligne l’intérêt des outils de taxonomie moléculaire pour clarifier la dynamique hôte-parasite et guider les stratégies de conservation ciblées.

Keywords: Gasterophilus intestinalis; Lion; Maswa; Serengeti ecosystem; Zebra Tanzania.

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Conflict of interest statement

We have no conflicts of interests related to this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The isolation of third larval stage Gasterophilus intestinalis from the African lion, showing the ventral and dorsal surface of the larvae.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The bulk of Gasterophilus intestinalis attached to the gastrointestinal tissue of a zebra.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ventral surface of thoracic and abdominal segments. Microscopic observation (A) and SEM (B). The maxillae (mouth hooks) of third instar Gasterophilus intestinalis. The mouth hook of the third stage showing polygonal plates (PP), angled plates (AP), and shield tip (ST). Dorsal portion of each mandible is extended into serrated lobe (Asterisk *).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showing the arrangement of thoracic spines and the middle in (A); Opened terminal abdominal segments of the third instar Gasterophilus intestinalis larva; two lobes bearing sensilla (yellow arrows) (B). Four individual sensilla (arrow head) in (C).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Agarose gel (1.5%) showing amplification of the cox2 gene of Gasterophilus intestinalis isolates using genomic DNA of the third larvae stage of G. intestinalis isolated from the African lion with product size 669 bp (1) and zebra with product size 672 bp (2); negative control (3) and DNA marker (1 kb = M).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial cox2 for Gasterophilus intestinalis isolates from African lion and zebra in Tanzania.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Map of Tanzania illustrating study areas located in the Serengeti ecosystem.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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