Temporal stability in the genetic structure of Sarcoptes scabiei under the host-taxon law: empirical evidences from wildlife-derived Sarcoptes mite in Asturias, Spain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Implicitly, parasite molecular studies assume temporal genetic stability. In this study we tested, for the first time to our knowledge, the extent of changes in genetic diversity and structure of <it>Sarcoptes </it>mite populations from Pyrenean chamois (<it>Rupicapra pyrenaica</it>) in Asturias (Spain), using one multiplex of 9 microsatellite markers and <it>Sarcoptes </it>samples from sympatric Pyrenean chamois, red deer (<it>Cervus elaphus</it>), roe deer (<it>Capreolus capreolus</it>) and red fox (<it>Vulpes vulpes</it>).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The analysis of an 11-years interval period found little change in the genetic diversity (allelic diversity, and observed and expected heterozygosity). The temporal stability in the genetic diversity was confirmed by population structure analysis, which was not significantly variable over time. Population structure analysis revealed temporal stability in the genetic diversity of <it>Sarcoptes </it>mite under the host-taxon law (herbivore derived- and carnivore derived-<it>Sarcoptes </it>mite) among the sympatric wild animals from Asturias.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The confirmation of parasite temporal genetic stability is of vital interest to allow generalizations to be made, which have further implications regarding the genetic structure, epidemiology and monitoring protocols of the ubiquitous <it>Sarcoptes </it>mite. This could eventually be applied to other parasite species.</p

Applicability of major histocompatibility complex DRB1 alleles as markers to detect vertebrate hybridization: a case study from Iberian ibex × domestic goat in southern Spain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hybridization between closely related wild and domestic species is of great concern because it can alter the evolutionary integrity of the affected populations. The high allelic variability of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) loci usually excludes them from being used in studies to detect hybridization events. However, if a) the parental species don’t share alleles, and b) one of the parental species possesses an exceptionally low number of alleles (to facilitate analysis), then even MHC loci have the potential to detect hybrids.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>By genotyping the exon2 of the MHC class II DRB1 locus, we were able to detect hybridization between domestic goats (<it>Capra hircus</it>) and free-ranging Iberian ibex (<it>Capra pyrenaica hispanica</it>) by molecular means.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first documentation of a <it>Capra pyrenaica</it> × <it>Capra hircus</it> hybridization, which presented us the opportunity to test the applicability of MHC loci as new, simple, cost-effective, and time-saving approach to detect hybridization between wild species and their domesticated relatives, thus adding value to MHC genes role in animal conservation and management.</p

Molecular Analyses Reveal Unexpected Genetic Structure in Iberian Ibex Populations.

Genetic differentiation in historically connected populations could be the result of genetic drift or adaptation, two processes that imply a need for differing strategies in population management. The aim of our study was to use neutral genetic markers to characterize C. pyrenaica populations genetically and examine results in terms of (i) demographic history, (ii) subspecific classification and (iii) the implications for the management of Iberian ibex.We used 30 neutral microsatellite markers from 333 Iberian ibex to explore genetic diversity in the three main Iberian ibex populations in Spain corresponding to the two persisting subspecies (victoria and hispanica). Our molecular analyses detected recent genetic bottlenecks in all the studied populations, a finding that coincides with the documented demographic decline in C. pyrenaica in recent decades. Genetic divergence between the two C. pyrenaica subspecies (hispanica and victoriae) was substantial (FST between 0.39 and 0.47). Unexpectedly, we found similarly high genetic differentiation between two populations (Sierra Nevada and Maestrazgo) belonging to the subspecies hispanica. The genetic pattern identified in our study could be the result of strong genetic drift due to the severe genetic bottlenecks in the studied populations, caused in turn by the progressive destruction of natural habitat, disease epidemics and/or uncontrolled hunting.Previous Capra pyrenaica conservation decision-making was based on the clear distinction between the two subspecies (victoriae and hispanica); yet our paper raises questions about the usefulness for conservation plans of the distinction between these subspecies