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Domenico Otranto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Morphological and molecular characterization of Onchocerca fasciata (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran
Parasite (Paris France), 2018Co-Authors: Mohammad Mirzaei, Domenico Otranto, Coralie Martin, Emilie Lefoulon, Younes Ghahvei, Riccardo Paolo Lia, Alireza SazmandAbstract:Skin nodules of Onchocerca fasciata Railliet and Henry, 1910 (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are a common finding in dromedary camels, though with a minimal clinical impact. There is little information about the morphology, molecular make-up and pathological impact of this parasite. Onchocerca fasciata nodules (1.3–2.1 cm in diameter and 509–841 mg in weight) were detected on the neck region in 31.5% of dromedary camels examined in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Of 38 isolated nodules, only 23 (60.5%) contained viable worms. Measurement and morphological analyses were performed on isolated female worms by light microscopy. The identification of O. fasciata specimens was confirmed by sequence analysis of two mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA and cox 1), which showed 0.4% divergence from available O. fasciata sequences. In addition, a phylogeny of filarial nematodes was constructed, based on these two mitochondrial genes and five nuclear genes (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, MyoHC , rbp1 , hsp70 ); this indicated that O. fasciata belongs to clade ONC3 of Onchocercidae, with representatives of the genera Onchocerca and Dirofilaria . Within the genus Onchocerca , O . fasciata is grouped with bovine parasitic species and the human parasitic Onchocerca volvulus , which suggests an impact of domestication on the radiation of the genus. Data provided here on the distribution and morphology of O. fasciata contribute to the molecular identification and phylogenetic position of the species.
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Cercopithifilaria sp. II in Vulpes vulpes: new host affiliation for an enigmatic canine filarioid.
Parasitology research, 2016Co-Authors: Carla Maia, Giada Annoscia, Maria Stefania Latrofa, María Casero, Vito Colella, André Pereira, Fábia Azevedo, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Cercopithifilaria bainae and Cercopithifilaria grassii (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are filarioids inhabiting the skin of dogs worldwide. The microfilariae of a third species namely, Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al. 2013, have been morphologically and molecularly characterized but scientific knowledge of this parasite is minimal. The first case of infection of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with the filarioid Cercopithifilaria sp. II is herein described in Castro Marim, Portugal. Microfilariae from skin sediment of the fox’s ear were morphological characterized, and the identification was confirmed molecularly in samples from skin sediment, skin samples, and from Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks collected from the animal (99% homology with Cercopithifilaria sp. II). Studies should evaluate if red foxes might play a role in the maintenance and distribution of Cercopithifilaria sp. II infection in dog populations.
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Cutaneous Distribution and Circadian Rhythm of Onchocerca lupi Microfilariae in Dogs
2016Co-Authors: Domenico Otranto, Filipe Dantas-torres, Alessio Giannelli, Francesca Abramo, Ra Ignjatovic ́ Ćupina, Yasen Mutafchiev, Helder CortesAbstract:Background: Among the arthropod-borne nematodes infesting dogs, Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) is o
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Redescription of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) with histopathological observations
Parasites & Vectors, 2013Co-Authors: Yasen Mutafchiev, Filipe Dantas-torres, Alessio Giannelli, Francesca Abramo, Helder Cortes, Luis Cardoso, Elias Papadopoulos, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Background Onchocerca lupi is a dog parasite of increasing zoonotic concern, with new human cases diagnosed in Turkey, Tunisia, Iran, and the United States. Information about the morphology of this nematode is scant and a detailed re-description of this species is overdue. In addition, histopathological data of potential usefulness for the identification of O. lupi infections are provided. Methods Male and female nematodes, collected from the connective tissue of a dog, were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and an histological evaluation was performed on biopsy samples from periocular tissues. Results The morphological identification was confirmed by molecular amplification and partial sequencing of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and morphometric description of O. lupi from a dog based on light microscopy, SEM, molecular characterization, and histological observations. Conclusions Data herein presented contribute to a better understanding of this little known parasitic zoonosis, whose impact on human and animal health is still underestimated. The presence of granulomatous reactions only around the female adult suggests that the release of microfilariae from the uterus might be the cause of the inflammatory reaction observed.
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Redescription of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) with histopathological observations.
Parasites & vectors, 2013Co-Authors: Yasen Mutafchiev, Filipe Dantas-torres, Alessio Giannelli, Francesca Abramo, Luis Cardoso, Elias Papadopoulos, Helder Ce Cortes, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Onchocerca lupi is a dog parasite of increasing zoonotic concern, with new human cases diagnosed in Turkey, Tunisia, Iran, and the United States. Information about the morphology of this nematode is scant and a detailed re-description of this species is overdue. In addition, histopathological data of potential usefulness for the identification of O. lupi infections are provided. Male and female nematodes, collected from the connective tissue of a dog, were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and an histological evaluation was performed on biopsy samples from periocular tissues. The morphological identification was confirmed by molecular amplification and partial sequencing of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and morphometric description of O. lupi from a dog based on light microscopy, SEM, molecular characterization, and histological observations. Data herein presented contribute to a better understanding of this little known parasitic zoonosis, whose impact on human and animal health is still underestimated. The presence of granulomatous reactions only around the female adult suggests that the release of microfilariae from the uterus might be the cause of the inflammatory reaction observed.
Emilie Lefoulon - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Morphological and molecular characterization of Onchocerca fasciata (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran
Parasite (Paris France), 2018Co-Authors: Mohammad Mirzaei, Domenico Otranto, Coralie Martin, Emilie Lefoulon, Younes Ghahvei, Riccardo Paolo Lia, Alireza SazmandAbstract:Skin nodules of Onchocerca fasciata Railliet and Henry, 1910 (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are a common finding in dromedary camels, though with a minimal clinical impact. There is little information about the morphology, molecular make-up and pathological impact of this parasite. Onchocerca fasciata nodules (1.3–2.1 cm in diameter and 509–841 mg in weight) were detected on the neck region in 31.5% of dromedary camels examined in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Of 38 isolated nodules, only 23 (60.5%) contained viable worms. Measurement and morphological analyses were performed on isolated female worms by light microscopy. The identification of O. fasciata specimens was confirmed by sequence analysis of two mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA and cox 1), which showed 0.4% divergence from available O. fasciata sequences. In addition, a phylogeny of filarial nematodes was constructed, based on these two mitochondrial genes and five nuclear genes (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, MyoHC , rbp1 , hsp70 ); this indicated that O. fasciata belongs to clade ONC3 of Onchocercidae, with representatives of the genera Onchocerca and Dirofilaria . Within the genus Onchocerca , O . fasciata is grouped with bovine parasitic species and the human parasitic Onchocerca volvulus , which suggests an impact of domestication on the radiation of the genus. Data provided here on the distribution and morphology of O. fasciata contribute to the molecular identification and phylogenetic position of the species.
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Migratory phase of Litomosoides sigmodontis filarial infective larvae is associated with pathology and transient increase of S100A9 expressing neutrophils in the lung
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Gregory Karadjian, Emilie Lefoulon, Frédéric Fercoq, Nicolas Pionnier, Nathaly Vallarino-lhermitte, Adelaide Nieguitsila, Sabine Specht, Leo M. Carlin, Coralie MartinAbstract:Filarial infections are tropical diseases caused by nematodes of the Onchocercidae family such as Mansonella perstans. The infective larvae (L3) are transmitted into the skin of vertebrate hosts by blood-feeding vectors. Many filarial species settle in the serous cavities including M. perstans in humans and L. sigmodontis, a well-established model of filariasis in mice. L. sigmodontis L3 migrate to the pleural cavity where they moult into L4 around day 9 and into male and female adult worms around day 30. Little is known of the early phase of the parasite life cycle, after the L3 is inoculated in the dermis by the vector and enters the afferent lymphatic vessels and before the moulting processes in the pleural cavity. Here we reveal a pulmonary phase associated with lung damage characterized by haemorrhages and granulomas suggesting L3 reach the lung via pulmonary capillaries and damage the endothelium and parenchyma by crossing them to enter the pleural cavity. This study also provides evidence for a transient inflammation in the lung characterized by a very early recruitment of neutrophils associated with high expression levels of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins.
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Shaking the Tree: Multi-locus Sequence Typing Usurps Current Onchocercid (Filarial Nematode) Phylogeny.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Emilie Lefoulon, Odile Bain, Jérôme Bourret, Kerstin Junker, Ricardo Guerrero, Israel Cañizales, Yuriy Kuzmin, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Jorge Cárdenas-callirgos, Sueli De Souza LimaAbstract:During the past twenty years, a number of molecular analyses have been performed to determine the evolutionary relationships of Onchocercidae, a family of filarial nematodes encompassing several species of medical or veterinary importance. However, opportunities for broad taxonomic sampling have been scarce, and analyses were based mainly on 12S rDNA and coxI gene sequences. While being suitable for species differentiation, these mitochondrial genes cannot be used to infer phylogenetic hypotheses at higher taxonomic levels. In the present study, 48 species, representing seven of eight subfamilies within the Onchocercidae, were sampled and sequences of seven gene loci (nuclear and mitochondrial) analysed, resulting in the hitherto largest molecular phylogenetic investigation into this family. Although our data support the current hypothesis that the Oswaldofilariinae, Waltonellinae and Icosiellinae subfamilies separated early from the remaining onchocercids, Setariinae was recovered as a well separated clade. Dirofilaria, Loxodontofilaria and Onchocerca constituted a strongly supported clade despite belonging to different subfamilies (Onchocercinae and Dirofilariinae). Finally, the separation between Splendidofilariinae, Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae will have to be reconsidered.
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The symbiotic role of Wolbachia in Onchocercidae and its impact on filariasis
Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Tiffany Bouchery, Emilie Lefoulon, G. Karadjian, A. Nieguitsila, Coralie MartinAbstract:Symbiotic associations between eukaryotes and microorganisms are frequently observed in nature, and range along the continuum between parasitism and mutualism. The genus Wolbachia contains well-known intracellular bacteria of arthropods that induce several reproductive phenotypes that benefit the transmission of the bacteria. Interestingly, Wolbachia bacteria have been found in the Onchocercidae, a family of filarial nematodes, including species that cause human filarial diseases, e.g. lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. The endosymbiont is thought to be mutualistic in the Onchocercidae, and to provide essential metabolites to the filariae. Currently, Wolbachia bacteria are targets of antibiotic therapy with tetracyclines, which have profound effects on the development, viability and fertility of filarial parasites. This overview article presents the Onchocercidae and Wolbachia, and then discusses the origin and the nature of the symbiosis. It highlights the contribution of Wolbachia to the survival of the filariae and to the development of pathology. Finally, the infection control implications for filariases are debated. Potential directions for future research are also discussed.
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A new type F Wolbachia from Splendidofilariinae (Onchocercidae) supports the recent emergence of this supergroup.
International journal for parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Emilie Lefoulon, Shigehiko Uni, Sauli Laaksonen, Kerstin Junker, Laurent Gavotte, Michela Barbuto, Frédéric Landmann, Susanna Saari, S. Nikander, Sueli De Souza LimaAbstract:Wolbachia are vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes. It is commonly accepted that they co-evolved with their filarial hosts, and have secondarily been lost in some species. However, most of the data on the Wolbachia/Onchocercidae relationship have been derived from studies on two subfamilies, the Dirofilariinae and the Onchocercinae, which harbour parasites of humans and domestic animals. Within the last few years, analyses of more diverse material have suggested that some groups of Onchocercidae do not have Wolbachia, such as recently studied Splendidofilariinae from birds. This study takes advantage of the analysis of additional Splendidofilariinae, Rumenfilaria andersoni from a Finnish reindeer and Madathamugadia hiepei from a South African gecko, using PCR, immunohistochemical staining and whole-mount fluorescent analysis to detect Wolbachia and describe its strains. A DNA barcoding approach and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the symbiosis between Wolbachia and the Onchocercidae. A new supergroup F Wolbachia was demonstrated in M. hiepei, representing the first filarial nematode harbouring Wolbachia described in a non-mammalian host. In the adult, Wolbachia infects the female germline but not the hypodermis, and intestinal cells are also infected. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed a recent emergence of supergroup F. They also suggested several events of horizontal transmission between nematodes and arthropods in this supergroup, and the existence of different metabolic interactions between the filarial nematodes and their symbionts.
Odile Bain - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Shaking the Tree: Multi-locus Sequence Typing Usurps Current Onchocercid (Filarial Nematode) Phylogeny.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Emilie Lefoulon, Odile Bain, Jérôme Bourret, Kerstin Junker, Ricardo Guerrero, Israel Cañizales, Yuriy Kuzmin, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Jorge Cárdenas-callirgos, Sueli De Souza LimaAbstract:During the past twenty years, a number of molecular analyses have been performed to determine the evolutionary relationships of Onchocercidae, a family of filarial nematodes encompassing several species of medical or veterinary importance. However, opportunities for broad taxonomic sampling have been scarce, and analyses were based mainly on 12S rDNA and coxI gene sequences. While being suitable for species differentiation, these mitochondrial genes cannot be used to infer phylogenetic hypotheses at higher taxonomic levels. In the present study, 48 species, representing seven of eight subfamilies within the Onchocercidae, were sampled and sequences of seven gene loci (nuclear and mitochondrial) analysed, resulting in the hitherto largest molecular phylogenetic investigation into this family. Although our data support the current hypothesis that the Oswaldofilariinae, Waltonellinae and Icosiellinae subfamilies separated early from the remaining onchocercids, Setariinae was recovered as a well separated clade. Dirofilaria, Loxodontofilaria and Onchocerca constituted a strongly supported clade despite belonging to different subfamilies (Onchocercinae and Dirofilariinae). Finally, the separation between Splendidofilariinae, Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae will have to be reconsidered.
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Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma): description, molecular identification, and Wolbachia screening.
Parasitology international, 2012Co-Authors: Shigehiko Uni, Masako Fukuda, Takeshi Agatsuma, Odile Bain, Coralie Martin, Kazuo Suzuki, Masashi Harada, Masaharu Motokawa, Emilie Lefoulon, Hiroyuki TakaokaAbstract:Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae: Onchocercinae) is described based on adult filarioids and microfilariae obtained from subcutaneous connective tissues and skin, respectively, of Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma) in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. No endemic species of the genus had been found in Japan. Recently, some filarioids (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Dirofilaria spp., and Onchocerca spp.) have come to light as causative agents of zoonosis worldwide. The new species was readily distinguished from its congeners by morphologic characteristics such as body length, body width, esophagus length, spicule length, and the length of microfilariae. Based on the molecular data of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, A. delicata n. sp. was included in the clade of the genus Acanthocheilonema but differed from two other congeneric species available for study, A. viteae and A. reconditum. Acanthocheilonema delicata n. sp. did not harbor Wolbachia. It is likely that the fauna of filarioids from mammals on the Japanese islands is characterized by a high level of endemicity.
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Lymphatic dwelling filarioid nematodes in reindeer Rangifer tarandus tarandus, (cervidae) in Finland, identified as Rumenfilaria andersoni Lankester & Snider, 1982 (nematoda: Onchocercidae: Splendidofilariinae).
Parasite (Paris France), 2010Co-Authors: Sauli Laaksonen, Antti Oksanen, S. Nikander, Seppo Saari, Odile BainAbstract:A filarioid nematode inhabiting the lymphatic vessels of the subserosal rumen and mesenteries associated with a high prevalence of its microfilariae in peripheral blood was observed in Finnish reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in 2004 and 2006. Adult specimens were collected by dissecting lymphatic vessels from slaughtered animals, where some of the nematodes were seen through the wall of the dilated vessels as thin white winding threads obscuring the vessel. The morphology of adult worms and microfilaria is described based on light and scanning electron microscopy. These filariae belong to the subfamily Splendidofilariinae of the Onchocercidae and resemble Rumenfilaria andersoni, recovered from different host and localization, the ruminal veins of Alces alces in Canada. Comparison of paratypes of this species revealed only minor differences which were not sufficient to separate the filarioid parasitic in R. tarandus in Finland and we identify the nematode as R. andersoni. However, the findings suggest two different parasite populations. The finalizing of this taxonomic question in the future requires an integrated approach, in which the DNA-based and morphological identifications are consistent.
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New features on the moults and morphogenesis of the human filaria Loa loa by using rodent hosts consequences.
Parasite (Paris France), 1998Co-Authors: Odile Bain, Samuel Wanji, P. Enyong, G. Petit, F. Noireau, M.i. Eberhard, G. WahlAbstract:The development of the human filaria Loa loa (Dirofilariinae, Onchocercidae), previously studied in monkeys, was studied using the non permissive hosts-mice and jirds. The development proved to be rapid: moult 3 occurred on day J8 post-inoculation, the adult stage was reached on day 25 and measured at that time 3-3.5 mm in length. As in the other filarioids, the female genital apparatus developed during the fourth stage.A critical analysis of the studies on the development of Onchocercid species was made. The optimal duration of the stages (i.g. the shortest time) was chosen for the comparison. It appeared that the duration of the stage 3 was a constant character in a given species whatever the experimental conditions, whereas moult 4 might be retarded in a non susceptible host.Comparison between the 18 developmental cycles of Onchocercidae in the vertebrate host was made. Two biological types could be distinguished: either the moult 3 occurred on day 2-3 and was followed apparently by a late moult 4 (≥ 50 days], or the moult 3 occurred after about one week of development and it was associated with a less long stage 4 (20-40 days). The first group includes Dirofilaria and Onchocerca , the second group brings together mainly Loa and the Onchocercinae of the Dipetalonema line and related genera (Acanthocheilonema, Brugia, Litomosoides , etc.). The groups thus formed suggest real relationships as they fit with the morphology of the infective stage and the results of a recent molecular analysis of the 5S DNA.
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Evolutionary Relationships Among Filarial Nematodes
World Class Parasites, 1Co-Authors: Odile BainAbstract:Due to their highly evolved biology characterized by specialized eggs and the microfilariae, which migrate in host lymph or blood and are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, the filariid Onchocercidae were considered recent nematodes. Currently, their origin is thought to be remote, hidden in the Secondary era, with the first representatives in crocodiles and transmitted by culicids (150 M years). But the main expansion occurred during the Tertiary, synchronously with bird and mammal diversification. Among the 80 genera of Onchocercidae, a few are parasites of humans: Brugia-Wuchereria, Mansonella, Onchocerca and Loa. This list does not, however, include all the agents of zoonoses. The human filariae result from two evolutionary processes: either they have evolved from parasites of primates or humans have been infected by the capture of filariae parasitic in zoologically unrelated groups.
Tiana Kohlsdorf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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tropidurus hispidus spix 1825 sauria tropiduridae a new host for oswaldofilaria petersi bain sulahian 1974 nematoda Onchocercidae
Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia, 2003Co-Authors: Reinaldo José Da Silva, Tiana KohlsdorfAbstract:No presente trabalho descreve-se a ocorrencia de Oswaldofilaria petersi Bain & Sulahian 1974 (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) em Tropidurus hispidus Spix 1825 (Sauria, Tropiduridae). Um macho e uma femea de O. petersi foram coletados no musculo ileofibularis direito desse lagarto. Este e o primeiro relato deste hospedeiro para Oswaldofilaria spp. e tambem a descricao de um novo hospedeiro para O. petersi.
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Tropidurus hispidus Spix 1825 (Sauria, Tropiduridae): a new host for Oswaldofilaria petersi Bain & Sulahian 1974 (Nematoda, Onchocercidae)
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 2003Co-Authors: Reinaldo José Da Silva, Tiana KohlsdorfAbstract:No presente trabalho descreve-se a ocorrencia de Oswaldofilaria petersi Bain & Sulahian 1974 (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) em Tropidurus hispidus Spix 1825 (Sauria, Tropiduridae). Um macho e uma femea de O. petersi foram coletados no musculo ileofibularis direito desse lagarto. Este e o primeiro relato deste hospedeiro para Oswaldofilaria spp. e tambem a descricao de um novo hospedeiro para O. petersi.
Sueli De Souza Lima - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Shaking the Tree: Multi-locus Sequence Typing Usurps Current Onchocercid (Filarial Nematode) Phylogeny.
PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Emilie Lefoulon, Odile Bain, Jérôme Bourret, Kerstin Junker, Ricardo Guerrero, Israel Cañizales, Yuriy Kuzmin, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Jorge Cárdenas-callirgos, Sueli De Souza LimaAbstract:During the past twenty years, a number of molecular analyses have been performed to determine the evolutionary relationships of Onchocercidae, a family of filarial nematodes encompassing several species of medical or veterinary importance. However, opportunities for broad taxonomic sampling have been scarce, and analyses were based mainly on 12S rDNA and coxI gene sequences. While being suitable for species differentiation, these mitochondrial genes cannot be used to infer phylogenetic hypotheses at higher taxonomic levels. In the present study, 48 species, representing seven of eight subfamilies within the Onchocercidae, were sampled and sequences of seven gene loci (nuclear and mitochondrial) analysed, resulting in the hitherto largest molecular phylogenetic investigation into this family. Although our data support the current hypothesis that the Oswaldofilariinae, Waltonellinae and Icosiellinae subfamilies separated early from the remaining onchocercids, Setariinae was recovered as a well separated clade. Dirofilaria, Loxodontofilaria and Onchocerca constituted a strongly supported clade despite belonging to different subfamilies (Onchocercinae and Dirofilariinae). Finally, the separation between Splendidofilariinae, Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae will have to be reconsidered.
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A new type F Wolbachia from Splendidofilariinae (Onchocercidae) supports the recent emergence of this supergroup.
International journal for parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Emilie Lefoulon, Shigehiko Uni, Sauli Laaksonen, Kerstin Junker, Laurent Gavotte, Michela Barbuto, Frédéric Landmann, Susanna Saari, S. Nikander, Sueli De Souza LimaAbstract:Wolbachia are vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes. It is commonly accepted that they co-evolved with their filarial hosts, and have secondarily been lost in some species. However, most of the data on the Wolbachia/Onchocercidae relationship have been derived from studies on two subfamilies, the Dirofilariinae and the Onchocercinae, which harbour parasites of humans and domestic animals. Within the last few years, analyses of more diverse material have suggested that some groups of Onchocercidae do not have Wolbachia, such as recently studied Splendidofilariinae from birds. This study takes advantage of the analysis of additional Splendidofilariinae, Rumenfilaria andersoni from a Finnish reindeer and Madathamugadia hiepei from a South African gecko, using PCR, immunohistochemical staining and whole-mount fluorescent analysis to detect Wolbachia and describe its strains. A DNA barcoding approach and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the symbiosis between Wolbachia and the Onchocercidae. A new supergroup F Wolbachia was demonstrated in M. hiepei, representing the first filarial nematode harbouring Wolbachia described in a non-mammalian host. In the adult, Wolbachia infects the female germline but not the hypodermis, and intestinal cells are also infected. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed a recent emergence of supergroup F. They also suggested several events of horizontal transmission between nematodes and arthropods in this supergroup, and the existence of different metabolic interactions between the filarial nematodes and their symbionts.
