Revisiting the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma) infecting pelomedusid (Pelomedusidae) freshwater turtles in Southern Africa

Abstract

Species of Trypanosoma infecting reptiles are poorly understood and understudied. The study of trypanosomes infecting turtles could lead to a greater understanding of the genus and its evolutionary history. The present study re-evaluates and classifies two previously described species of Trypanosoma in freshwater pelomedusid turtles, Trypanosoma (Haematomonas) neitzi and Trypanosoma (Haematomonas) sheppardi, and characterizes a new species, Trypanosoma (Haematomonas) pienaari, using morphological and molecular data. This study provides the first morphological descriptions and molecular data of South African turtle trypanosomes, setting a base for future research of the reptile trypanosomes of Africa.