Molecular characterization and reference mitogenome of the hookworm Uncinaria criniformis (Goeze, 1782) from the Eurasian badger
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Hookworms are common parasites of Eurasian badgers ( Meles meles ), typically identified as Uncinaria criniformis . The taxonomic distinction from Uncinaria stenocephala , a species found in dogs and foxes, has long been debated. In this study, we molecularly characterized U. criniformis from a Eurasian badger in Romania using genome skimming. We assembled the complete mitochondrial genome and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region from 2 adult hookworms morphologically consistent with U. criniformis . Phylogenetic analysis of 12 mitochondrial protein-coding genes demonstrated strongly supported clade of U. criniformis with Ancylostoma spp. ITS rDNA and cox 1 sequence comparisons revealed only 92.4–92.8% and 88.0–88.5% identity, respectively, between U. criniformis and U. stenocephala , confirming their molecular distinctiveness. In contrast, our sequences showed >99% identity to sequences from Arthrostoma leucurus , a hookworm recently described from the Asian badger ( Meles leucurus ), suggesting conspecificity. These findings support the validity of U. criniformis as a distinct species parasitizing M. meles , and we propose A. leucurus as a junior synonym of U. criniformis . Our results highlight the polyphyly of the genus Uncinaria and point to the need for broader mitogenomic sampling of hookworms. The molecular markers generated here provide a reference for future parasitological surveys and wildlife disease studies.
Source: Parasitology
Authors: Georgiana Deak, Jan Šlapeta
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4413304111