Parasites in a hotspot: diversity and specificity patterns of apicomplexans infecting reptiles from the Socotra Archipelago

A comprehensive study on the Socotra Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, reveals that reptiles here host a high diversity of apicomplexan parasites, with many likely representing undescribed endemic species. The research, which screened 461 reptiles using 18S rRNA primers, identified haemogregarines as the most common and genetically diverse, followed by sarcocystids (genus Sarcocystis) and eimeriids (genera Isospora and Lankesterella). These parasites showed high genetic divergence from those found in other regions, mirroring the archipelago's endemic reptile hosts. Notably, skinks were the most parasitized, contrasting with global trends, while geckos exhibited the highest parasite diversity, correlating with their species richness. The study also suggests a link between island size and parasite haplotype diversity, underscoring the importance of ecological factors in disease transmission.

Tomé, B., Maia, J., Perera, A., Carranza, S., & Vasconcelos, R. (2020). Parasites in a hotspot: diversity and specificity patterns of apicomplexans infecting reptiles from the Socotra Archipelago. Parasitology, 148(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0031182020002000