Genetic markers to distinguish Moniezia expansa from M. benedeni (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) and evidence of the existence of cryptic species in Australia

Abstract

Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MEE) was used to genetically compare Moniezia spp. collected from sheep and cattle in southern Australia. Fifteen enzyme loci were established for the genetic characterisation of individual specimens of Moniezia, which represents a significant increase in the number of loci that was previously available for these cestodes. Another four enzyme loci were also identified as providing potential genetic markers. There were no differences in staining activity or banding patterns of different body regions of individual cestodes. Fixed genetic differences between Moniezia expansa and Moniezia benedeni were detected at 10 (77%) loci. Individuals that lacked the diag..