Analysis of genetic variation in Globocephaloides populations from macropodid marsupials using a mutation scanning-based approach

Abstract

Three species of Globocephaloides, parasitic nematodes occurring in macropodid marsupials in different areas of Australia, were characterized by the sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Samples were subjected to PCR-coupled SSCP analysis and targeted sequencing, in order to assess genetic variation within and among individuals from different host species. Both SSCP and sequence data supported the current classification of morphospecies. Contrary to a previous hypothesis that cryptic species exist within the Globocephaloides trifidospicularis "complex", no or minor (0.2%) variation was detected among individuals from differ..