Molecular identification of Laelapidae mites from small rodents in Lithuania

Abstract

Laelapidae mites are ecologically diverse group of superfamily Dermanyssoidea (Mesostigmata) and involve predators and parasites found in various habitats. These mites are frequently associated with small rodents and some species occasionally infest man and transmit agents of diseases to humans such us mite-borne rickettsial pox, scrub typhus, and tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, identification of mites is an important step in the management of these vectors. Classification of the Dermanyssoidea is complicated. These mites display high levels of morphological variability, and it has been difficult to develop a robust phylogenetic relationship based solely upon morphological characteristics. Most classifications have utilized traditional taxonomic methods. Molecular methods are becoming increasingly important in systematic acarology, and the nuclear ribosomal genes are powerful tool for phylogenetics within the Acari, but these are lacking for most groups of mites. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize Laelapidae mites parasitizing small rodents in Lithuania using molecular methods. Obtained molecular data have been used to discriminate between species and for phylogenetic analysis. A total of 173 parasitic mites from Laelapidae family were collected from 87 small rodents of different species captured in Biržai and Trakai districts in Lithuania. After morphological examination, using appropriate identification key, examined ectoparasites were identified as Laelaps agilis (n=136), 30 Haemogamasus nidi (n=30), Eulaelaps stabularis (n=2), and Hyperlaelaps microti (n=4). The 28S nuclear ribosomal DNA gene region (domains 1-3) was used as molecular marker for identification of mites. Conventional PCR and sequence analysis were performed. Sequences were edited, aligned and subjected to phylogenetic analyses using Mega 6.0 software. The present study is the first molecular identification of L. agilis, H. nidi and H. microti mites. [...]