DNA barcoding reveals association of Glossiphoniidae species on endangered freshwater turtles in Northeast India
DNA barcoding study published in Acta Parasitologica (2019)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The identification of Glossiphoniidae species is often confusing due to the lack of both morphological and molecular data worldwide. PURPOSE: The study aimed to identify the collected leech specimens from two endangered freshwater turtles, Chitra indica and Pangshura sylhetensis from northeast India. METHODS: We generated DNA barcode sequences and estimated the genetic distances and phylogenetic relationship of the studied taxa with another 14 Glossiphoniidae genera (114 barcode sequences). RESULTS: The high genetic distinctiveness (17.9 to 26.3%) and distinct clustering in Neighbor-Joining (NJ) phylogeny, we identified the studied specimens as Glossiphoniidae sp. We assumed that the studied specimens might be a new member of Glossiphoniidae or an extant species without DNA information. CONCLUSION: Hence, the study recommends further sampling of leeches from the similar host as well as from same and various localities and also generates the molecular data to perceive the exact diversity. The aimed study is also helpful to encourage the awareness and conservation management of freshwater turtles and other threatened animals.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
DNA barcoding identifies Glossiphoniidae leeches on endangered freshwater turtles in Northeast India — conservation and zoonotic implications.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This study used DNA barcoding to identify leech specimens collected from two endangered freshwater turtles, Chitra indica and Pangshura sylhetensis, in northeast India, comparing them against 114 published Glossiphoniidae barcode sequences across 14 genera. The specimens showed high genetic distinctiveness (17.9–26.3%) and distinct clustering in neighbor-joining phylogeny, leading the authors to identify them as an undetermined Glossiphoniidae species—potentially new to science or a known species lacking prior molecular data. The study is a taxonomic and conservation-oriented contribution involving freshwater turtle leeches, with no connection to hirudotherapy, medicinal leech use, or the leech secretome. Its relevance to ASH's domain is limited to documenting leech biodiversity and host associations, and the authors recommend further sampling before drawing definitive species-level conclusions.
Zitation
DNA barcoding reveals association of Glossiphoniidae species on endangered freshwater turtles in Northeast India.
Kundu S et al. · Acta parasitologica, 2019
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