Molecular detection of piroplasmids in synanthropic rodents, marsupials, and associated ticks from Brazil, with phylogenetic inference of a putative novel Babesia sp. from white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris)

The order Piroplasmida encompasses tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance positioned in two main families: Babesiidae Theileriidae. Even though previous studies carried out Brazil recorded the occurrence piroplasmid species circulating small mammals, 18S RNA gene sequences were only partially sequenced, preventing assessment their phylogenetic positioning. current study aimed to detect characterize, using morphological, molecular, bioinformatic approaches, piroplasmids from wild mammals associated ticks sampled Central-Western Brazil. Out 67 Didelphis albiventris sampled, 22 (16.4%) positive for by PCR. In contrast, none 48 rodents 14 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was PCR-positive. Four Amblyomma dubitatum ticks—one Rattus rattus, one H. hydrochaeris, D. albiventris—out 114 spp. DNA samples inference performed near-complete rRNA putative novel detected A. near Babesia sensu lato clade (Western group—cluster III) distant Australian marsupial-associated piroplasms. Phylogenetic inferences based on additional molecular markers, namely hsp-70 cox-1, supported inference. Finally, partial (R. rattus showed 97.2–99.4% identity with previously a capybara Brazil, raising evidence that still uncharacterized has been identified capybara, largest rodent South America.