Phylogenetic Relationship of Trypanosoma corvi with Other Avian Trypanosomes

The phylogenetic relationships of avian trypanosomes, common parasites of birds, remain ambiguous and validity of many species is questionable. Analyses based on 18S rRNA sequences, dimensions of the kinetoplast disc and the size of kinetoplast (k) DNA minicircles were used to differentiate among large trypanosomes parasitizing birds of the Old World. These trypanosomes with typical striated appearance formed two well-supported groups the “Trypanosoma avium” clade and the “Trypanosoma corvi” clade. Interestingly, the isolate derived from the Central European hippoboscid fly (Ornithomyia avicularia) is closely related to T. corvi from a raven captured in the U.K., whereas a trypanosome obtained from the blood of a raven of the Central Europe origin (Czech Republic) is a typical member of the “T. avium” clade.