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A fast and reliable method of genotyping (UP PCR) was applied to trypanosomatids isolated from insects collected in North and North West Russia. These isolates were earlier shown to be situated in the crown of the trypanosomatid 18S rDNA phylogenetic tree. Relationships between parasites of two Heteroptera families - Nabidae and Saldidae - were investigated with a particular focus on isolates from supralittoral bugs Salda and Saldula. Several trypanosomatid species can apparently infect one insect species, as it was demonstrated for Leptomonas sp. PL and Wallaceina sp. Wsd isolated at the same place and day from different individuals of Salda littoralis. Very similar trypanosomatids, probably belonging to one species (Leptomonas sp. PL and Sld), were found in different insect genera, which points to a broad host specificity of these parasites. To our knowledge, the present paper is the first one aimed at revealing the presence and biodiversity of insect trypanosomatids from hosts inhabiting high latitude areas. The investigation has demonstrated that trypanosomatid fauna in subarctic regions is diverse. |
