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Molecular Characterization of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) Blood Parasite within the Threatened Gopherus Polyphemus Species

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Date Issued:
2018
Abstract/Description:
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.
Title: Molecular Characterization of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) Blood Parasite within the Threatened Gopherus Polyphemus Species.
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Name(s): Eusse, Johanna
Cooney, Brian
Frazier, Evelyn
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Poster
Date Created: 2018
Date Issued: 2018
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Florida
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.
Identifier: FAU_SR00000035 (IID)
Collection: FAU Student Research Digital Collection
Subject(s): College students --Research --United States.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAU_SR00000035
Restrictions on Access: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.