Molecular evaluation of Eimeria spp. Infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a protected species in Kazakhstan. Little is known about the parasitofauna of these mammals. Therefore, the focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and species diversity of Eimeria spp. infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population. In June 2023, 104 Saiga antelope fecal samples collected from the district of Zhanibek, located in the province of West Kazakhstan were evaluated using microscopic and molecular techniques. Based on coprovoscopy results, Eimeria spp. Oocysts were present in 22 samples (21%). The four fecal samples containing the largest numbers of Eimeria spp. Oocysts per 10x field were selected for further genetic analysis. DNA extraction, nested PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on 91 clones, with 80 clones forming a distinct clade and exhibiting genetic similarity to MT801034 Eimeria sp. Voucher HY3. These clones possibly represent an Eimeria specific to Saiga antelopes and gazelle that has previously been morphologically described as Eimeria elegans (Svanbaev, 1979), underscoring the importance of further research into parasitic infections in this protected species.