Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have made an exciting discovery in the realm of euglenids, a diverse group of microorganisms known for their various nutritional strategies, including photosynthesis, bacterial predation, and occasional parasitism of animals. The study of parasitic euglenids has been hindered by limited and outdated information regarding their taxonomy and ecological behaviors.
In a recent investigation, scientists stumbled upon flagellates residing within the bodies of four different animal species, such as ostracods and rhabdocoels, collected from a nearby rice field. These animals, hosting the flagellates, experienced rapid demise within a few days, indicating the parasitic nature of the flagellate. Interestingly, this particular flagellate exhibited active metaboly inside the host’s body, even in the absence of flagella.
Upon leaving the host organism, however, it extended its flagella and resumed swimming. Through meticulous analysis employing electron microscopy and other advanced techniques, the researchers scrutinized the morphology of this flagellate and confirmed its euglenid characteristics. Furthermore, DNA comparisons between flagellates isolated from all four animal species revealed their belongingness to the same species.
Phylogenetic analysis shed light on the fact that this flagellate belongs to the photosynthetic euglenid group, indicating a loss of photosynthetic ability during its evolutionary adaptation as an animal parasite. Comparative assessment with previously documented parasitic euglenid flagellates led the scientists to conclude that their discovery represents a novel species. They have named it Euglenaformis parasitica, with the Japanese name “Tsukuba-yadori-midorimushi.”
Euglenaformis parasitica has shown a significantly high rate of infection among ostracods, a prevalent species found in rice fields. The elucidation of the ecological dynamics of such parasitic organisms is expected to greatly contribute to our understanding of rice-field ecosystems.
Reference: “Taxonomy of a New Parasitic Euglenid, Euglenaformis parasitica sp. nov. (Euglenales, Euglenaceae) in Ostracods and Rhabdocoels” by Koichiro Kato, Kensuke Yahata, and Takeshi Nakayama, 9 May 2023, Protist.
DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2023.125967
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about parasitic euglenid species
What is Euglenaformis parasitica?
Euglenaformis parasitica is a newly discovered species of parasitic euglenid. It is a microorganism known for its ability to infect ostracods and its presence in rice-field ecosystems.
How was Euglenaformis parasitica discovered?
Euglenaformis parasitica was discovered by researchers at the University of Tsukuba. They found flagellates within the bodies of various animal species collected from a rice field. The animals hosting the flagellates died, indicating their parasitic nature.
What are euglenids?
Euglenids are a diverse group of microorganisms known for their different nutritional methods, including photosynthesis, bacterial predation, and occasional animal parasitism. Euglenaformis parasitica belongs to this group but has lost its photosynthetic ability during evolution.
What is the significance of this discovery?
The discovery of Euglenaformis parasitica sheds light on the ecology of parasitic organisms in rice-field ecosystems. Understanding its behavior and impact on ostracods can enhance our knowledge of these ecosystems and their dynamics.
What is the name of this new species in Japanese?
In Japanese, this new species is called “Tsukuba-yadori-midorimushi,” which translates to “Tsukuba lodging green bug.”
2 comments
wow scientists discover new species of parasites! euglenaformis parasitic is so cool. infecting ostracods & learning about rice-field ecosystems. awesome discovery!!
euglenids r so diverse n this study reveals their parasitic side. euglenaformis parasitica is da bomb, infecting animals & impacting rice-field systems. gr8 work!