Molecular and Morphological Data Confirmed First Record of Abbreviata kazakhstanica Markov and Paraskiv, 1956 (Spirurida: Physalopteridea) in Iran

BACKGROUND: The genus Abbreviata (Spirurida: Physalopteridea) currently contains 47 species. Physalopteridae nematodes infect a large number of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The current study is a report of the first morphological and molecular identification of A. kazakhstanica (Spirurida: Physalopteridea) in Pseudopus apodus in Iran. METHODS: Eleven road-killed P. apodus, were collected from, Iran during 2016–2018. The nematodes were isolated from stomach. After morphological study, the genomic DNA of the parasites was extracted using CTAB method. The DNA was used for PCR amplification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1). The PCR products were sequenced, the sequence data were analyzed and multiple alignments were conducted using the Clustal Omega. RESULTS: After detailed microscopic examination, the A. kazakhstanica was identified. The cox1 sequences confirmed the species of helminth. The new sequences of A. kazakhstanica were submitted to GenBank under the accession number MK578751-2. CONCLUSION: Regarding the limited data on parasitological status of Iranian reptiles, more specific and comprehensive investigations are needed to identify the parasitic fauna.