Diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Moniezia spp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae): An Inference from COX1 and SSU rDNA Sequences
1 Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Ecosystem, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Cheikh Anta DIOP University of Dakar, CP 10700, Dakar BP 5005, Senegal; (M.P.N.); (C.T.B.); (G.D.)
2 Genomics Laboratory, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Cheikh Anta DIOP University of Dakar, CP 10700, Dakar BP 5005, Senegal; (B.K.); (P.M.S.)
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 1 Mar 2025 / Accepted: 13 Oct 2025 / Published: 18 Nov 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Moniezia species are common tapeworms infecting domestic ruminants worldwide. However, their morphological similarities make species-level identification challenging, often leading to diagnostic confusion among veterinarians. Studies on the population dynamics of these parasites remain scarce in many regions, including Senegal, a West African country. Methods: We investigated the diversity, population structure, and dynamics of the genus Moniezia using 29 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) sequences and 22 nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rDNA) sequences. These were obtained from three species: Moniezia expansa, Moniezia benedeni, and Moniezia sp., collected from domestic ruminants (sheep, goats, and cattle) at Dakar’s main slaughterhouse, SOGAS (formerly SERAS), between June 2013 and May 2014. Sequence alignment was performed using BioEdit, and genetic analyses were conducted with DnaSP, MEGA, Arlequin, and Network software. Results: Polymorphism analysis revealed that M. benedeni exhibited the highest genetic diversity (378 polymorphic sites in SSU rDNA), followed by Moniezia sp. (177 polymorphic sites in Cox1) and M. expansa (105 polymorphic sites in Cox1). The predominance of synonymous over non-synonymous mutations suggests the presence of purifying (negative) selection. Genetic structure analysis indicated clear differentiation between M. expansa and M. benedeni. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that genetic variation was independent of host species and geographic origin. Furthermore, haplotype network analysis revealed evidence of cryptic species within the Moniezia genus. Conclusion: The Moniezia genus may represent a species complex, including M. expansa, M. benedeni, and potentially other yet undescribed species.
Keywords: population; ; population dynamic; evolution; structure; phylogeny
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CITE
Ndiaye, M.P.; Ndom, M.; Kénémé, B.; Sembène, P.M.; Ba, C.T.; Diop, G. Diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Moniezia spp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae): An Inference from COX1 and SSU rDNA Sequences. ajpme 2025, 3, 7.
Ndiaye MP, Ndom M, Kénémé B, Sembène PM, Ba CT, Diop G. Diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Moniezia spp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae): An Inference from COX1 and SSU rDNA Sequences. African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology. 2025; 3(1):7.
Ndiaye, Mame Penda; Ndom, Mallé; Kénémé, Bineta; Sembène, Pape Mbacké; Ba, Cheikh Tidiane; Diop, Gora. 2025. "Diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Moniezia spp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae): An Inference from COX1 and SSU rDNA Sequences." ajpme 3, no. 1: 7.
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