Elucidating nematode diversity and prevalence in moose across a wide latitudinal gradient using DNA metabarcoding

• Published in: International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife 2024-08, Vol.24, p.100962, Article 100962
• Main Authors: Anders, Jason L., Davey, Marie, Van Moorter, Bram, Fossøy, Frode, Boessenkool, Sanne, Solberg, Erling J., Meisingset, Erling L., Mysterud, Atle, Rolandsen, Christer M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alces alces; Habitat use; Migration; Moose; Nematode diversity
• ISSN: 2213-2244; 2213-2244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100962

Parasitic nematodes are ubiquitous and can negatively impact their host by reducing fecundity or increasing mortality, yet the driver of variation in the parasite community across a wildlife host's geographic distribution remains elusive for most species. Based on an extensive collection of fecal samples (n = 264) from GPS marked moose (Alces alces), we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize the individual (sex, age class) and seasonal parasitic nematode community in relation to habitat use and migration behavior in five populations distributed across a wide latitudinal gradient (59.6°N to 70.5°N) in Norway. We detected 21 distinct nematode taxa with the six most common being Ostertagia spp., Nematodirella spp., Trichostongylus spp., T. axei, Elaphostrongylus alces, and an unclassified Strongylida. There was higher prevalence of livestock parasites in areas with larger sheep populations indicating a higher risk of spillover events. The individual level nematode richness was mostly consistent across study areas, while the number and type of nematode taxa detected at each study area varied considerably but did not follow a latitudinal gradient. While migration distance affected nematode beta-diversity across all sites, it had a positive effect on richness at only two of the five study areas suggesting population specific effects. Unexpectedly, nematode richness was higher in winter than summer when very few nematodes were detected. Here we provide the first extensive description of the parasitic nematode community of moose across a wide latitudinal range. Overall, the population-specific impact of migration on parasitism across the distribution range and variation in sympatry with other ruminants suggest local characteristics affect host-parasite relationships. [Display omitted] •Characterized the nematode community of moose across 11° of latitude by DNA metabarcoding.•Detected 21 nematode taxa including 7 species of livestock parasites in wild moose.•Host-population specific effects of migration on nematode richness and prevalence.•Nematode richness was higher in winter than in summer.•Local characteristics were more important than latitudinal gradient in explaining nematode alpha diversity.