First Molecular Detection and Phylogeny of Trichostrongylus axei and Spiculopteragia houdemeri From Indonesian Deer

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Division of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.

2 Research Centre for Veterinary Science, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia.

10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005816

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal nematode infections represent a major threat to the health of both wild and domestic animals, including captive deer. However, data on their prevalence and molecular characteristics in Indonesia remain limited. Understanding parasite diversity is crucial for establishing effective control and health management programs.
Objectives: This study aimed to detect, identify, and analyze the phylogenetic relationships of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting captive deer in West Java, Indonesia.
Methods: Fecal samples were obtained from 13 breeding centers for parasitological and molecular analyses. Parasitological analyses involved flotation and McMaster techniques to detect strongyle-type eggs, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS2 ribosomal DNA region was performed to amplify nematode DNA. Positive amplicons were sequenced; species identification was confirmed through BLAST analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum likelihood methods to assess the genetic relationships of the identified nematodes with reference sequences.
Results: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode infection was 18.1%, with egg counts consistently below 50 EPG, indicating mild infection levels. Molecular analysis identified two nematode species: Trichostrongylus axei, detected across multiple locations, indicating widespread presence, and Spiculopteragia houdemeri, found only in three specific sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic similarity between Indonesian isolates and reference sequences from Europe and Asia, highlighting the potential global conservation of these species. 
Conclusion: This study presents the first molecular detection of T. axei and S. houdemeri in captive deer populations in Indonesia, thereby providing critical baseline data to support future epidemiological surveillance and the development of health management strategies.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 113-122

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