Molecular Characterization of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) Blood Parasite within the Threatened Gopherus Polyphemus Species

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.