Trypanosoma irwinz n. sp (Sarcomastigophora: Trypanosomatidae) from the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

The morphology and genetic characterization of a new species of trypanasome infecting koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are described. Morphological analysis of bloodstream forms and phylogenetic analysis at the 18S rDNA and gGAPDH loci demonstrated this trypanosome species to be genetically distinct and most similar to Trypanosoma beinnetti, an avian trypanosome with a genetic distance of 0.9% at the 18S rDNA and 10.7% at the g GAPDH locus. The trypanasome was detected by 18S rDNA PCR in the blood samples of 26 out of 68 (38-2%.) koalas studied. The aetiological role or trypanosome ill koala disease is currently poorly defined, although infection with these parasites has been associated with clinical Signs in number of koalas. Based oil biological mid genetic characterization data, this trypanasome species infecting koalas is proposed to be a new species Trypanasome irwini n. sp.