Netherlands, Edward C.Stroebel, CarlieDu Preez, Louis H.Shabangu, NtjiMatjila, Paul TshepoVan Schalkwyk, Ockert LouisPenzhorn, Barend Louis2022-04-062022-04-062021-04Netherlands, E.C., Stroebel, C., Du Preez, L.H. et al. 2021, 'Molecular confirmation of high prevalence of species of Hepatozoon infection in free-ranging African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa', International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, vol. 14, pp, 335-340.2213-2244 (online)10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.002http://hdl.handle.net/2263/84805Reports in the literature indicate that species of Hepatozoon commonly occur in African wild dog (AWD) or painted wolf (Lycaon pictus) populations. These findings were based on examination of blood smears by microscopy, and specific identity of the Hepatozoon sp. gamonts seen could not be confirmed. We present the first in-depth molecular data on the prevalence of species of Hepatozoon in a free-ranging AWD population. In a general health survey of AWDs in the Kruger National Park, blood specimens (n = 74) collected from 54 individuals were examined for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. At first sampling, specimens from 42 of 54 individuals (77.7%) were positive, based on the primer set HepF300 and HepR900. Twenty individuals were resampled between 51 and 69 days after first sampling; one of these was resampled twice. Samples from six individuals that had tested negative previously now reacted positive. Assuming that all 54 individuals were still alive, the prevalence had therefore increased to 48 individuals infected, or 88.8%. Resultant 18S rDNA sequences isolated from these specimens share high similarity to other Hepatozoon canis genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis recovered the Hepatozoon sp. isolated from AWDs within the H. canis cluster, which includes species of Hepatozoon from other canid and tick hosts.en© 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.Hepatozoon canisHepF300HepR900Lycaon pictusPCR screeningAfrican wild dog (Lycaon pictus)Kruger National Park (KNP)Kruger National Park (South Africa)Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)Veterinary science articles SDG-15SDG-15: Life on landArticle