Shared microsporidian profiles between an obligate (Niphargus) and facultative subterranean amphipod population (Gammarus) at sympatry provide indications for underground transmission pathways

Only sparse knowledge exists on amphipod-infecting microsporidians in subterranean waters. Here, we DNA barcoded two sympatric amphipod populations (obligate subterranean Niphargus schellenbergi, facultative Gammarus fossarum) and their microsporidian parasites. Parasite prevalence was assessed by diagnostic PCR assays. Overall prevalence was 82.7 %. Both amphipod populations shared all four identified parasite species (Nosema granulosis, Microsporidium sp. I, Orthosomella sp., Microsporidium sp. BPAR3). Hence, we postulate underground transmission pathways of microsporidians mediated by subterranean amphipod hosts.