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Rivero de Aguilar J, Barroso O, Bonaccorso E, Cadena H, Hussing L, Jorquera J, Martinez J, Martínez‐de la Puente J, Marzal A, León Miranda F, Merino S, Matta NE, Ramenofsky M, Rozzi R, Valeris‐Chacín CE, Vásquez RA, Vianna JA, Wingfield JC. Associations among MHC genes, latitude, and avian malaria infections in the rufous-collared sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11634. [PMID: 39026957 PMCID: PMC11255377 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a genetic region in jawed vertebrates that contains key genes involved in the immune response. Associations between the MHC and avian malaria infections in wild birds have been observed and mainly explored in the Northern Hemisphere, while a general lack of information remains in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we investigated the associations between the MHC genes and infections with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus blood parasites along a latitudinal gradient in South America. We sampled 93 rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) individuals from four countries, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and estimated MHC-I and MHC-II allele diversity. We detected between 1-4 (MHC-I) and 1-6 (MHC-II) amino acidic alleles per individual, with signs of positive selection. We obtained generalized additive mixed models to explore the associations between MHC-I and MHC-II diversity and latitude. We also explored the relationship between infection status and latitude/biome. We found a non-linear association between the MHC-II amino acidic allele diversity and latitude. Individuals from north Chile presented a lower MHC genetic diversity than those from other locations. We also found an association between deserts and xeric shrublands and a lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites. Our results support a lower MHC genetic in arid or semi-arid habitats in the region with the lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rivero de Aguilar
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Omar Barroso
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
| | - Elisa Bonaccorso
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, and Instituto Biósfera, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y AmbientalesUniversidad San Francisco de QuitoQuitoEcuador
- Centro de la Biodiversidad y Cambio ClimáticoUniversidad Tecnológica IndoaméricaQuitoEcuador
| | - Hector Cadena
- Centro de la Biodiversidad y Cambio ClimáticoUniversidad Tecnológica IndoaméricaQuitoEcuador
| | - Lucas Hussing
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Josefina Jorquera
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Javier Martinez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología (Area de Parasitología)Universidad de Alcalá de HenaresMadridSpain
| | - Josué Martínez‐de la Puente
- Departamento de ParasitologíaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Facultad de BiologíaUniversidad de ExtremaduraBadajozSpain
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Fauna SilvestreUniversidad Nacional de San MartínTarapotoPeru
| | - Fabiola León Miranda
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Santiago Merino
- Departamento de Ecología EvolutivaMuseo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales CSICMadridSpain
| | - Nubia E. Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad Nacional de ColombiaBogotáColombia
| | - Marilyn Ramenofsky
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ricardo Rozzi
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
| | - Carlos E. Valeris‐Chacín
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Rodrigo A. Vásquez
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Juliana A. Vianna
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG)Millennium Institute of Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi)SantiagoChile
| | - John C. Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Hernandez-Colina A, Seechurn N, Costa T, Lopez J, Baylis M, Hesson JC. Surveillance of Culex spp. vectors and zoonotic arboviruses at a zoo in the United Kingdom. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26477. [PMID: 38404807 PMCID: PMC10884501 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of several zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogens in Europe, including West Nile virus, Sindbis virus and Usutu virus, has emphasised the importance of consistent surveillance. Considerable fieldwork effort is usually needed to detect low-prevalence pathogens in mosquitoes and screening vertebrate hosts and reservoirs is rarely done simultaneously with mosquito sampling. Zoological gardens offer an opportunity for the surveillance of pathogens, mosquitoes, hosts, and reservoirs concurrently; thus, the aim of this study was undertaking integrated surveillance for mosquito-borne pathogens of wild birds and mosquitoes in Chester Zoo (Cheshire) in the United Kingdom. Mosquitoes were collected in September 2020 and tested for zoonotic bird-hosted arboviruses (i.e., West Nile virus, Usutu virus and Sindbis virus) using RT-qPCRs. Of the 3316 mosquitoes trapped, 98% were identified as Culex spp. The average minimum prevalence of the viruses found in the literature was used to calculate the sample size needed for detecting these viruses with 99% confidence. The testing of 2878 Culex females found no evidence of presence of the three viruses. Significant differences were found in mosquito abundance per sampling site and collection date; furthermore, important sources of immature and resting mosquitoes were found near aviaries. Eighteen wild birds belonging to 11 species were found dead in the zoo from May to December 2020 and were RT-qPCR tested for West Nile virus and Usutu virus; all samples resulted negative for viral infection. It is unlikely that these viruses were present in the zoo during the sampling period; however, since they circulate in Europe and Usutu virus has been isolated in the United Kingdom and may overwinter here, continued monitoring of mosquitoes and wild birds is recommended as virus introduction and dissemination are possible. This study highlights the importance of regular and integrated arboviral surveillance of zoonotic pathogens in zoos providing baseline information to that end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicola Seechurn
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Taiana Costa
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- The Veterinary Pathology Group, Horner Court, 637 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BJ, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny C. Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
- Biologisk Myggkontroll, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
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Goodenough AE, Sewell A, McDonald K. Behavioural patterns in zoo-housed Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) revealed using long-term keeper-collected data: validation of approaches and improved husbandry. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Pharmaceutics for free-ranging wildlife: Case studies to illustrate considerations and future prospects. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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González-Olvera M, Hernandez-Colina A, Pérez JG, Ulloa GM, Montero S, Maguiña JL, Lescano AG, Santolalla ML, Baylis M, Mayor P. Haemosporidians from a Neglected Group of Terrestrial Wild Birds in the Peruvian Amazonia. ECOHEALTH 2022; 19:402-416. [PMID: 36030330 PMCID: PMC9573858 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Haemosporidians are a widespread group of blood parasites transmitted by vectors. Despite their relevance for bird conservation, few studies have been conducted in the Amazonia and even less in terrestrial wild birds. We analysed blood samples from 168 game birds, collected from 2008 to 2015 by subsistence hunters of an indigenous rural community in the Peruvian Amazonia. DNA was tested for Haemoproteus spp., Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. and positive amplicons were sequenced and curated for phylogenetic analysis. Haemosporidian prevalence was 72% overall, 66.7% for Haemoproteus spp. and 5.4% for Plasmodium spp. and respectively by bird species: Spix's Guan (Penelope jacquacu, n = 72) 87.5% and 0%, Razor-billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosum, n = 45) 77.8% and 6.7%, White-winged Trumpeter (Psophia leucoptera, n = 20) 6.3% and 12.5%, Blue-throated Piping-guan (Pipile cumanensis, n = 16) 73.3% and 6.7%, and Great Tinamou (Tinamus major, n = 15) 10% and 15%. Leucocytozoon spp. was not found. P. leucoptera and T. major were less likely to be infected with Haemoproteus spp. Fruit abundance had a negative association with Haemoproteus spp. prevalence and precipitation was negatively associated with Plasmodium spp. prevalence. The 106 sequences examined represented 29 lineages, 82.8% of them were new lineages (Plasmodium n = 3, Haemoproteus n = 21). Novel host-parasite associations and lineages were unveiled, including probably new species of Plasmodium spp. Our results highlight the scientific value of alternative sampling methods and the collaboration with local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merit González-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, IC2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, IC2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
- , Coventry, UK
| | - Jocelyn G Pérez
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, IC2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Gabriela M Ulloa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Grupo Enfermedades Emergentes, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Stephanie Montero
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jorge L Maguiña
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Andrés G Lescano
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Meddly L Santolalla
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, IC2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pedro Mayor
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Departamento de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
- ComFauna, Comunidad de Manejo de Fauna Silvestre en la Amazonía y en Latinoamérica, 332 Malecón Tarapacá, Iquitos, Peru
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Ings K, Denk D. Avian Malaria in Penguins: Diagnostics and Future Direction in the Context of Climate Change. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050600. [PMID: 35268169 PMCID: PMC8909384 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Avian malaria is caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. This vector-borne parasite is spread by mosquitoes and has a variable significance depending on environmental, host, mosquito and parasite factors. Captive penguins in non-native environments are exposed to the protozoa without having coevolved with them and are especially sensitive to infection. The most common presentation of the disease in affected penguins is acute death. Infection of wild penguins is reported and a greater understanding of the significance of such infections is required. Global warming and related surges in vector availability present an increasing threat to conservation in captive environments and targeted research into the early diagnosis of disease is required. Current diagnostic methods predominantly rely upon direct microscopy and/or molecular testing on tissues obtained from penguin postmortem examinations, and frequently fail to identify the causative agent at a species level. There are several barriers to the development of a rapid method to detect infection and the causative species; however, this information would further our understanding of this disease, and development of such a method is a valuable undertaking. This paper provides a summary of current diagnostic methods, identifies the likely future impacts of avian malaria in penguins, and highlights the need to improve both the speed and scope of available diagnostics. Abstract Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without the selective pressure that these parasites exert and are highly susceptible to infection when transplanted to endemic regions, for example, in the context of zoological collections or rehabilitation centers. Avian malaria in penguins typically causes acute mortality without premonitory signs, or less commonly, nonspecific signs of morbidity, followed by mortality. Additionally, infection is reported in wild penguins, though the significance of these infections remains equivocal. As global temperatures continue to increase, avian malaria is likely to pose a continued and further threat to conservation efforts in captive environments. Intra vitam diagnosis currently relies on the evaluation of blood smears and molecular methods. The former is unreliable in penguins, as the acute clinical course typically does not allow the development of parasitemia. This absence of parasitemia also makes speciation challenging. Current molecular methods typically target the Cytochrome B or 18s subunit and have proven variably sensitive and specific. Reliable intra vitam diagnosis of avian malaria and further information about the causative agents at a species level would be very valuable in understanding the epidemiology and likely future course of avian malaria infection in penguins, and in particular, the implications avian malaria may have for conservation efforts. This paper provides an overview of malaria in penguins, discusses its changing impact on management and conservation, offers a summary of current diagnostics, and suggests future direction for the development of diagnostic tests. The latter will be key in understanding and managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Ings
- Garscube Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Daniela Denk
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: or
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