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Prompiram P, Mongkolphan C, Poltep K, Chunchob S, Sontigun N, Chareonviriyaphap T. Baseline study of the morphological and genetic characteristics of Haemoproteus parasites in wild pigeons ( Columba livia) from paddy fields in Thailand. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:153-159. [PMID: 37228837 PMCID: PMC10205435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.04.003] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Haemoproteus columbae is a common haemosporidian parasite of wild pigeons (Columba livia) reported worldwide. In Thailand, the wild pigeon population is increasing due to paddy field monoculture. However, there are limited reports on the presence of H. columbae in these pigeon populations. The aim of the study was to characterize H. columbae in wild pigeons. A total of 87 wild pigeons were examined using microscopic and molecular methods. Haemoproteus columbae was detected in approximately 27.6% of pigeons and their morphological characteristics were described. The partial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene sequence of H. columbae was then characterized into three common lineages (HAECOL1, COLIV03, and COQUI05). By highlighting the morphologic and genetic characteristics of H. columbae commonly found in this population of pigeons, this study provides essential regional knowledge about haemosporidian parasites that could benefit future taxonomic and phylogeographic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phirom Prompiram
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Chalisa Mongkolphan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Kanaporn Poltep
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Supatra Chunchob
- Mahidol University, Division of Conservation Biology, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, 71150, Thailand
| | - Narin Sontigun
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80161, Thailand
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Valkiūnas G, Iezhova TA. Insights into the Biology of Leucocytozoon Species (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae): Why Is There Slow Research Progress on Agents of Leucocytozoonosis? Microorganisms 2023; 11:1251. [PMID: 37317225 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (Leucocytozoidae) only inhabit birds and represent a readily distinct evolutionary branch of the haemosporidians (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa). Some species cause pathology and even severe leucocytozoonosis in avian hosts, including poultry. The diversity of Leucocytozoon pathogens is remarkable, with over 1400 genetic lineages detected, most of which, however, have not been identified to the species level. At most, approximately 45 morphologically distinct species of Leucocytozoon have been described, but only a few have associated molecular data. This is unfortunate because basic information about named and morphologically recognized Leucocytozoon species is essential for a better understanding of phylogenetically closely related leucocytozoids that are known only by DNA sequence. Despite much research on haemosporidian parasites during the past 30 years, there has not been much progress in taxonomy, vectors, patterns of transmission, pathogenicity, and other aspects of the biology of these cosmopolitan bird pathogens. This study reviewed the available basic information on avian Leucocytozoon species, with particular attention to some obstacles that prevent progress to better understanding the biology of leucocytozoids. Major gaps in current Leucocytozoon species research are discussed, and possible approaches are suggested to resolve some issues that have limited practical parasitological studies of these pathogens.
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Meister SL, Wyss F, Wenker C, Hoby S, Basso WU. Avian haemosporidian parasites in captive and free-ranging, wild birds from zoological institutions in Switzerland: Molecular characterization and clinical importance. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 20:46-55. [PMID: 36688077 PMCID: PMC9849939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites are widespread and infect birds from a broad variety of avian families with diverse consequences ranging from subclinical infections to severe and fatal disease. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and diversity of avian haemosporidia including associated clinical signs and pathomorphological lesions in captive and free-ranging, wild birds from two zoos and the near environment in Switzerland. Blood samples from 475 birds, including 230 captive and 245 free-ranging, wild individuals belonging to 42 different avian species from 15 orders were examined for the presence of avian haemosporidian DNA by a one-step multiplex PCR designed to simultaneously detect and discriminate the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon by targeting mitochondrial genome sequences. Positive samples were additionally tested using a nested PCR targeting the cytochrome b gene of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. The obtained amplicons were bidirectionally sequenced. This study revealed haemosporidian DNA in 42 samples, belonging to ten host species. The most commonly detected lineage was Plasmodium relictum SGS1, which was identified in 29 birds (Phoenicopterus roseus: n = 24, Alectoris graeca: n = 1, Lamprotornis superbus: n = 1, Somateria mollissima: n = 1, Spheniscus demersus: n = 1, Tetrao urogallus crassirostris: n = 1), followed by Haemoproteus sp. STRURA03 in six avian hosts (Bubo bubo: n = 5, Bubo scandiacus = 1), Plasmodium relictum GRW11 in four individuals (Phoenicopterus roseus: n = 3, Spheniscus demersus: n = 1) and Plasmodium elongatum GRW06 in one Alectura lathami lathami. A Phalacrocorax carbo was infected with Plasmodium relictum, but the exact lineage could not be determined. One mixed infection with P. relictum and Haemoproteus sp. was detected in a Bubo scandiacus. Only five individuals (Spheniscus demersus: n = 2, Somateria mollissima: n = 1, Bubo scandiacus: n = 1, Alectoris graeca: n = 1) showed clinical and pathomorphological evidence of a haemosporidian infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraina L. Meister
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland,Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author. Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Fabia Wyss
- Zoo Basel, Binningerstrasse 40, CH-4054, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Hoby
- Berne Animal Park, Tierparkweg 1, CH-3005, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter U. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author.
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Valkiūnas G, Iezhova TA. Keys to the avian Haemoproteus parasites (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae). Malar J 2022; 21:269. [PMID: 36123731 PMCID: PMC9487097 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemoproteus is a sister genus to malaria parasites (Plasmodium), which both belong to the order Haemosporida (Apicomplexa). Parasites of both genera are flourishing in birds, however, Haemoproteus species are noticeably less investigated. This is unfortunate because knowledge about close relatives of malaria pathogens is important for better understanding the evolutionary origin and basic biological features of the entire group of haemosporidian infections. Moreover, recent findings show that Haemoproteus species can cause severe damage of various bird organs due to megalomeronts and other exo-erythrocytic stages. These haemosporidians are remarkably diverse, but remain neglected partly due to difficulties in species identification. Hundreds of Haemoproteus genetic lineages have been reported in birds, and numerous new lineages are found each year, but most remain unidentified to the species level. Numerous new Haemoproteus pathogens were described during the past 20 years. However, keys for their identification are absent. Identification of Haemoproteus species remains a difficult task and is an obstacle for better understanding of the distribution and epidemiology of these parasites. This study aimed to develop comprehensive keys for the identification of described avian Haemoproteus species using morphological features of their blood stages (gametocytes). Methods Type and voucher preparations of avian Haemoproteus species were accessed in museums in Europe, Australia and the USA. Gametocytes of most described species were examined, and these data formed a background for this study. The data also were considered from published articles containing parasite species descriptions. The method of dichotomous keys was applied. The most difficult steps in the keys were accompanied with references to the corresponding parasite pictures. Results In all, 201 published articles were included in this review. Morphological diagnostic features of gametocytes of all described Haemoproteus species were analysed and compared. Illustrated keys for identification of these parasite species were developed. Available information about the molecular characterization of Haemoproteus parasites was provided. Conclusion This review shows that 177 described species of avian Haemoproteus can be distinguished and identified in blood films using morphological characters of their gametocytes and host cells. These species were incorporated in the keys. Information about possible morphologically cryptic parasites was provided. Molecular markers are available for only 42% of the described Haemoproteus parasites, calling for researchers to fill this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatjana A Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 2100, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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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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A novel one-step multiplex PCR protocol to detect avian haemosporidian parasites in the subgenus Haemoproteus (Kruse, 1890) used to quantify parasite prevalence in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Turkey. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:511-521. [PMID: 35739341 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09962-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Infections of avian haemosporidian parasites are regularly identified by molecular methods including multiplex PCR, which allows researchers to distinguish mixed infections of parasites from multiple genera. Here we extend the utility of a previously designed multiplex PCR by designing a primer set specific to parasites of the subgenus Haemoproteus (genus: Haemoproteus). The updated one-step multiplex PCR protocol we describe here allows for the detection of the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon and the two subgenera (Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus) of the genus Haemoproteus. A sensitivity analysis showed that the multiplex PCR could amplify DNA of parasites in the subgenus Haemoproteus at very low levels of infection. We used this multiplex PCR to identify haemosporidian infections in 250 adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Turkey. All samples were also screened by microscopy and a widely used nested PCR to compare with the results of multiplex PCR, to detect low levels of parasitemia, and to identify possible abortive infections. In total, 71 pigeons (28.4%) were found to be infected by all three methods. The multiplex PCR protocol successfully detected and discriminated both subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus infections. We compared our results with previous host species records to assess the host specificity of the parasite lineages we found. Our findings provide novel data on the prevalence of avian haemosporidians in domestic pigeons and demonstrate the utility of the new one-step multiplex PCR protocol for the determination of mixed avian haemosporidian infections. We expect that this protocol will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution, epizootiology, and ecology of avian haemosporidians.
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Harl J, Himmel T, Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Nedorost N, Matt J, Kübber-Heiss A, Alic A, Konicek C, Weissenböck H. Avian haemosporidian parasites of accipitriform raptors. Malar J 2022; 21:14. [PMID: 34986864 PMCID: PMC8729155 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The order Accipitriformes comprises the largest group of birds of prey with 260 species in four families. So far, 21 haemosporidian parasite species have been described from or reported to occur in accipitriform birds. Only five of these parasite species have been characterized molecular genetically. The first part of this study involved molecular genetic screening of accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina and the first chromogenic in situ hybridization approach targeting parasites in this host group. The aim of the second part of this study was to summarize the CytB sequence data of haemosporidian parasites from accipitriform raptors and to visualize the geographic and host distribution of the lineages. Methods Blood and tissue samples of 183 accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR, and tissue samples of 23 PCR-positive birds were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus-specific probes targeting the parasites’ 18S rRNAs. All published CytB sequence data from accipitriform raptors were analysed, phylogenetic trees were calculated, and DNA haplotype network analyses were performed with sequences from clades featuring multiple lineages detected in this host group. Results Of the 183 raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina screened by PCR and sequencing, 80 individuals (44%) were infected with haemosporidian parasites. Among the 39 CytB lineages detected, 18 were found for the first time in the present study. The chromogenic in situ hybridization revealed exo-erythrocytic tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites belonging to the Leucocytozoon toddi species group in the kidneys of 14 infected birds. The total number of CytB lineages recorded in accipitriform birds worldwide was 57 for Leucocytozoon, 25 for Plasmodium, and 21 for Haemoproteus. Conclusion The analysis of the DNA haplotype networks allowed identifying numerous distinct groups of lineages, which have not yet been linked to morphospecies, and many of them likely belong to yet undescribed parasite species. Tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites developing in accipitriform raptors were discovered and described. The majority of Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus lineages are specific to this host group, but most Plasmodium lineages were found in birds of other orders. This might indicate local transmission from birds kept at the same facilities (raptor rescue centres and zoos), likely resulting in abortive infections. To clarify the taxonomic and systematic problems, combined morphological and molecular genetic analyses on a wider range of accipitriform host species are needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Cornelia Konicek
- Service for Birds and Reptiles, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Yumoto F, Tokiwa T, Chou S, Ueda M. Haemoproteus columbae infection in a straggler racing pigeon sheltered in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1760-1763. [PMID: 34556607 PMCID: PMC8636887 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A racing pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica), a straggler from Taiwan, was sheltered in Nara Prefecture, Japan in 2020. This pigeon showed hemolysis and
elevated levels of hepatobiliary and muscle enzymes. Gametocytes of Haemoproteus columbae (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) were observed within the host erythrocytes in thin
blood smears. A partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene amplified from blood DNA was identical to the lineage HAECOL1 previously reported from pigeons
worldwide. This is the first record of H. columbae infection in a sheltered bird in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyumi Yumoto
- Takatsuki Bird Clinic, Kitazonomachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-0802, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tokiwa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0023, Japan
| | - Shyun Chou
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0023, Japan
| | - Michihiro Ueda
- Takatsuki Bird Clinic, Kitazonomachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-0802, Japan
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Adams DR, Golnar AJ, Hamer SA, Slotman MA, Hamer GL. Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) survivorship following the ingestion of bird blood infected with Haemoproteus sp. parasites. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2343-2350. [PMID: 34110501 PMCID: PMC8263426 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod vectors are frequently exposed to a diverse assemblage of parasites, but the consequence of these infections on their biology and behavior are poorly understood. We experimentally evaluated whether the ingestion of a common protozoan parasite of avian hosts (Haemoproteus spp.; Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) impacted the survivorship of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae). Blood was collected from wild northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in College Station, Texas, and screened for the presence of Haemoproteus spp. parasites using microscopic and molecular methods. Experimental groups of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were offered Haemoproteus-positive cardinal blood through an artificial feeding apparatus, while control groups received Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood or domestic canary (Serinus canaria domestica) blood. Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes exposed to Haemoproteus infected cardinal blood survived significantly fewer days than mosquitoes that ingested Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood. The survival of mosquitoes fed on positive cardinal blood had a median survival time of 18 days post-exposure and the survival of mosquitoes fed on negative cardinal blood exceeded 50% across the 30 day observation period. Additionally, mosquitoes that fed on canary controls survived significantly fewer days than cardinal negative controls, with canary control mosquitoes having a median survival time of 17 days. This study further supports prior observations that Haemoproteus parasites can be pathogenic to bird-biting mosquitoes, and suggests that Haemoproteus parasites may indirectly suppress the transmission of co-circulating vector-borne pathogens by modulating vector survivorship. Our results also suggest that even in the absence of parasite infection, bloodmeals from different bird species can influence mosquito survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayvion R Adams
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Andrew J Golnar
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscience, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Michel A Slotman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Rosyadi I, Salasia SIO, Argamjav B, Sato H. Impact of Subclinical Haemoproteus columbae Infection on Farmed Domestic Pigeons from Central Java (Yogyakarta), Indonesia, with Special Reference to Changes in the Hemogram. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040440. [PMID: 33917259 PMCID: PMC8067996 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigeon haemoproteosis caused by Haemoproteus columbae (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) is globally prevalent in rock doves (Columba livia), although little is known regarding this disease in pigeons and doves in Indonesia. Blood samples of 35 farmed domestic pigeons (C. livia f. domestica) from four localities in Yogyakarta Special Region, Central Java, Indonesia, were collected from March to June, 2016, subjected to a hemogram, and analyzed for the presence of hemoprotozoan infections. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed a prevalence of 62.5–100% of H. columbae at the four localities (n = 8–10 for each locality), and geometric means of 3.0–5.6% of erythrocytes were parasitized by young and mature gametocytes, suggesting that all infected pigeons were in the chronic phase of infection with repeated recurrences and/or reinfections. Nucleotide sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) for haemosporidian species demonstrated the distribution of four major cytb lineages of H. columbae (mainly HAECOL1, accompanied by COLIV03, COQUI05, and CXNEA02 according to the MalAvi database). Hemogram analysis, involving the estimation of packed cell volume, erythrocyte counts, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and plasma protein and fibrinogen levels of 20 parasitized pigeons and five non-infected pigeons demonstrated significant macrocytic hypochromic anemia with hypoproteinemia and hyperfibrinogenemia in the infected pigeons. This study shows the profound impact of long-lasting subclinical pigeon haemoproteosis caused by H. columbae on the health of farmed domestic pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imron Rosyadi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan; (I.R.); (B.A.)
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Siti Isrina Oktavia Salasia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia;
| | - Bayanzul Argamjav
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan; (I.R.); (B.A.)
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan; (I.R.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Guimarães LDO, Simões RF, Chagas CRF, de Menezes RMT, Silva FS, Monteiro EF, Holcman MM, Bajay MM, Pinter A, de Camargo-Neves VLF, Kirchgatter K. Assessing Diversity, Plasmodium Infection and Blood Meal Sources in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from a Brazilian Zoological Park with Avian Malaria Transmission. INSECTS 2021; 12:215. [PMID: 33802320 PMCID: PMC7999885 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites are widespread parasites transmitted by Culicidae insects belonging to different genera. Even though several studies have been conducted recently, there is still a lack of information about potential vectors of Plasmodium parasites, especially in Neotropical regions. Former studies with free-living and captive animals in São Paulo Zoo showed the presence of several Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted at the zoo to collect mosquitoes in order to find out (i) which species of Culicidae are present in the study area, (ii) what are their blood meal sources, and (iii) to which Plasmodium species might they be potential vectors. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meal source and haemosporidian DNA were identified using molecular protocols. A total of 25 Culicidae species were identified, and 6 of them were positive for Plasmodium/Haemoproteus DNA. Ten mosquito species had their source of blood meal identified, which were mainly birds, including some species that were positive for haemosporidian parasites in the former study mentioned. This study allowed us to expand the list of potential vectors of avian malaria parasites and to improve our knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the highly diverse communities of birds, parasites, and vectors present at São Paulo Zoo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Roseli França Simões
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas
- Nature Research Centre, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Applied Research Department, Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | - Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Fabiana Santos Silva
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Eliana Ferreira Monteiro
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Marcia Moreira Holcman
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | | | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
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Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1405-1420. [PMID: 33521839 PMCID: PMC7940316 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Diseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.
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13
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Morel AP, Webster A, Prusch F, Anicet M, Marsicano G, Trainini G, Stocker J, Giani D, Bandarra PM, da Rocha MIS, Zitelli LC, Umeno KA, Souza UA, Dall'Agnol B, Reck J. Molecular detection and phylogenetic relationship of Haemosporida parasites in free-ranging wild raptors from Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 23:100521. [PMID: 33678376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The order Haemosporida is widely distributed parasitizing members of the Aves class. In birds of prey, infection with Plasmodium spp. parasites varies from an apathogenic form to a clinical syndrome. However, studies on Haemosporida in raptors from the neotropical region are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate natural infection by Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in free-ranging wild raptors from southern Brazil. For this, we sampled 206 individuals of 21 species: 94 live-trapped Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) and 112 raptors from other species that were brought to rehabilitation centers. The presence of infection was investigated using a nested-PCR for Haemosporida performed on blood samples. Overall, 56 out of 206 birds were positive for Plasmodium spp./Haemoproteus spp. Twenty-two percent (21/94) of the C. plancus samples were positive. Of the 112 wild raptors rescued, 31% (35/112) of those belonging to 15 other species tested positive. No sample was positive for Leucocytozoon spp. Herein, we demonstrated nine lineages of Haemosporidian parasites (eight Plasmodium sp. and one Haemoproteus sp.) in free-living species of Brazilian birds of prey, being six of them potential novel lineages. It suggests that information currently available on South-American haemosporidian from these birds greatly underestimate the potential lineage diversity in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Morel
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Anelise Webster
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Prusch
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marina Anicet
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gleide Marsicano
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Trainini
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Julian Stocker
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Denise Giani
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paulo Mota Bandarra
- Núcleo de Rabilitação de Fauna Silvestre-NURFS, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Caló Zitelli
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Karen Akemi Umeno
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ugo Araújo Souza
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dall'Agnol
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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14
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Nourani L, Djadid ND, Rabiee K, Mezerji MS, Shakiba M, Bakhshi H, Shokrollahi B, Farahani RK. Detection of haemosporidian parasites in wild and domestic birds in northern and central provinces of Iran: Introduction of new lineages and hosts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:203-212. [PMID: 33209581 PMCID: PMC7658667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites characterize multi-host and multi-parasite structures which are prevalent among wild bird populations. Here, determination of host records, estimation of the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian lineages were performed in wild and domestic birds in 11 provinces in Iran. To our knowledge, for the first time in this region, molecular characterization of haemosporidians in migratory water birds, raptors, and domestic birds was carried out: blood or tissue samples were collected from 246 birds belonging to 36 species, 12 families, and 11 orders. The prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon were documented as 1.21%, 3.65%, and 0.4%, respectively. Of 36 birds' species inspected in this investigation, 13 individuals of 9 species were parasitized by blood parasites. To our knowledge, five lineages including hANACRE03, hAYTFER01, hAYTFER02, hAQUCYR01, and hSTAL06 were found as un-described lineages, while six known lineages of hLK03, pLK05, lTUSW04, pSW5, hMILANS02, and hHAECOL1 were recorded in hosts within novel geographical regions. Such results are required to fill the gaps in understanding the geographical distribution patterns of wildlife related vector-borne parasites in migratory birds as potential carriers, raptors with high vulnerability, and domestic birds as pet or with economic value. Molecular characterization of haemosporidians in migratory, raptors, and domestic birds. Eleven avian haemosporidian lineages discovered in new geographical regions of West Asia. Novelhost records of blood parasites in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koros Rabiee
- Mazandaran Provincial Office of the Department of Environment, Sari, Iran
| | | | | | - Hasan Bakhshi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Reza Khaltabadi Farahani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Iranian Veterinary Organization, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Biology Department, Pastuer Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Carrera-Játiva PD, Morgan ER, Barrows M, Jiménez-Uzcátegui G, Tituaña JRA. Free-ranging avifauna as a source of generalist parasites for captive birds in zoological settings: An overview of parasite records and potential for cross-transmission. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7:482-500. [PMID: 33005675 PMCID: PMC7521809 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2020.g445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Captive birds in zoological settings often harbor parasites, but little information is available about the potential for free-ranging avifauna to act as a source of infection. This review summarizes the gastrointestinal parasites found in zoo birds globally and in seven common free-ranging avian species [mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula), common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Eurasian jackdaw (Corvus monedula), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), and rock dove (Columba livia)] to identify the overlap and discuss the potential for cross-species transmission. Over 70 references were assessed, and papers spanned over 90 years from 1925 to 2019. A total of 60 studies from 1987 to 2019 met the eligibility criteria. All examined free-ranging avifauna harbored parasite species that were also reported in zoo birds, except for the European jackdaw. Parasites reported in captive and free-ranging birds include nematodes (Capillaria caudinflata, Dispharynx nasuta, Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus, Strongyloides avium, Syngamus trachea, and Tetrameres fissispina), cestodes (Dicranotaenia coronula, Diorchis stefanskii, Fimbriaria fasciolaris, and Raillietina cesticillus, Sobolevicanthus gracilis), trematode (Echinostoma revolutum), and protozoa (Cryptosporidium baileyi). Although no study effectively proved cross-transmission either experimentally or by genetic analysis, these parasites demonstrate low host specificity and a high potential for parasite sharing. There is potential for parasite sharing whenever determinants such as host specificity, life cycle, and husbandry are favorable. More research should be carried out to describe parasites in both captive and free-ranging birds in zoological settings and the likelihood of cross-infection. Such information would contribute to evidence-based control measures, enhancing effective husbandry and preventive medicine protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Barrows
- Department of Veterinary Services and Conservation Medicine, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jorky Roosevelt Armijos Tituaña
- Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Loja, Loja, Ecuador
- Facultad Agropecuaria y de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Nacional de Loja, Loja, Ecuador
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16
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Taroda A, Barros LDD, Seixas MD, Cardim ST, Sasse JP, Minutti AF, Vidotto O, Garcia JL. First molecular detection of Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp. in eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e000920. [PMID: 32667500 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the presence and identify the species of haemosporidian parasites in eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil. Two hundred and eleven male and female eared doves were trap-captured in four different regions of Londrina city, in southern Brazil. Whole blood was collected in EDTA tubes through heart puncture after euthanasia in a CO2 chamber. A nested PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cyt b) of Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. was performed, followed by an enzymatic digestion to identify the genus. Phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the closely related species. Out of 211 eared doves, 209 (99.05%) were positive for Haemoproteus spp. and/or Plasmodium spp. RFLP analysis showed that 72.72% (152/209) of eared doves were positive only for Haemoproteus spp., 6.22% (13/209) were positive only for Plasmodium spp., and 21.05% (44/209) of eared doves had mixed infections. Genetic analysis found four samples that were homologous with Haemoproteus multipigmentatus and one that was homologous with Plasmodium sp. This is the first molecular study of hemoparasites from eared doves in Brazil, and it is also the first description of H. multipigmentatus and Plasmodium spp. infection in eared doves in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Taroda
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Mércia de Seixas
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Tosi Cardim
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Pedro Sasse
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Ana Flávia Minutti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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17
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Evolutionary ecology, taxonomy, and systematics of avian malaria and related parasites. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105364. [PMID: 32007445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus are one of the most prevalent and widely studied groups of parasites infecting birds. Plasmodium is the most well-known haemosporidian as the avian parasite Plasmodium relictum was the original transmission model for human malaria and was also responsible for catastrophic effects on native avifauna when introduced to Hawaii. The past two decades have seen a dramatic increase in research on avian haemosporidian parasites as a model system to understand evolutionary and ecological parasite-host relationships. Despite haemosporidians being one the best studied groups of avian parasites their specialization among avian hosts and variation in prevalence amongst regions and host taxa are not fully understood. In this review we focus on describing the current phylogenetic and morphological diversity of haemosporidian parasites, their specificity among avian and vector hosts, and identifying the determinants of haemosporidian prevalence among avian species. We also discuss how these parasites might spread across regions due to global climate change and the importance of avian migratory behavior in parasite dispersion and subsequent diversification.
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18
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Nebel C, Harl J, Pajot A, Weissenböck H, Amar A, Sumasgutner P. High prevalence and genetic diversity of Haemoproteus columbae (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) in feral pigeons Columba livia in Cape Town, South Africa. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:447-463. [PMID: 31883048 PMCID: PMC6985069 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explore blood parasite prevalence, infection intensity, and co-infection levels in an urban population of feral pigeons Columba livia in Cape Town. We analyze the effect of blood parasites on host body condition and the association between melanin expression in the host's plumage and parasite infection intensity and co-infection levels. Relating to the haemosporidian parasite itself, we study their genetic diversity by means of DNA barcoding (cytochrome b) and show the geographic and host distribution of related parasite lineages in pigeons worldwide. Blood from 195 C. livia individuals was collected from April to June 2018. Morphometric measurements and plumage melanism were recorded from every captured bird. Haemosporidian prevalence and infection intensity were determined by screening blood smears and parasite lineages by DNA sequencing. Prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. was high at 96.9%. The body condition of the hosts was negatively associated with infection intensity. However, infection intensity was unrelated to plumage melanism. The cytochrome b sequences revealed the presence of four Haemoproteus lineages in our population of pigeons, which show high levels of co-occurrence within individual birds. Three lineages (HAECOL1, COLIV03, COQUI05) belong to Haemoproteus columbae and differ only by 0.1% to 0.8% in the cytochrome b gene. Another lineage (COLIV06) differs by 8.3% from the latter ones and is not linked to a morphospecies, yet. No parasites of the genera Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nebel
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrien Pajot
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 1 Cours du Général de Gaulle, Gradignan, France
| | | | - Arjun Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petra Sumasgutner
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle, Core Facility for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Cepeda AS, Lotta-Arévalo IA, Pinto-Osorio DF, Macías-Zacipa J, Valkiūnas G, Barato P, Matta NE. Experimental characterization of the complete life cycle of Haemoproteus columbae, with a description of a natural host-parasite system used to study this infection. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:975-984. [PMID: 31628938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Characterization of complete life cycles of haemoparasites requires the maintenance of suitable susceptible vertebrate hosts and vectors for long periods in captivity, in order to follow the complete parasitic cycle in definitive and intermediate hosts. Currently, there are few host-parasite models established in avian haemosporidian research, and those have been developed mainly for species of Passeriformes and their parasites. This study aimed to develop an experimental methodology to access the complete life cycle of Haemoproteus columbae (cytb lineage HAECOL1), which parasitizes the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and louse fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis). A colony of louse flies, which are the natural vectors of this parasite, was established. Thirty newly emerged insects were exposed to H. columbae infection and used to infect naïve Rock Pigeons. The peak of parasitaemia (acute stage) was seen between 27 and 32 days p.i. when up to 70.8% of red blood cells were infected. The crisis occurred approximately 1 week after the peak, and the long-lasting chronic parasitaemia stage followed. Exo-erythrocytic meronts were seen mainly in the lungs where extensive tissue damage was reported, but also in the kidneys and spleen. In the vector, the sporogonic cycle of H. columbae was completed between 13 and 16 days p.i., at an average temperature ranging between 12 and 15 °C. This host-parasite model is tractable for maintenance in captivity. It is recommended for use in studies aiming for detailed characterization of host-parasite relationships in areas such as physiology, pathology, immunobiology, genetics, as well as for evaluative treatments and to follow the infection in any stage of parasite development both in the vertebrate or invertebrate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axl S Cepeda
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Ingrid A Lotta-Arévalo
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - David F Pinto-Osorio
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhon Macías-Zacipa
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Programa Bacteriología y Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca. Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Paola Barato
- Corporación Patología Veterinaria, CORPAVET, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nubia E Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Chagas CRF, Bukauskaitė D, Ilgūnas M, Bernotienė R, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G. Sporogony of four Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae), with report of in vitro ookinetes of Haemoproteus hirundinis: phylogenetic inference indicates patterns of haemosporidian parasite ookinete development. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:422. [PMID: 31462309 PMCID: PMC6714444 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) species (Haemoproteidae) are widespread blood parasites that can cause disease in birds, but information about their vector species, sporogonic development and transmission remain fragmentary. This study aimed to investigate the complete sporogonic development of four Haemoproteus species in Culicoides nubeculosus and to test if phylogenies based on the cytochrome b gene (cytb) reflect patterns of ookinete development in haemosporidian parasites. Additionally, one cytb lineage of Haemoproteus was identified to the species level and the in vitro gametogenesis and ookinete development of Haemoproteus hirundinis was characterised. METHODS Laboratory-reared C. nubeculosus were exposed by allowing them to take blood meals on naturally infected birds harbouring single infections of Haemoproteus belopolskyi (cytb lineage hHIICT1), Haemoproteus hirundinis (hDELURB2), Haemoproteus nucleocondensus (hGRW01) and Haemoproteus lanii (hRB1). Infected insects were dissected at intervals in order to detect sporogonic stages. In vitro exflagellation, gametogenesis and ookinete development of H. hirundinis were also investigated. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to confirm species identity. Bayesian phylogenetic inference was applied to study the relationships among Haemoproteus lineages. RESULTS All studied parasites completed sporogony in C. nubeculosus. Ookinetes and sporozoites were found and described. Development of H. hirundinis ookinetes was similar both in vivo and in vitro. Developing ookinetes of this parasite possess long outgrowths, which extend longitudinally and produce the apical end of the ookinetes. A large group of closely related Haemoproteus species with a similar mode of ookinete development was determined. Bayesian analysis indicates that this character has phylogenetic value. The species identity of cytb lineage hDELURB2 was determined: it belongs to H. hirundinis. CONCLUSIONS Culicoides nubeculosus is susceptible to and is a likely natural vector of numerous species of Haemoproteus parasites, thus worth attention in haemoproteosis epidemiology research. Data about in vitro development of haemoproteids provide valuable information about the rate of ookinete maturation and are recommended to use as helpful step during vector studies of haemosporidian parasites, particularly because they guide proper dissection interval of infected insects for ookinete detection during in vivo experiments. Additionally, in vitro studies readily identified patterns of morphological ookinete transformations, the characters of which are of phylogenetic value in haemosporidian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dovilė Bukauskaitė
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Bernotienė
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Pornpanom P, Fernandes Chagas CR, Lertwatcharasarakul P, Kasorndorkbua C, Valkiūnas G, Salakij C. Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic relationship of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites of owls in Thailand: Data from a rehabilitation centre. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:248-257. [PMID: 31211047 PMCID: PMC6562296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Owls are nocturnal raptors that are prevalently infected with haemosporidian parasites wordwide. These birds were commonly submitted to the Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Kasetsart University, Thailand and were examined using PCR-based methods for the presence of haemosporidian infections of by the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Blood samples from 167 individual owls belonging to 12 species common in Thailand were collected between September 2012 and February 2018. The overall prevalence of haemosporidians was 34.1%, with Haemoproteus infections (25.1%) being more prevalent than Plasmodium infections (9.0%). The prevalence of both Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites was similar in all seasons of the year. Molecular characterization revealed 17 new haemosporidian parasite lineages (11 Haemoproteus and six Plasmodium), with genetic variation among partial cytochrome b sequences ranging from 0.0% to 3.6% in Haemoproteus lineages and 0.2%–8.8% in Plasmodium lineages. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Haemoproteus lineages detected in owls appeared in one well-supported clade together with other parasites belonging to the Parahaemoproteus subgenus, indicating their close evolutionary relationship and common transmission modality by Culicoides biting midges. This study showes the existence of prominent non-described haemosporidian parasite diversity in Thai owls and provides baseline molecular information for further research on the genetic diversity of owl haemosporidian parasites. New DNA sequence information can be used for the diagnosis of owl infections, which have been often reported during rehabilitation planning. Molecular prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in owls from Thailand was high. Haemoproteus and Plasmodium infections in owls were found in all seasons of Thailand. Seventeen new haemosporidian parasite lineages were isolated from Thai owls. Cytochrome b sequences showed genetic variable of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium in owls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornchai Pornpanom
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Khamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | | | - Preeda Lertwatcharasarakul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Khamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | - Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.,Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Khamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | | | - Chaleow Salakij
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Khamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
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22
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Krone O, Schäfer M, Werner D. Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens from mosquitoes collected in two zoological gardens in Germany. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2097-2105. [PMID: 31154526 PMCID: PMC6611737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In Germany, knowledge of disease agents transmitted by arthropods in zoological gardens is scarce. In the framework of ecological studies, mosquitoes were therefore collected in German zoological gardens and examined for mosquito-borne pathogen DNA and RNA. In total, 3840 mosquitoes were screened for filarial nematodes and three groups of viruses (orthobunyaviruses, flaviviruses, alphaviruses) while 405 mosquitoes were tested for avian malaria parasites. In addition to the filarial nematode species Dirofilaria repens (n = 1) and Setaria tundra (n = 8), Sindbis virus (n = 1) and the haemosporidian genera Haemoproteus (n = 8), Leucocytozoon (n = 10) and Plasmodium (n = 1) were demonstrated. Identified pathogens have the potential to cause disease in zoo and wild animals, but some of them also in humans. Positive mosquitoes were collected most often in July, indicating the highest infection risk during this month. Most of the pathogens were found in mosquito specimens of the Culex pipiens complex, suggesting that its members possibly act as the most important vectors in the surveyed zoos, although the mere demonstration of pathogen DNA/RNA in a homogenised complete mosquito is not finally indicative for a vector role. Outcomes of the study are not only significant for arthropod management in zoological gardens, but also for the general understanding of the occurrence and spread of mosquito-borne disease agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Heym
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany.
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany
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High prevalence and narrow host range of haemosporidian parasites in Godlewski's bunting (Emberiza godlewskii) in northern China. Parasitol Int 2019; 69:121-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Pedro R, Claudio N, Elena C, Claudio V. Low occurrence of hemosporidian parasites in the Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) in Chile. Parasitol Res 2018; 118:325-333. [PMID: 30448937 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hemosporidian parasites rarely infect aquatic birds. Few studies have been conducted in South America identifying some lineages of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus, but none has been done in the Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus). This species is widely distributed through the American continent, from Southern USA to Tierra del Fuego, using a wide range of aquatic habitats. We molecularly studied the occurrence and diversity of hemosporidian lineages infecting individuals of Neotropic cormorant across a broad latitudinal gradient in Chile (Arica to Tierra del Fuego). As expected, a very low occurrence of individuals infected by Plasmodium sp. (4/123, 3.3%) and Leucocytozoon sp. (2/123, 1.6%) was detected. We found no evidence of Haemoproteus sp. We identified one lineage of Plasmodium (ZEMAC01) and one new lineage of Leucocytozoon (PHABRA01) infecting cormorants. Individuals infected by Plasmodium sp. were birds from only one site (i.e., Chillán), whereas Leucocytozoon sp. was found in one bird from Valdivia and another one from Tierra del Fuego. Our results expand the known range of hemosporidian parasite lineages in aquatic birds providing an essential baseline data that contribute to a better understanding of the geographic range of hemosporidian parasites infecting Phalacrocoracidae in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigues Pedro
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Navarrete Claudio
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Campos Elena
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Verdugo Claudio
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. .,Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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Chagas CRF, Bukauskaitė D, Ilgūnas M, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G. A new blood parasite of leaf warblers: molecular characterization, phylogenetic relationships, description and identification of vectors. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:538. [PMID: 30286800 PMCID: PMC6172721 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 are cosmopolitan, might be responsible for mortality in non-adapted birds, and often kill blood-sucking insects. However, this group remains insufficiently investigated in the wild. This is particularly true for the parasites of leaf warblers of the Phylloscopidae Alström, Ericson, Olsson & Sundberg the common small Old World passerine birds whose haemoproteid parasite diversity and vectors remain poorly studied. This study reports a new species of Haemoproteus parasitizing leaf warblers, its susceptible vector and peculiar phylogenetic relationships with other haemoproteids. METHODS Wood warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix Bechstein) were caught in Lithuania during spring migration, and blood films were examined microscopically. Laboratory reared Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen were exposed experimentally by allowing them to take blood meals on one individual harbouring mature gametocytes of the new Haemoproteus species (lineage hPHSIB2). To follow sporogonic development, the engorged insects were dissected at intervals. The parasite lineage was distinguished using sequence data, and morphological analysis of blood and sporogonic stages was carried out. Bayesian phylogeny was constructed in order to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the new parasite with other haemoproteids. RESULTS Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) homopalloris n. sp. was common in wood warblers sampled after arrival to Europe from their wintering grounds in Africa. The new parasite belongs to a group of avian haemoproteid species with macrogametocytes possessing pale staining cytoplasm. All species of this group clustered together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that intensity of the cytoplasm staining is a valuable phylogenetic character. Laboratory-reared biting midges C. nubeculosus readily supported sporogony of new infections. Phylogenetic analysis corroborated vector experiments, placing the new parasite in the clade of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) parasites transmitted by biting midges. CONCLUSIONS Haemoproteus homopalloris n. sp. is the third haemoproteid, which is described from and is prevalent in wood warblers. Phylogenetic analysis identified a clade containing seven haemoproteids, which are characterised by pale staining of the macrogametocyte cytoplasm and with ookinetes maturing exceptionally rapidly (between 1 to 1.5 h after exposure to air). Both these features may represent valuable phylogenetic characters. Studies targeting mechanisms of sporogonic development of haemoproteids remain uncommon and should be encouraged. Culicoides nubeculosus is an excellent experimental vector of the new parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dovilė Bukauskaitė
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Dos Santos LC, de Oliveira Guimarães L, Grazziotin AL, de Morais W, Cubas ZS, de Oliveira MJ, da Costa Vieira RF, Biondo AW, Kirchgatter K. First molecular screening of Plasmodium species in ungulates from Southern Brazil. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:536. [PMID: 30064496 PMCID: PMC6069856 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite malaria epidemiology has been extensively studied in primates, few studies were conducted in ungulates. After half a century without descriptions of Plasmodium spp. in deer since its first identification, recent research has rediscovered Plasmodium on ungulates in Africa, Asia, North America and South America, including Central Brazil. Here, a captive herd was evaluated in southern Brazil using light microscopy and PCR. DNA samples were tested for fragment amplification of two Plasmodium spp. genes: mitochondrial cytochrome b and small subunit ribosomal RNA. RESULTS All analyses were negative. However, the tests were performed on samples that were collected at a single time point, and parasitemia may fluctuate over the parasite's life cycle. Thus, the possibility of occult infection cannot be ruled out. Despite the negative results of all of the methods applied, it cannot be categorically stated that these animals are free from Plasmodium sp. infection. Further monitoring and/or multiple sequential sampling may improve the success rate of detecting parasites. Moreover, although this survey of Plasmodium represents the first molecular study on ungulate malaria parasites from Southern Brazil, further analysis of samples from different ungulate species is important for characterizing the epidemiology of Plasmodium of these mammals in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonilda Correia Dos Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.,Engineering and Exact Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Foz Do Iguaçu, PR, 85870-650, Brazil
| | - Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Grazziotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Wanderlei de Morais
- Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binational Hydroelectric Power Plant, Foz Do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Zalmir Silvino Cubas
- Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binational Hydroelectric Power Plant, Foz Do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos José de Oliveira
- Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binational Hydroelectric Power Plant, Foz Do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Malaria parasites and related haemosporidians cause mortality in cranes: a study on the parasites diversity, prevalence and distribution in Beijing Zoo. Malar J 2018; 17:234. [PMID: 29914492 PMCID: PMC6006844 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria parasites and related haemosporidian parasites are widespread and may cause severe diseases in birds. These pathogens should be considered in projects aiming breeding of birds for purposes of sustained ex situ conservation. Cranes are the ‘flagship species’ for health assessment of wetland ecosystems, and the majority of species are endangered. Malaria parasites and other haemosporidians have been reported in cranes, but the host-parasite relationships remain insufficiently understood. Morbidity of cranes due to malaria has been reported in Beijing Zoo. This study report prevalence, diversity and distribution of malaria parasites and related haemosporidians in cranes in Beijing Zoo and suggest simple measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Methods In all, 123 cranes (62 adults and 61 juveniles) belonging to 10 species were examined using PCR-based testing and microscopic examination of blood samples collected in 2007–2014. All birds were maintained in open-air aviaries, except for 19 chicks that were raised in a greenhouse with the aim to protect them from bites of blood-sucking insects. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was used to identify the closely related avian haemosporidian parasites. Results Species of Plasmodium (5 lineages), Haemoproteus (1) and Leucocytozoon (2) were reported. Malaria parasites predominated (83% of all reported infections). The overall prevalence of haemosporidians in juveniles was approximately seven-fold higher than in adults, indicating high susceptibility of chicks and local transmission. Juvenile and adult birds hosted different lineages of Plasmodium, indicating that chicks got infection from non-parent birds. Plasmodium relictum (pSGS1) was the most prevalent malaria parasite. Mortality was not reported in adults, but 53% of infected chicks died, with reports of co-infection with Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon species. All chicks maintained in the greenhouse were non-infected and survived. Species of Leucocytozoon were undetectable by commonly used PCR protocol, but readily visible in blood films. Conclusion Crane chicks often die due to malaria and Leucocytozoon infections, which they likely gain from wild free-living birds in Beijing Zoo. Molecular diagnostics of crane Leucocytozoon parasites needs improvement. Because the reported infections are mainly chick diseases, the authors recommend maintaining of juvenile birds in vector-free facilities until the age of approximately 6 months before they are placed in open-air aviaries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2385-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Multidisciplinary re-description of Plasmodium (Novyella) paranucleophilum in Brazilian wild birds of the Atlantic Forest kept in captivity. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1887-1897. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Chagas CRF, Valkiūnas G, de Oliveira Guimarães L, Monteiro EF, Guida FJV, Simões RF, Rodrigues PT, de Albuquerque Luna EJ, Kirchgatter K. Diversity and distribution of avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites in captive birds from a Brazilian megalopolis. Malar J 2017; 16:83. [PMID: 28212654 PMCID: PMC5316177 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of zoos in conservation programmes has increased significantly in last decades, and the health of captive animals is essential to guarantee success of such programmes. However, zoo birds suffer from parasitic infections, which often are caused by malaria parasites and related haemosporidians. Studies determining the occurrence and diversity of these parasites, aiming better understanding infection influence on fitness of captive birds, are limited. METHODS In 2011-2015, the prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was examined in blood samples of 677 captive birds from the São Paulo Zoo, the largest zoo in Latin America. Molecular and microscopic diagnostic methods were used in parallel to detect and identify these infections. RESULTS The overall prevalence of haemosporidians was 12.6%. Parasites were mostly detected by the molecular diagnosis, indicating that many birds harbour subclinical or abortive infections. In this project, birds of 17 orders (almost half of all the orders currently accepted in taxonomy of birds), 29 families, and 122 species, were tested, detecting positive individuals in 27% of bird species. Birds from the Anatidae were the most prevalently infected (64.7% of all infected animals). In all, infections with parasites of the genus Plasmodium (overall prevalence 97.6%) predominated when compared to those of the genus Haemoproteus (2.4%). In total, 14 cytochrome b (cytb) lineages of Plasmodium spp. and 2 cytb lineages of Haemoproteus spp. were recorded. Eight lineages were new. One of the reported lineages was broad generalist while others were reported in single or a few species of birds. Molecular characterization of Haemoproteus ortalidum was developed. CONCLUSION This study shows that many species of birds are at risk in captivity. It is difficult to stop haemosporidian parasite transmission in zoos, but is possible to reduce the infection rate by treating the infected animals or/and while keeping them in facilities free from mosquitoes. Protocols of quarantine should be implemented whenever an animal is transferred between bird maintaining institutions. This is the first survey of haemosporidians in captive birds from different orders maintained in zoos. It is worth emphasizing the necessity of applying practices to control these parasites in management and husbandry of animals in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Eliana Ferreira Monteiro
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Roseli França Simões
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Priscila Thihara Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Expedito José de Albuquerque Luna
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
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Fernandes Chagas CR, Lima Gonzalez IH, Borges Salgado PA, Grosse Rossi Ontivero CR, Locosque Ramos P. Occurrence of endoparasites in Ramphastidae (Aves: Piciformes) in São Paulo Zoo. Helminthologia 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/helm-2017-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Ramphastidae (Aves: Piciformes) are animals recognized for their exuberant colours and long bill, with distribution range from south Mexico to north Argentina. They are important seed dispersers eating little vertebrates eventually. When in captivity, animals usually live in limited spaces, with high density and near by species that do not share a evolution history, facilitating the occurrence of infectious diseases for what they may not have a competent immune system against, including the parasitic ones. This study analyzed the endoparasites that occur in captive Ramphastidae at São Paulo Zoo in the period January 2009 to September 2011. Seven species of toucans and toucanets had parasitological results positive for Trichuridae nematodes, Eimeria sp., Giardia sp., non sporulated coccidian oocists and unidentified nematode eggs, and microfilarie was the only hemoparasite found.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. R. Fernandes Chagas
- Applied Research Department, São Paulo Zoo Foundation, Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | - I. H. Lima Gonzalez
- Applied Research Department, São Paulo Zoo Foundation, Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | - P. A. Borges Salgado
- Applied Research Department, São Paulo Zoo Foundation, Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | | | - P. Locosque Ramos
- Applied Research Department, São Paulo Zoo Foundation, Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, SP 04301-905, Brazil
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High rates of infection by blood parasites during the nestling phase in UK Columbids with notes on ecological associations. Parasitology 2016; 144:622-628. [PMID: 27938431 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016002274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Studies of blood parasite infection in nestling birds rarely find a high prevalence of infection. This is likely due to a combination of short nestling periods (limiting the age at which nestlings can be sampled) and long parasite prepatent periods before gametocytes can be detected in peripheral blood. Here we examine rates of blood parasite infection in nestlings from three Columbid species in the UK. We use this system to address two key hypotheses in the epidemiology of avian haemoparasites: first, that nestlings in open nests have a higher prevalence of infection; and second, that nestlings sampled at 14 days old have a higher apparent infection rate than those sampled at 7 days old. Open-nesting individuals had a 54% infection rate compared with 25% for box-nesters, probably due to an increased exposure of open-nesting species to dipteran vectors. Nestlings sampled at 14 days had a 68% infection rate compared with 32% in nestlings sampled at 7 days, suggesting that rates of infection in the nest are high. Further work should examine nestlings post-fledging to identify rates of successful parasite infection (as opposed to abortive development within a dead-end host) as well as impacts on host post-fledging survival and behaviour.
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Ferreira FC, Rodrigues RA, Sato Y, Borges MAZ, Braga ÉM. Searching for putative avian malaria vectors in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:587. [PMID: 27852326 PMCID: PMC5112751 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus can have detrimental effects on individual birds and populations. Despite recent investigations into the distribution and richness of these parasites and their vertebrate hosts, little is known about their dipteran vectors. The Neotropics has the highest diversity of mosquitoes in the world, but few studies have tried to identify vectors in this area, hampering the understanding of the ecology of avian malaria in the highly diverse Neotropical environments. Methods Shannon traps and active collection were used to capture 27,110 mosquitoes in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in southeastern Brazil, a highly endangered ecosystem. Results We screened 17,619 mosquito abdomens from 12 different species and several unidentified specimens of Culex, grouped into 1,913 pools, for the presence of haemosporidians. Two pools (out of 459) of the mosquito Mansonia titillans and one pool (out of 29) of Mansonia pseudotitillans were positive for Plasmodium parasites, with the detection of a new parasite lineage in the former species. Detected Plasmodium lineages were distributed in three different clades within the phylogenetic tree revealing that Mansonia mosquitoes are potential vectors of genetically distant parasites. Two pools of Culex spp. (out of 43) were positive for Plasmodium gallinaceum and closely related lineages. We found a higher abundance of these putative vectors in pasture areas, but they were also distributed in areas at intermediate and late successional stages. One pool of the mosquito Psorophora discrucians (out of 173) was positive for Haemoproteus. Conclusions The occurrence of different Plasmodium lineages in Mansonia mosquitoes indicates that this genus encompasses potential vectors of avian malaria parasites in Brazil, even though we did not find positive thoraces among the samples tested. Additional evidence is required to assign the role of Mansonia mosquitoes in avian malaria transmission and further studies will add information about evolutionary and ecological aspects of avian haemosporidia and untangle the diversity of their vectors in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Raquel A Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yukita Sato
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nihon University, Kameino 1866, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Magno A Z Borges
- Laboratório de Controle Biológico, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Campus Universitário Professor Darcy Ribeiro, Montes Claros, MG, 39401-089, Brazil
| | - Érika M Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
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