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Rivero de Aguilar J, Barroso O, Bonaccorso E, Cadena H, Hussing L, Jorquera J, Martinez J, Martínez‐de la Puente J, Marzal A, León Miranda F, Merino S, Matta NE, Ramenofsky M, Rozzi R, Valeris‐Chacín CE, Vásquez RA, Vianna JA, Wingfield JC. Associations among MHC genes, latitude, and avian malaria infections in the rufous-collared sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11634. [PMID: 39026957 PMCID: PMC11255377 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a genetic region in jawed vertebrates that contains key genes involved in the immune response. Associations between the MHC and avian malaria infections in wild birds have been observed and mainly explored in the Northern Hemisphere, while a general lack of information remains in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we investigated the associations between the MHC genes and infections with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus blood parasites along a latitudinal gradient in South America. We sampled 93 rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) individuals from four countries, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and estimated MHC-I and MHC-II allele diversity. We detected between 1-4 (MHC-I) and 1-6 (MHC-II) amino acidic alleles per individual, with signs of positive selection. We obtained generalized additive mixed models to explore the associations between MHC-I and MHC-II diversity and latitude. We also explored the relationship between infection status and latitude/biome. We found a non-linear association between the MHC-II amino acidic allele diversity and latitude. Individuals from north Chile presented a lower MHC genetic diversity than those from other locations. We also found an association between deserts and xeric shrublands and a lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites. Our results support a lower MHC genetic in arid or semi-arid habitats in the region with the lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rivero de Aguilar
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Omar Barroso
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
| | - Elisa Bonaccorso
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, and Instituto Biósfera, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y AmbientalesUniversidad San Francisco de QuitoQuitoEcuador
- Centro de la Biodiversidad y Cambio ClimáticoUniversidad Tecnológica IndoaméricaQuitoEcuador
| | - Hector Cadena
- Centro de la Biodiversidad y Cambio ClimáticoUniversidad Tecnológica IndoaméricaQuitoEcuador
| | - Lucas Hussing
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Josefina Jorquera
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Javier Martinez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología (Area de Parasitología)Universidad de Alcalá de HenaresMadridSpain
| | - Josué Martínez‐de la Puente
- Departamento de ParasitologíaUniversidad de GranadaGranadaSpain
- Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Facultad de BiologíaUniversidad de ExtremaduraBadajozSpain
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Fauna SilvestreUniversidad Nacional de San MartínTarapotoPeru
| | - Fabiola León Miranda
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Santiago Merino
- Departamento de Ecología EvolutivaMuseo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales CSICMadridSpain
| | - Nubia E. Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad Nacional de ColombiaBogotáColombia
| | - Marilyn Ramenofsky
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ricardo Rozzi
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
| | - Carlos E. Valeris‐Chacín
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Rodrigo A. Vásquez
- Centro Subantártico Cabo de Hornos (CHIC)Universidad de MagallanesPuerto WilliamsChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Juliana A. Vianna
- Departamento de Ecología, Instituto Para el Desarrollo Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG)Millennium Institute of Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Millennium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi)SantiagoChile
| | - John C. Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Musa S, Altenburger C, Vázquez RM, Woog F, Mackenstedt U. Parasite airlines: mapping the distribution and transmission of avian blood parasites in migratory birds. Int J Parasitol 2024:S0020-7519(24)00136-X. [PMID: 38942166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.06.004] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
During their journeys, migratory birds encounter a wider range of parasites than residents, transporting them over vast distances. While some parasites are widely distributed, transmission is not inevitable and depends on the presence of competent arthropod vectors as well as parasite compatibility with native bird species. Distinguishing between parasite distribution and transmission areas is crucial for monitoring and assessing risks to native bird species, as distribution areas, with the appropriate conditions, could become potential transmission areas. In this study, blood samples from 455 reed-living birds of the genera Acrocephalus, Locustella, and Emberiza, collected in the nature reserve "Die Reit" in Hamburg, Germany were screened, targeting haemosporidian parasites, trypanosomes, and filarioid nematodes. Determination of migratory bird age was employed to ascertain the transmission area of the detected parasites. Transmission areas were determined, based on information provided by resident and juvenile birds as well as findings in competent vectors. Long-distance migratory birds of the genus Acrocephalus showed a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites compared with partially migratory birds such as Emberiza schoeniclus. Notably, an age-dependent difference in parasite prevalence was observed in Acrocephalus spp., but not in E. schoeniclus. Nematodes were absent in all examined bird species. Proposed transmission areas were identified for nine haemosporidian lineages, showing three different types of transmission area, either with limited transmission in Europe or Africa, or active transmission in both regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Musa
- University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | | | | | - Friederike Woog
- State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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3
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Jones W, Reifová R, Reif J, Synek P, Šíma M, Munclinger P. Sympatry in a nightingale contact zone has no effect on host-specific blood parasite prevalence and lineage diversity. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:357-366. [PMID: 38460721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Parasites are a key driving force behind many ecological and evolutionary processes. Prevalence and diversity of parasites, as well as their effects on hosts, are not uniform across host species. As such, the potential parasite spillover between species can significantly influence outcomes of interspecific interactions. We screened two species of Luscinia nightingales for haemosporidian blood parasites (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus) along an approximately 3000 km transect in Europe, incorporating areas of host distant allopatry, close allopatry and sympatry. We found significant differences in infection rates between the two host species, with common nightingales having much lower parasite prevalence than thrush nightingales (36.7% versus 83.8%). This disparity was mostly driven by Haemoproteus prevalence, which was significantly higher in thrush nightingales while common nightingales had a small, but significantly higher, Plasmodium prevalence. Furthermore, we found no effect of proximity to the contact zone on infection rate in either host species. Despite having lower infection prevalence, common nightingales were infected with a significantly higher diversity of parasite lineages than thrush nightingales, and lineage assemblages differed considerably between the two species, even in sympatry. This pattern was mostly driven by the large diversity of comparatively rare lineages, while the most abundant lineages were shared between the two host species. This suggests that, despite the close evolutionary relationships between the two nightingales, there are significant differences in parasite prevalence and diversity, regardless of the distance from the contact zone. This suggests that spillover of haemosporidian blood parasites is unlikely to contribute towards interspecific interactions in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jones
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Radka Reifová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Reif
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Petr Synek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia; Biodviser Ltd. Enterprise House 2 Pass Street Oldham, Manchester OL9 6HZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Šíma
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia; Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Musa S, Hemberle T, Bensch S, Palinauskas V, Baltrūnaitė L, Woog F, Mackenstedt U. Raising the bar: genus-specific nested PCR improves detection and lineage identification of avian haemosporidian parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1385599. [PMID: 38741893 PMCID: PMC11089177 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1385599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites are useful model organisms to study the ecology and evolution of parasite-host interactions due to their global distribution and extensive biodiversity. Detection of these parasites has evolved from microscopic examination to PCR-based methods, with the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene serving as barcoding region. However, standard PCR protocols used for screening and identification purposes have limitations in detecting mixed infections and generating phylogenetically informative data due to short amplicon lengths. To address these issues, we developed a novel genus-specific nested PCR protocol targeting avian haemosporidian parasites. The protocol underwent rigorous testing utilizing a large dataset comprising blood samples from Malagasy birds of three distinct Passeriformes families. Furthermore, validation was done by examining smaller datasets in two other laboratories employing divergent master mixes and different bird species. Comparative analyses were conducted between the outcomes of the novel PCR protocol and those obtained through the widely used standard nested PCR method. The novel protocol enables specific identification of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus), and Leucocytozoon parasites. The analyses demonstrated comparable sensitivity to the standard nested PCR with notable improvements in detecting mixed infections. In addition, phylogenetic resolution is improved by amplification of longer fragments, leading to a better understanding of the haemosporidian biodiversity and evolution. Overall, the novel protocol represents a valuable addition to avian haemosporidian detection methodologies, facilitating comprehensive studies on parasite ecology, epidemiology, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Musa
- Departement of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Theo Hemberle
- Departement of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Department of Biology, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab (MEEL), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Friederike Woog
- Departement of Ornithology, State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Departement of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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de Angeli Dutra D. Assessing global drivers of parasite diversity: host diversity and body mass boost avian haemosporidian diversity. Parasitology 2024; 151:478-484. [PMID: 38634315 PMCID: PMC11106501 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity varies worldwide and is influenced by multiple factors, such as environmental stability and past historical events (e.g. Panama Isthmus). At the same time, organisms with unique life histories (e.g. parasites) are subject to unique selective pressures that structure their diversity patterns. Parasites represent one of the most successful life strategies, impacting, directly and indirectly, ecosystems by cascading effects on host fitness and survival. Here, I focused on a highly diverse, prevalent and cosmopolitan group of parasites (avian haemosporidians) to investigate the main drivers (e.g. host and environmental features) of regional parasite diversity on a global scale. To do so, I compiled data from 4 global datasets on (i) avian haemosporidian (malaria and malaria-like) parasites, (ii) bird species diversity, (iii) avian functional traits and (iv) climate data. Then, using generalized least square models, I evaluated the effect of host and environmental features on haemosporidian diversity. I found that haemosporidian diversity mirrors host regional diversity and that higher host body mass increases haemosporidian diversity. On the other hand, climatic conditions had no effect on haemosporidian diversity in any model. When evaluating Leucocytozoon parasites separately, I found parasite diversity was boosted by a higher proportion of migratory hosts. In conclusion, I demonstrated that haemosporidian parasite diversity is intrinsically associated with their hosts’ diversity and body mass.
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Darío Hernandes Córdoba O, Torres-Romero EJ, Villalobos F, Chapa-Vargas L, Santiago-Alarcon D. Energy input, habitat heterogeneity and host specificity drive avian haemosporidian diversity at continental scales. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232705. [PMID: 38444334 PMCID: PMC10915542 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The correct identification of variables affecting parasite diversity and assemblage composition at different spatial scales is crucial for understanding how pathogen distribution responds to anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Here, we used a database of avian haemosporidian parasites to test how the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon from three zoogeographic regions are related to surrogate variables of Earth's energy input, habitat heterogeneity (climatic diversity, landscape heterogeneity, host richness and human disturbance) and ecological interactions (resource use), which was measured by a novel assemblage-level metric related to parasite niche overlap (degree of generalism). We found that different components of energy input explained variation in richness for each genus. We found that human disturbance influences the phylogenetic structure of Haemoproteus while the degree of generalism explained richness and phylogenetic structure of Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon genera. Furthermore, landscape attributes related to human disturbance (human footprint) can filter Haemoproteus assemblages by their phylogenetic relatedness. Finally, assembly processes related to resource use within parasite assemblages modify species richness and phylogenetic structure of Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon assemblages. Overall, our study highlighted the genus-specific patterns with the different components of Earth's energy budget, human disturbances and degree of generalism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Joaquín Torres-Romero
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, DF, Mexico
- División de Biología, Tecnológico Nacional de México Campus Zacapoaxtla, Subdirección de Investigación y Posgrado, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Fabricio Villalobos
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, AC Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Chapa-Vargas
- División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, AC, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 12037 USF Beard Drive, SCA 110, Tampa, FL, USA
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Chatan W, Khemthong K, Akkharaphichet K, Suwarach P, Seerintra T, Piratae S. Molecular survey and genetic diversity of Plasmodium sp. infesting domestic poultry in northeastern Thailand. J Vet Res 2024; 68:101-108. [PMID: 38525236 PMCID: PMC10960258 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2024-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Haemosporidian parasites are prevalent worldwide and can cause economic losses in poultry production. These parasites are arousing interest in Thailand and are found in many avian species. There is insufficient information on the genetic diversity of these alveolates from the largest families - Plasmodidae, Haemoprotidae and Leucocytozoidae - specifically parasitising ducks, turkeys, and geese. Material and Methods Blood samples from 116 backyard poultry (60 ducks, 36 turkeys and 20 geese) in northeastern Thailand were investigated for Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. infections using microscopic examination and molecular approaches. Results A total of 37/116 birds (31.9%) had confirmed Plasmodium infections. The prevalence was 69.4% (25/36) in turkeys, 18.3% (11/60) in ducks, and 5.0% (1/20) in geese. Of these 37 positives, 86.5% were Plasmodium sp., 10.8% were P. gallinaceum and 2.7% were P. juxtanucleare. Sequence analysis based on the cytochrome b gene identified seven lineages, of which two were new lineages in backyard poultry. Conclusion This is the first report on the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in backyard poultry in northeastern Thailand. The results provide important data for better understanding the molecular epidemiology of haemosporidian parasites infection in poultry in this region, which will be helpful in controlling these blood parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Supawadee Piratae
- One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham44000, Thailand
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Bukauskaitė D, Dementavičius D, Rumbutis S, Treinys R. Differences in haemosporidian parasite prevalence and diversity in migratory and resident birds of prey species revealed by a non-invasive sampling method. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11038. [PMID: 38487745 PMCID: PMC10937818 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites are widespread globally and infect numerous wild bird species. However, they have primarily been studied in passerine birds. Accordingly, the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in birds of prey remain understudied. This lack of research is primarily due to the international protection status of many of these species, their sparse distribution across ecosystems and difficulty to capture in the wild. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in two species of birds of prey, namely white-tailed eagle and lesser spotted eagle. To achieve this, a non-invasive approach was employed, involving the extraction of DNA from blood spots present in moulted feathers. Freshly moulted feathers were collected from the ground under nests or within the nests of these birds during the breeding season. A visible blood spot located at the junction of the calamus and rachis was removed and fixed in SET buffer for molecular analysis. The identification of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) was conducted using PCR-based methods. Overall, parasite DNA was successfully detected in shed feathers that were kept in their original form at least decade prior to analysis. Among the studied individuals, resident white-tailed eagles showed significantly lower infection rates of haemosporidian parasites compared to migratory lesser spotted eagles. A total of nine genetic lineages of haemosporidian parasites were detected, with seven of them being new to science based on partial sequences of the cytb gene. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationships among these new lineages and previously described ones were established. These findings highlight the suitability of non-invasive sampling for investigating the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in wild birds of prey populations. Moreover, this approach holds promise for studying other challenging-to-reach and protected bird species. According to our research, there is a greater chance of finding haemosporidian parasites in freshly gathered feathers.
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Harl J, Fauchois A, Puech MP, Gey D, Ariey F, Izac B, Weissenböck H, Chakarov N, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G, Duval L. Novel phylogenetic clade of avian Haemoproteus parasites (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) from Accipitridae raptors, with description of a new Haemoproteus species. Parasite 2024; 31:5. [PMID: 38334685 PMCID: PMC10854483 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites (order Haemosporida, phylum Apicomplexa) are blood and tissue parasites transmitted by blood-sucking dipteran insects. Three genera (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) have been most often found in birds, with over 270 species described and named in avian hosts based mainly on the morphological characters of blood stages. A broad diversity of Haemoproteus parasites remains to be identified and characterized morphologically and molecularly, especially those infecting birds of prey, an underrepresented bird group in haemosporidian parasite studies. The aim of this study was to investigate and identify Haemoproteus parasites from a large sample comprising accipitriform raptors of 16 species combining morphological and new molecular protocols targeting the cytb genes of this parasite group. This study provides morphological descriptions and molecular characterizations of two Haemoproteus species, H. multivacuolatus n. sp. and H. nisi Peirce and Marquiss, 1983. Haemoproteus parasites of this group were so far found in accipitriform raptors only and might be classified into a separate subgenus or even genus. Cytb sequences of these parasites diverge by more than 15% from those of all others known avian haemosporidian genera and form a unique phylogenetic clade. This study underlines the importance of developing new diagnostic tools to detect molecularly highly divergent parasites that might be undetectable by commonly used conventional tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinaerplatz 1 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Anaïs Fauchois
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
| | - Marie-Pierre Puech
- Hôpital de la faune sauvage des Garrigues et Cévennes – Goupil Connexion 34190 Brissac France
| | - Delphine Gey
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
| | - Frédéric Ariey
- Université de Paris, INSERM 1016, Institut Cochin, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie Hôpital Cochin Paris France
| | - Brigitte Izac
- Université de Paris, INSERM 1016, Institut Cochin, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie Hôpital Cochin Paris France
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinaerplatz 1 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University Konsequenz 45 33615 Bielefeld Germany
| | | | | | - Linda Duval
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
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Himmel T, Harl J, Matt J, Nedorost N, Lunardi M, Ilgūnas M, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G, Weissenböck H. Co-infecting Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa) show different host tissue tropism during exo-erythrocytic development in Fringilla coelebs (Fringillidae). Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:1-22. [PMID: 37598774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are common blood parasites in wild birds all over the world. Despite their importance as pathogens potentially compromising host fitness and health, little is known about the exo-erythrocytic development of these parasites, particularly during co-infections which predominate in wildlife. This study aimed to address this issue using Haemoproteus parasites of Fringilla coelebs, a common bird species of the Western Palearctic and host to a variety of haemosporidian parasite lineages. Blood and tissue samples of 20 F. coelebs, positive for haemosporidians by blood film microscopy, were analysed by PCR and sequencing to determine cytochrome b lineages of the parasites. Tissue sections were examined for exo-erythrocytic stages by histology and in situ hybridization applying genus-, species-, and lineage-specific probes which target the 18S rRNA of the parasites. In addition, laser microdissection of tissue stages was performed to identify parasite lineages. Combined molecular results of PCR, laser microdissection, and in situ hybridization showed a high rate of co-infections, with Haemoproteus lineages dominating. Exo-erythrocytic meronts of five Haemoproteus spp. were described for the first known time, including Haemoproteus magnus hCCF6, Haemoproteus fringillae hCCF3, Haemoproteus majoris hCCF5, Haemoproteus sp. hROFI1, and Haemoproteus sp. hCCF2. Merogonic stages were observed in the vascular system, presenting a formerly unknown mode of exo-erythrocytic development in Haemoproteus parasites. Meronts and megalomeronts of these species were distinct regarding their morphology and organ distribution, indicating species-specific patterns of merogony and different host tissue tropism. New pathological aspects of haemoproteosis were reported. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of Haemoproteus spp. with regard to their exo-erythrocytic stages points towards separation of non-megalomeront-forming species from megalomeront-forming species, calling for further studies on exo-erythrocytic development of haemosporidian parasites to explore the phylogenetic character of this trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Madeleine Lunardi
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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11
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Haas M, Ploščicová L. Contribution to ecological environmental factors and the occurrence of haemosporidians in birds in Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:68. [PMID: 38135737 PMCID: PMC10746751 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the presence of a suitable host and vector, the prevalence of haemosporidians is influenced by several important factors, including the environmental conditions of the habitat, which depend on broader geographic characteristics. The aim of this study is to perform a preliminarily assessment of the distribution of blood parasites in birds from the mountainous area of Zhongar Alatau NP and to find potential new sites for research on their ecology in Kazakhstan. The results of this research constitute the first report on the occurrence of blood parasites from this area. A total of 58 birds, from the order Passeriformes and one individual from the order Caprimulgiformes, were examined during the study. The overall prevalence of infections caused by haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) was 18.6%. Neither the genus Plasmodium nor the presence of trypanosomes and microfilariae was detected in the birds examined. Three birds (5.1% prevalence) were infected with parasites of the genus Haemoproteus, in all eleven positive birds the analyses showed the presence of parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (18.6% prevalence). The presence of parasites genus Haemoproteus was detected only in birds that were also infected with Leucocytozoon parasites. More infections with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon are predicted due to the higher altitude and ecological factors at the capture sites, which are more favourable for the development of vectors of this genus. The species Haemoproteus majoris was detected in the host Emberiza cioides and species Haemoproteus minutus in host Turdus merula. Other species of this genus in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Turdus atrogularis were not determined. The species Leucocytozoon fringilinarum was detected in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Parus major, Leucocytozoon dubreuili was detected in Turdus atrogularis and Turdus merula. In the other host species Aegithalos caudatus, Emberiza cioides and Periparus aterus, it was not possible to dermine the species of the genus Leucocytozoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Haas
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Ploščicová
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
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12
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de Francisco ON, Sacristán I, Ewbank AC, Velarde R, Afonso I, Garcia-Ferré D, Martín-Maldonado B, Esperón F, Iglesias I, de la Torre A, Margalida A, Sacristán C. First detection of herpesvirus and hemosporidians in the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus). Sci Rep 2023; 13:21936. [PMID: 38081895 PMCID: PMC10713636 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens affect wild bird populations worldwide, contributing to their decline. Considering the scarce health data regarding the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus), we molecularly surveyed selected pathogens (Newcastle disease virus, Avian influenza virus, Chlamydia psittaci, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella spp.) in 30 Pyrenean Capercaillie feces collected in the field (Catalonia, northeastern Spain). Additionally, swab and tissue samples from eight wild Pyrenean Capercaillies of Catalonia and Andorra were molecularly tested for herpesvirus and hemosporidians (Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., and Leucocytozoon spp.). All fecal samples were negative for the pathogens tested. Nevertheless, we detected a novel herpesvirus in 50% (4/8) of the Pyrenean Capercaillies, and hemosporidian DNA in 62.5% (5/8) of the tissue samples (i.e., Haemoproteus sp. [4 of 8] and/or Leucocytozoon sp. [3 of 8]). To our knowledge, this is the first detection of herpesvirus and hemosporidians infections in Pyrenean Capercaillies. The putative novel herpesvirus belongs to the genus Iltovirus. The presence of hemosporidian parasites in this mountain bird species is of concern, and could be related to the marked increase in the average temperature in the Pyrenees as a consequence of climate change. Our findings are fundamental to improve the conservation plans for the endangered Pyrenean Capercaillie population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Nicolás de Francisco
- Department of Forest Management and Natural Environment, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Group of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Animal Health Research Centre (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Ana Carolina Ewbank
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology-LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ivan Afonso
- Natural Environment Department, Conselh Generau d'Aran, Vielha, Spain
| | - Diego Garcia-Ferré
- Flora and Fauna Service, Department of Climatic Action, Food and Rural Agenda (Government of Catalonia), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Martín-Maldonado
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
| | - Irene Iglesias
- Group of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Animal Health Research Centre (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Ana de la Torre
- Group of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Animal Health Research Centre (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Sacristán
- Group of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Animal Health Research Centre (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain.
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13
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Barbon H, Berthoud JL, Woog F, Musa S. Haemosporidian parasite infections of Malagasy Philepittidae and Nectariniidae are driven by phylogeny rather than ecology. Parasitology 2023; 150:1316-1329. [PMID: 38087861 PMCID: PMC10941219 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The nectarivorous common sunbird asity (Neodrepanis coruscans) is phylogenetically closely related to the frugivorous velvet asity (Philepitta castanea), yet it shares similar habitat and foraging behaviour as the Malagasy sunbirds (Cinnyris spp.). As ecological factors have been shown to influence blood parasite prevalence, it should be tested whether parasite abundance, prevalence and diversity of N. coruscans are more similar to the sunbirds than to its relative. Therefore, blood samples (n = 156) and smears (n = 60) were tested for different blood parasites (Haemosporida, trypanosomes, filarioid nematodes) using molecular and microscopic methods. High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was observed in all bird taxa, with rates ranging from 23% in N. coruscans to 84.6% in C. notatus. The Malagasy Cinnyris spp. exhibited a high occurrence of mixed haemosporidian infections (>76%) with various specialized lineages. Within the Philepittidae family, no Haemoproteus infection was detected and just a few cases of mixed infections. Nectariniidae species predominantly had specialized haemosporidian lineages, while Philepittidae had infections mainly caused by generalist lineages. These findings emphasize the diverse range of blood parasites in Nectariniidae, while additionally highlighting the high diversity of trypanosomes and filarioid nematodes in Philepittidae. Additionally, several newly discovered haemosporidian lineages, Trypanosoma isolates and filarioid nematode isolates were identified. Notably, Philepittidae exhibited a lower prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites compared to Nectariniidae, possibly due to potential resistance mechanisms. Despite N. coruscans sharing similar habitat and behavioural ecology with both Cinnyris spp., it closely resembles its relative, P. castanea, in all aspects of haemosporidian parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Barbon
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Woog
- State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sandrine Musa
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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14
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La Chapelle M, Ruta M, Dunn JC. Bird species with wider geographical ranges have higher blood parasite diversity but not prevalence across the African-Eurasian flyway. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:787-796. [PMID: 37467874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Avian blood parasites, from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, are predicted to alter their range and prevalence as global temperatures change, and host and vector ranges shift. Understanding large-scale patterns in the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria and malaria-like parasites is important due to an incomplete understanding of their effects in the wild, where studies suggest even light parasitaemia can potentially cause rapid mortality, especially in naïve populations. We conducted phylogenetically controlled analyses to test for differences in prevalence and lineage diversity of haemoparasite infection (for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in and between resident and migratory species along the African-Eurasian flyway. To test whether migratory strategy or range size drives differences in parasite prevalence and diversity between resident and migrant species, we included three categories of resident species: Eurasian only (n = 36 species), African only (n = 41), and species resident on both continents (n = 17), alongside intercontinental migrants (n = 64), using a subset of data from the MalAvi database comprising 27,861 individual birds. We found that species resident on both continents had a higher overall parasite diversity than all other categories. Eurasian residents had lower Plasmodium diversity than all other groups, and both migrants and species resident on both continents had higher Haemoproteus diversity than both African and Eurasian residents. Leucocytozoon diversity did not differ between groups. Prevalence patterns were less clear, with marked differences between genera. Both Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon prevalence was higher in species resident on both continents and African residents than in migrants and Eurasian residents. Haemoproteus prevalence was lower in Eurasian residents than species resident on both continents. Our findings contrast with previous findings in the North-South American flyway, where long-distance migrants had higher parasite diversity than residents and short-distance migrants, although we found contrasting patterns for parasite diversity to those seen for parasite prevalence. Crucially, our results suggest that geographic range may be more important than migratory strategy in driving parasite diversity within species along the African-Palaearctic flyway. Our findings differ between the three parasite genera included in our analysis, suggesting that vector ecology may be important in determining these large-scale patterns. Our results add to our understanding of global patterns in parasite diversity and abundance, and highlight the need to better understand the influence of vector ecology to understand the drivers of infection risk and predict responses to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary La Chapelle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Marcello Ruta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Jenny C Dunn
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
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15
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Martinez V, Keith KD, Grace JK, Voelker G. Avian haemosporidians of breeding birds in the Davis Mountains sky-islands of west Texas, USA. Parasitology 2023; 150:1266-1276. [PMID: 38072659 PMCID: PMC10941211 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are protozoan parasites transmitted by insect vectors that infect birds worldwide, negatively impacting avian fitness and survival. However, the majority of haemosporidian diversity remains undescribed. Quantifying this diversity is critical to determining parasite–host relationships and host-switching potentials of parasite lineages as climate change induces both host and vector range shifts. In this study, we conducted a community survey of avian haemosporidians found in breeding birds on the Davis Mountains sky islands in west Texas, USA. We determined parasite abundance and host associations and compared our results to data from nearby regions. A total of 265 birds were screened and infections were detected in 108 birds (40.8%). Most positive infections were identified as Haemoproteus (36.2%), followed by Plasmodium (6.8%) and Leucocytozoon (0.8%). A total of 71 haemosporidian lineages were detected of which 39 were previously undescribed. We found that regional similarity influenced shared lineages, as a higher number of lineages were shared with avian communities in the sky islands of New Mexico compared to south Texas, the Texas Gulf Coast and central Mexico. We found that migratory status of avian host did not influence parasite prevalence, but that host phylogeny is likely an important driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viridiana Martinez
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Katrina D Keith
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jacquelyn K Grace
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gary Voelker
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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16
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Vanstreels RET, Chagas CRF, Valkiūnas G, Dos Anjos CC, Parsons NJ, Roberts DG, Snyman A, Hurtado R, Kirchgatter K, Ludynia K, Pistorius PA. Haemoproteus jenniae (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) infects gulls ( Larus spp.) in South Africa, with redescription of Haemoproteus skuae. Parasitology 2023; 150:1286-1295. [PMID: 36951108 PMCID: PMC10941229 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300029x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemoproteus spp. are dipteran-borne protozoa that infect erythrocytes and reticulo-endothelial cells of birds. These parasites are not usually transmitted between birds belonging to different orders. The suborder Lari (order Charadriiformes) comprises ~170 avian species, the majority of which are aquatic, including gulls, terns, auklets, murres and skuas, among others. In spite of the diversity of this avian group, there is limited known diversity of haemosporidian parasites, with only 4 recorded Haemoproteus morphospecies thus far. We examined the blood smears of 21 kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) captured at a breeding colony in South Africa, as well as Haemoproteus-positive archival blood smears of 15 kelp gulls and 1 Hartlaub's gull (Larus hartlaubii) sampled while under care at seabird rehabilitation facilities in South Africa. Haemoproteus sp. infection was detected in 19% of wild-caught kelp gulls. All parasites from the gulls were morphologically identified as Haemoproteus jenniae, a species previously recorded in Lari birds at the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Rocas Atoll (Brazil) and Poland. Gene sequencing uncovered a new cytochrome b lineage, LARDOM01, which was closely related to the previously reported H. jenniae lineage CREFUR01. Additionally, we evaluated a hapantotype blood smear of Haemoproteus skuae, which had been described infecting a brown skua (Catharacta antarctica) in South Africa. We provide a redescription of H. skuae and discuss the morphological characters distinguishing it from H. jenniae. Further research is necessary to improve our knowledge about the host and geographic distribution, health effects and phylogeny of H. jenniae and H. skuae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph E T Vanstreels
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | | | | | - Carolina C Dos Anjos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David G Roberts
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Albert Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renata Hurtado
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katrin Ludynia
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pierre A Pistorius
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
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17
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Vieira LMDC, Pereira PHO, Vilela DADR, Landau I, Pacheco MA, Escalante AA, Ferreira FC, Braga ÉM. Leucocytozoon cariamae n. sp. and Haemoproteus pulcher coinfection in Cariama cristata (Aves: Cariamiformes): first mitochondrial genome analysis and morphological description of a leucocytozoid in Brazil. Parasitology 2023; 150:1296-1306. [PMID: 37655743 PMCID: PMC10941214 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of avian haemosporidians of the genus Leucocytozoon in the Neotropics remains poorly understood. Recent studies confirmed their presence in the region using molecular techniques alone, but evidence for gametocytes and data on putative competent hosts for Leucocytozoon are still lacking outside highland areas. We combined morphological and molecular data to characterize a new Leucocytozoon species infecting a non-migratory red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata), the first report of a competent host for Leucocytozoon in Brazil. Leucocytozoon cariamae n. sp. is distinguished from the Leucocytozoon fringillinarum group by its microgametocytes that are not strongly appressed to the host cell nucleus. The bird studied was coinfected with Haemoproteus pulcher, and we present a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of these 2 parasites. Leucocytozoon cariamae n. sp. morphology is consistent with our phylogenetic analysis indicating that it does not share a recent common ancestor with the L. fringillinarum group. Haemoproteus pulcher and Haemoproteus catharti form a monophyletic group with Haemocystidium parasites of Reptilia, supporting the polyphyly of the genus Haemoproteus. We also discussed the hypothesis that H. pulcher and H. catharti may be avian Haemocystidium, highlighting the need to study non-passerine parasites to untangle the systematics of Haemosporida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis Marques de C Vieira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique O Pereira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel Ambrózio da Rocha Vilela
- Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres, Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais não Renováveis, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Irène Landau
- Muséum Nation d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR7245, Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes, Paris, France
| | - M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department, Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department, Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Francisco C Ferreira
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Érika Martins Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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18
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de Angeli Dutra D, Khan AU, Ferreira FC, Beirão MV, Pichorim M, Moreira PA, Braga ÉM. Host phylogeny and seasonality shapes avian haemosporidian prevalence in a Brazilian biodiverse and dry forest: the Caatinga. Parasitology 2023; 150:1277-1285. [PMID: 37246557 PMCID: PMC10941212 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between host phylogenetics, functional traits and parasites in wildlife remain poorly understood in the Neotropics, especially in habitats with marked seasonal variation. Here, we examined the effect of seasonality and host functional traits on the prevalence of avian haemosporidians (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in the Brazilian Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest. 933 birds were evaluated for haemosporidian infections. We found a high parasitism prevalence (51.2%), which was correlated with phylogenetic relatedness among avian species. Prevalence varied drastically among the 20 well-sampled species, ranging from 0 to 70%. Seasonality was the main factor associated with infections, but how this abiotic condition influenced parasite prevalence varied according to the host-parasite system. Plasmodium prevalence increased during the rainy season and, after excluding the large sample size of Columbiformes (n = 462/933), Plasmodium infection rate was maintained high in the wet season and showed a negative association with host body mass. No association was found between non-Columbiform bird prevalence and seasonality or body mass when evaluating both Plasmodium and Haemoproteus or only Haemoproteus infections. Parasite community was composed of 32 lineages including 7 new lineages. We evidenced that even dry domains can harbour a high prevalence and diversity of vector-borne parasites and pointed out seasonality as a ruling factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asmat U Khan
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Francisco C Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Schubot Centre for Avian Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Marina V Beirão
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro Pichorim
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Ciências de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Moreira
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Érika M Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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19
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Wang X, Bensch S, Huang X, Dong L. Purifying selection leads to low protein diversity of the mitochondrial cyt b gene in avian malaria parasites. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:49. [PMID: 37691101 PMCID: PMC10494422 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial respiration plays a central role in the survival of many eukaryotes, including apicomplexan parasites. A 479-bp fragment from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene is widely used as a barcode to identify genetic lineages of avian malaria parasites Plasmodium and related haemosporidians. Here we looked for evidence of selection in the avian Plasmodium cyt b gene, using tests of selection and protein structure modeling. We also tested for the association between cyt b polymorphism and the host specificity of these parasites. RESULTS Based on 1,089 lineages retrieved from the Malavi database, we found that the frequency of the most conserved amino acids in most sites was more than 90%, indicating that the protein diversity of the avian Plasmodium cyt b barcode was low. The exceptions were four amino acid sites that were highly polymorphic, though the substitutions had only slight functional impacts on the encoded proteins. The selection analyses revealed that avian Plasmodium cyt b was under strong purifying selection, and no positively selected sites were detected. Besides, lineages with a wide host range tend to share cyt b protein haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our research indicates that purifying selection is the dominant force in the evolution of the avian Plasmodium cyt b lineages and leads to its low diversity at the protein level. Host specificity may also play a role in shaping the low mitochondrial diversity in the evolution of avian malaria parasites. Our results highlight the importance of considering selection pressure on the cyt b barcode region and lay a foundation for further understanding the evolutionary pattern of mitochondrial genes in avian malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Department of Biology, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, SE Sweden
| | - Xi Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Lu Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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Duc M, Himmel T, Ilgūnas M, Eigirdas V, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Exo-erythrocytic development of two Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae), with description of Haemoproteus dumbbellus, a new blood parasite of bunting birds (Emberizidae). Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:531-543. [PMID: 37263375 PMCID: PMC7615398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are widespread parasites categorized into four families of the order Haemosporida (Apicomplexa). Species of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus (genus Haemoproteus) belong to the Haemoproteidae and are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. Reports of death due to tissue damage during haemoproteosis in non-adapted birds have raised concerns about these pathogens, especially as their exo-erythrocytic development is known for only a few Haemoproteus spp. More research is needed to better understand the patterns of the parasites' development in tissues and their impact on avian hosts. Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella (Emberizidae) and common house martins Delichon urbicum (Hirundinidae) were screened for Haemoproteus parasites by microscopic examination of blood films and PCR-based testing. Individuals with single infection were selected for histological investigations. H & E-stained sections were screened for detection and characterization of the exo-erythrocytic stages, while chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and phylogenetic analysis were performed to confirm the Haemoproteus origin and their phylogenetic relationships. Haemoproteus dumbbellus n. sp. was discovered in Emberiza citrinella single-infected with the lineage hEMCIR01. Meronts of H. dumbbellus n. sp. developed in various organs of five of six tested individuals, a pattern which was reported in other Haemoproteus species clustering in the same clade, suggesting this could be a phylogenetic trait. By contrast, in Delichon urbicum infected with the Haemoproteus lineage hDELURB2, which was linked to the more distantly related parasite Haemoproteus hirundinis, only megalomeronts were found in the pectoral muscles of two of six infected individuals. All exo-erythrocytic stages were confirmed to be Haemoproteus parasites by CISH using a Haemoproteus genus-specific probe. While the development of meronts seems to be typical for species of the clade containing H. dumbbellus, further investigations and data from more species are needed to explore whether a phylogenetic pattern occurs in meront or megalomeront formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Duc
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Eigirdas
- Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, Marių 24, 99361 Ventė, Lithuania
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Anjos CC, Bicudo T, Fecchio A, Anciães M, Mathias BS, Chagas CRF, Bell JA, Guimarães LO, Monteiro EF, Kirchgatter K. Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in islands within a mega hydroelectric dam in the Brazilian Amazon. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2065-2077. [PMID: 37391644 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian Amazon supports an extremely diverse avifauna and serves as the diversification center for avian malaria parasites in South America. Construction of hydroelectric dams can drive biodiversity loss by creating islands incapable of sustaining the bird communities found in intact forest sites. Besides anthropogenic actions, the presence of parasites can also influence the dynamics and structure of bird communities. Avian malaria (Plasmodium) and related haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) are a globally distributed group of protozoan parasites recovered from all major bird groups. However, no study to date has analyzed the presence of avian haemosporidian parasites in fragmented areas such as land bridge islands formed during artificial flooding following the construction of hydroelectric dams. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and molecular diversity of haemosporidians in bird communities inhabiting artificial islands in the area of the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam. The reservoir area covers 443,700 ha with 3546 islands on the left bank of the Uatumã River known to contain more than 400 bird species. We surveyed haemosporidian infections in blood samples collected from 445 understory birds, belonging to 53 species, 24 families, and 8 orders. Passeriformes represented 95.5% of all analyzed samples. We found a low overall Plasmodium prevalence (2.9%), with 13 positive samples (two Plasmodium elongatum and 11 Plasmodium sp.) belonging to eight lineages. Six of these lineages were previously recorded in the Amazon, whereas two of them are new. Hypocnemis cantator, the Guianan Warbling Antbird, represented 38.5% of all infected individuals, even though it represents only 5.6% of the sampled individuals. Since comparison with Plasmodium prevalence data prior to construction of Balbina is not possible, other studies in artificially flooded areas are imperative to test if anthropogenic flooding may disrupt vector-parasite relationships leading to low Plasmodium prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina C Anjos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Thiago Bicudo
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, 69553-225, Brazil
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Marina Anciães
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Manaus, AM, 69081-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno S Mathias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Jeffrey A Bell
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, 10 Cornell Street, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Lilian O Guimarães
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil
| | - Eliana F Monteiro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, SP, 01027-000, Brazil.
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22
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Tamayo-Quintero J, Martínez-de la Puente J, San-José M, González-Quevedo C, Rivera-Gutiérrez HF. Bird community effects on avian malaria infections. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11681. [PMID: 37468559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In community assembly processes, interspecific interactions play an important role in shaping community diversity, especially at the local scale. Changes in species richness or abundance can modify local infectious disease dynamics, either reducing or increasing the risk of transmission within the community. This study evaluates the effects of bird community on avian haemosporidians infections in a Neotropical region. Bird samples were collected from areas surrounding three dams, and molecular analysis were performed to identify blood-parasitic haemosporidia infecting the birds. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the relationships between the bird community and the prevalence, number of infections, and richness of avian haemosporidian lineages. Non-significant effects of bird community dominance and richness on the prevalence of avian parasites and the number of infections of Haemoproteus were found. However, there was evidence of an amplification effect. Host dominance was associated with the total number of infections, the number Plasmodium infections and the expected richness of Plasmodium lineages, while the expected richness of Haemoproteus lineages was associated with the richness of bird species. These findings highlight the role of host community dominance and richness in the dynamics of parasite infections, potentially influenced by the availability of competent hosts. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of blood parasite diversity in tropical birds within a relatively understudied region of South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Tamayo-Quintero
- Grupo de Ecología y Evolución de Vertebrados, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | | | - Miriam San-José
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Charles Darwin Research Station, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Catalina González-Quevedo
- Grupo de Ecología y Evolución de Vertebrados, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Héctor F Rivera-Gutiérrez
- Grupo de Ecología y Evolución de Vertebrados, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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23
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Tembe D, Malatji MP, Mukaratirwa S. Occurrence, Prevalence, and Distribution of Haemoparasites of Poultry in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:945. [PMID: 37513792 PMCID: PMC10386234 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070945] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review collated existing data on the occurrence, distribution, and prevalence of haemoparasites of poultry in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search was conducted on three electronic search databases using search terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR). The results recorded 16 haemoparasites, viz., Leucocytozoon spp., L. marchouxi, L. neavei, L. sabrazesi, L. schoutedeni, Haemoproteus columbae, H. pratasi, Haemoproteus spp., Plasmodium spp., P. gallinaceum, P. circumflexum, P. juxtanucleare, Trypanosoma avium, T. gallinarum, T. numidae, and Hepatozoon spp. from a wide range of poultry species distributed across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, and Zambia. Infections due to Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon species were the most common and documented in eight of the ten reviewed countries. The presence of mixed infections was observed in quails, pigeons, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guineafowls, but predominantly in chickens. Co-infections by Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. were the most common, which may be attributed to the distribution of these species, coupled with the availability of vectors they are associated with in areas from which they were documented. The information generated in this review is essential for improving existing preventive and control measures of these parasites in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danisile Tembe
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Mokgadi P Malatji
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 344, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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24
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Duc M, Himmel T, Harl J, Iezhova T, Nedorost N, Matt J, Ilgūnas M, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Comparative Analysis of the Exo-Erythrocytic Development of Five Lineages of Haemoproteus majoris, a Common Haemosporidian Parasite of European Passeriform Birds. Pathogens 2023; 12:898. [PMID: 37513745 PMCID: PMC10386383 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemoproteus parasites (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are widespread pathogens of birds, with a rich genetic (about 1900 lineages) and morphospecies (178 species) diversity. Nonetheless, their life cycles are poorly understood. The exo-erythrocytic stages of three Haemoproteus majoris (widespread generalist parasite) lineages have been previously reported, each in a different bird species. We aimed to further study and compare the development of five H. majoris lineages-hCCF5, hCWT4, hPARUS1, hPHSIB1, and hWW2-in a wider selection of natural avian hosts. A total of 42 individuals belonging to 14 bird species were sampled. Morphospecies and parasitemia were determined by microscopy of blood films, lineages by DNA-barcoding a 478 bp section of the cytochrome b gene, and exo-erythrocytic stages by histology and chromogenic in situ hybridization. The lineage hCWT4 was morphologically characterized as H. majoris for the first time. All lineage infections exclusively featured megalomeronts. The exo-erythrocytic stages found in all examined bird species were similar, particularly for the lineages hCCF5, hPARUS1, and hPHSIB1. Megalomeronts of the lineages hWW2 and hCWT4 were more similar to each other than to the former three lineages. The kidneys and gizzard were most often affected, followed by lungs and intestines; the site of development showed variation depending on the lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Duc
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.I.); (M.I.); (G.V.)
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.H.); (J.H.); (N.N.); (J.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Josef Harl
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.H.); (J.H.); (N.N.); (J.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.I.); (M.I.); (G.V.)
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.H.); (J.H.); (N.N.); (J.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Julia Matt
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.H.); (J.H.); (N.N.); (J.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.I.); (M.I.); (G.V.)
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.H.); (J.H.); (N.N.); (J.M.); (H.W.)
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.I.); (M.I.); (G.V.)
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25
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Ilahiane L, Colominas-Ciurò R, Bize P, Boano G, Cucco M, Ferri M, Masoero G, Meier CM, Pavia M, Ramello G, Voelker G, Pellegrino I. Molecular investigation on infection by haemosporidians in three Western Palearctic species of swift (Apodidae) and their ectoparasitic louse flies. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07874-8. [PMID: 37233815 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Swifts (Apodidae) are an unusual group of birds that spend most of their lives in flight, landing only when breeding. Although this aerial lifestyle greatly reduces their likelihood of being bitten by vectors and infected by vector-born parasites, swifts can still be heavily infested during breeding by nest-based vectors such as louse flies (Hippoboscidae). Here, we investigated host, vector, and vector-borne parasite relationships in the three most widespread swift species in the Western Palearctic (WP): common swifts (Apus apus), pallid swifts (A. pallidus), and alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba), their nest-based louse flies (Crataerina pallida and C. melbae) and avian haemosporidians (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon). Studies of haemosporidian infections in Apodidae remain limited, with clear evidence of infection found to date in just four Neotropical and one Australasian species. The possible role of louse flies in transmitting haemosporidian infections has never been tested in swifts. We assessed the occurrence of haemosporidian infection by PCR screenings of DNA from blood samples from 34 common swifts and 44 pallid swifts from Italy, and 45 alpine swifts from Switzerland. We also screened 20 ectoparasitic louse flies present on 20 birds and identified them by both morphological features and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcodes. Our results provide no evidence of haemosporidian infection in the 123 swifts tested or in the two louse fly species we identified. Our findings are consistent with available knowledge showing no haemosporidian occurrence in WP swift species and that the most likely infection route for these highly aerial species (via louse fly ectoparasites during nesting) is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ilahiane
- Dipartimento per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile e la Transizione Ecologica, University of Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy.
| | - Roger Colominas-Ciurò
- Department Ecology, Physiology & Ethology, CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, University of Strasbourg, UMR, 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Bize
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Boano
- Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Carmagnola, Carmagnola, Italy
| | - Marco Cucco
- Dipartimento per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile e la Transizione Ecologica, University of Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy.
| | - Mauro Ferri
- AsOER - Associazione Ornitologi Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Masoero
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Marco Pavia
- Museo di Geologia e Paleontologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gloria Ramello
- Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Carmagnola, Carmagnola, Italy
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gary Voelker
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Irene Pellegrino
- Dipartimento per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile e la Transizione Ecologica, University of Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
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26
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de Mello VVC, Placa AJV, Lee DAB, Franco EO, Lima L, Teixeira MMG, Hemsley C, Titball RW, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of blood-borne agents in vampire bats from Brazil, with the first molecular evidence of Neorickettsia sp. in Desmodus rotundus and Diphylla ecaudata. Acta Trop 2023; 244:106945. [PMID: 37207993 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) represent the second largest group of mammals. Due to their ability to fly and adapt and colonize different niches, bats act as reservoirs of several potentially zoonotic pathogens. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the occurrence of blood-borne agents (Anaplasmataceae, Coxiella burnetii, hemoplasmas, hemosporidians and piroplasmids) in 198 vampire bats sampled in different regions of Brazil and belonging to the species Desmodus rotundus (n=159), Diphylla ecaudata (n=31) and Diaemus youngii (n=8). All vampire bats liver samples were negative in PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, hemosporidians and Coxiella burnetii. However, Neorickettsia sp. was detected in liver samples of 1.51% (3/198) through nested PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene in D. rotundus and D. ecaudata. This is the first study to report Neorickettsia sp. in vampire bats. Hemoplasmas were detected in 6.06% (12/198) of the liver samples using a PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. The two 16S rRNA sequences obtained from hemoplasmas were closely related to sequences previously identified in vampire and non-hematophagous bats from Belize, Peru and Brazil. The genotypic analysis identified a high diversity of bat-associated hemoplasma genotypes from different regions of the world, emphasizing the need for studies on this subject, in order to better understand the mechanisms of co-evolution between this group of bacteria and their vertebrate hosts. The role of neotropical bat-associated Neorickettsia sp. and bats from Brazilian in the biological cycle of such agent warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Julia Vidal Placa
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliz Oliveira Franco
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Lima
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences II, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences II, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Hemsley
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Richard W Titball
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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27
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The influence of the host sex on parasitemia of parasite lineages belonging to Haemoproteus majoris in a natural bird community. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:895-901. [PMID: 36781472 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07793-8] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunological capability shows a sexual dimorphism in diverse animal species. Females are generally more immunocompetent than males, leading to the higher susceptibility of males to infection compared to females and thus greater infection-related pathology in males. These sex-differences in immunity remain understudied in birds. Here, we compared the percentage of parasitemia of three different parasite lineages belonging to the morphological species Haemoproteus majoris (namely, PARUS1, PHSIB1 and WW2) in terms of the sex of birds living in a natural community. We found that parasitemia (percentage of erythrocytes infected with parasites) of WW2 lineage, but not of the other two lineages of H. majoris, is higher in male birds compared to female birds. Similarly, we showed that the total parasitemia of these three H. majoris lineages is higher in male birds compared to female birds. Our study points out that male birds at the community level may be more susceptible to infection by certain parasites than female birds. We propose that sexual dimorphism in parasitemia of certain parasites in host birds might be more common than previously thought, similar to what is observed in other species, influencing host population dynamics in a sex-specific manner. Therefore, it can be speculated that infection by certain parasites might differentially affect male and female birds, possibly resulting in a bias in survival rates between sexes due to infections, in certain contexts.
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28
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Theodosopoulos AN, Spellman GM, Taylor SA. Survey of haemosporidian parasite infections in an endangered high alpine bird. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:67. [PMID: 36788554 PMCID: PMC9926756 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is an endangered high alpine specialist that breeds on cliffs in the Rocky Mountains of North America. We know little about the parasites that infect these birds but filling this knowledge gap is important for understanding their population decline. The aim of this study was to survey haemosporidian parasite infections in Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. We sampled 104 Brown-capped Rosy-Finches during their breeding season at six sampling sites spanning the Colorado Rocky Mountains where they are nearly endemic. We used nested PCR methods to screen birds for parasite infections, and Sanger sequencing data were used to identify parasite lineages. Four of the sampling sites had birds with infections. Females were more often infected than males (prevalence = 15.6% and 9.7%, respectively). We observed twice as many infected birds sampled in July compared to birds sampled in June (prevalence = 12.5% and 6.25%, respectively). The percent of infected birds by sampling site ranged from 0 to over 20%. In total we identified eight different genetic lineages of haemosporidian parasites infecting Brown-capped Rosy-Finches-seven were in the genus Leucocytozoon, and one was in the genus Haemoproteus. Network analysis clearly separates Haemoproteus from Leucocytozoon, with Leucocytozoon lineages comprising two major clusters. Based on reports made to the MalAvi database, all lineages in Cluster 1 have the same reported insect vector, Simulium silvestre. We report that Brown-capped Rosy-Finches experience infections with haemosporidian parasites and that the percentage of infected birds differed markedly between sampling sites. We hypothesize that vector ecology and associated variation in climate at sampling sites explain our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela N. Theodosopoulos
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus, Box 334, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Garth M. Spellman
- grid.446678.f0000 0004 0637 8477Department of Zoology, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 N Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO USA
| | - Scott A. Taylor
- grid.266190.a0000000096214564Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus, Box 334, Boulder, CO USA
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Starkloff NC, Galen SC. Coinfection rates of avian blood parasites increase with latitude in parapatric host species. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36597832 PMCID: PMC10090641 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Animals are frequently coinfected with multiple parasites concurrently, and advances in our sampling of these complex intra-host parasite communities have revealed important ecological impacts on their hosts. However, the spatial distributions and environmental determinants of parasite coinfection remain infrequently studied. Here, we investigated the drivers of haemosporidian blood parasite coinfection in the Bicknell's thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and grey-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus), parapatric sister species that occur across a broad latitudinal range in northern North America. Using 298 samples from across the distributions of these species, we found high overall infection (86%) and coinfection (41%) rates within host populations. Coinfection rates within populations were highly variable across sampling sites, ranging from 7 to 75%. Latitude was a more important predictor of coinfection frequency than host species identity, with coinfections becoming more abundant at higher latitudes. The 2 host species exhibited similar parasite faunas, and an analysis of the co-occurrence patterns among haemosporidians showed that host species identity was largely not a factor in structuring which parasites were found within coinfections. To our knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate a reverse latitudinal gradient in coinfection frequency in a eukaryotic parasite system. Further work is necessary to determine whether vector ecology or some other factor is the primary proximate driver of this pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima C. Starkloff
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- New York State Museum, Albany, NY 12230, USA
| | - Spencer C. Galen
- Biology Department, Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, USA
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Haemosporidians in Non-Passerine Birds of Colombia: An Overview of the Last 20 Years of Research. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Neotropics are highly diverse in avian species. Neotropical countries contribute a large part of the estimated diversity of haemosporidian parasites reported for the planet’s tropical zones. However, sampling is limited and biased, illustrated by only 30% of the genetic records (barcodes) from non-passerines, most of them not linked to a nominal species. This paper aimed to perform the molecular and morphological characterization of the haemosporidians that infect non-passerine birds from Colombia deposited in the biological collection named “Grupo de Estudio Relación Parásito Hospedero (GERPH)”. We analyzed 1239 samples from twelve biomes and two animal care facilities. Phylogenetic relationships using barcodes and mitochondrial genomes were estimated. In addition, the reports of haemosporidian infections in non-passerine birds from the Neotropics recorded after 1978 were summarized. We reported the presence of thirteen morphological haemosporidian species, four potential new species deposited in GERPH, a host range expansion for two Plasmodium species, and a barcode sequence for Haemoproteus caprimulgi. We confirmed the species associated with 56 molecular lineages reported in other neotropical countries at the genus level. Thus, biological collections and curated databases such as MalAvi are essential to support integrative approaches demanded in modern taxonomy.
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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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Chavarría X, Matta NE, Cadena-Ortíz H, Alarcón I, Bahamonde-Vinueza D, González AD, Bonaccorso E. Haemosporidian parasites in the ash-breasted Sierra finch ( Geospizopsis plebejus): insights from an Andean dry forest population. Parasitology 2022; 150:1-14. [PMID: 36345570 PMCID: PMC10090645 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, responsible for avian malarial infections, are highly diverse and have a wide range of health effects and predictors, depending on the host and its environmental context. Here, we present, for the first time, detailed information on the identity, prevalence and parasitaemia of haemosporidians and other haemoparasites that infect the ash-breasted Sierra finch, Geospizopsis plebejus, in an Andean dry forest. We study the consequences of infection in the host body and health conditions and explore the environmental and intrinsic factors that influence infection status and parasitaemia. We conducted diagnoses by cytochrome b (cytb) sequencing and morphological identification, and estimated the levels of parasitaemia based on microscopy. We identified 6 cytb lineages infecting G. plebejus. Two of them were new lineages: Haemoproteus sp. GEPLE01 and GEPLE02. We also detected Haemoproteus sp. ZOCAP08, Haemoproteus sp. AMAVIR01, Plasmodium homopolare BAEBIC02 and Plasmodium cathemerium ZONCAP15. By microscopy, we detected Haemoproteus coatneyi, Haemoproteus erythrogravidus, P. homopolare and other unidentified species of Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Babesia sp. and 1 microfilaria. We found no evidence of Leucocytozoon. Additionally, we detected several coinfections by sequencing and microscopy. The prevalence of haemosporidian infections was high (87.7%), and the mean parasitaemia was 61.65 infected cells per 10 000 erythrocytes examined. Prevalence and parasitaemia were higher for Haemoproteus than for Plasmodium. Haemoproteus sp. AMAVIR01 showed the highest prevalence (43.1%) and mean parasitaemia (94.39/10 000 erythrocytes) and might be associated with H. coatneyi. Immature individuals showed a lower prevalence than adults, supporting previous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Chavarría
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto Biósfera y Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Nubia E. Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Héctor Cadena-Ortíz
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito EC170301, Ecuador
| | - Ibeth Alarcón
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito EC170301, Ecuador
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Av. Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Bahamonde-Vinueza
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito EC170301, Ecuador
| | - Angie D. González
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elisa Bonaccorso
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto Biósfera y Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito EC170301, Ecuador
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Kleinschmidt B, Dorsch M, Heinänen S, Morkūnas J, Schumm YR, Žydelis R, Quillfeldt P. Prevalence of Haemosporidian Parasites in an Arctic Breeding Seabird Species-The Red-Throated Diver ( Gavia stellata). Microorganisms 2022; 10:2147. [PMID: 36363741 PMCID: PMC9698892 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Haemosporida, vector-transmitted blood parasites, can have various effects and may also exert selection pressures on their hosts. In this study we analyse the presence of Haemosporida in a previously unstudied migratory seabird species, the red-throated diver Gavia stellata. Red-throated divers were sampled during winter and spring in the eastern German Bight (North Sea). We used molecular methods and data from a related tracking study to reveal (i) if red-throated divers are infected with Haemosporida of the genera Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, and (ii) how infection and prevalence are linked with the breeding regions of infected individuals. Divers in this study were assigned to western Palearctic breeding grounds, namely Greenland, Svalbard, Norway and Arctic Russia. We found a prevalence of Leucocytozoon of 11.0% in all birds sampled (n = 45), of 33.0% in birds breeding in Norway (n = 3) and of 8.3% in birds breeding in Arctic Russia (n = 25). For two birds that were infected no breeding regions could be assigned. We identified two previously unknown lineages, one each of Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon. Haemosporida have not been detected in birds from Greenland (n = 2) and Svalbard (n = 2). In summary, this study presents the first record of Haemosporida in red-throated divers and reports a new lineage of each, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon GAVSTE01 and GAVSTE02, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Kleinschmidt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- BioConsult SH, 25813 Husum, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Heinänen
- DHI, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
- Raasepori Campus (Raseborg), Novia University of Applied Sciences, Raseborgsvägen 9, 10600 Ekenäs, Finland
| | - Julius Morkūnas
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University, 92294 Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - Yvonne R. Schumm
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ramūnas Žydelis
- DHI, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
- Ornitela UAB, 03228 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Parasite-Mediated Selection of MHC Class I Genes in Emberiza godlewskii (Passeriformes: Emberizidae). DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14110925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a multi-copy immune gene family in vertebrates. Its genes are highly variable and code for antigen-presenting molecules. Characterization of MHC genes in different species and investigating the mechanisms that shape MHC diversity is an important goal in understanding the evolution of biological diversity. Here we developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocol to genotype the MHC class I genes of 326 Godlewski’s buntings (Emberiza godlewskii) sampled in the Western mountain area of Beijing from 2014 to 2016. A total of 184 functional alleles were identified, including both non-classical and classical alleles, clustering into nine supertypes. Compared with other passerine birds, the number of MHC class I alleles per individual in Godlewski’s buntings is high (mean 16.1 ± 3.3, median 16). In addition, we demonstrated signatures of historical and contemporary selection on MHC genes. Reflecting historical selection, ten amino acid sites in the antigen-binding domain showed signatures of balancing selection, eight of which exhibit high amino acid polymorphism. In terms of contemporary selection, we found that specific MHC supertypes were nominally associated with the infection of two malaria parasite lineages. These findings indicate the action of historical and possibly also contemporary balancing selection and suggest negative frequency-dependent or fluctuating selection as possible selection mechanisms.
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Nourani L, Aliabadian M, Mirshamsi O, Dinparast Djadid N. Prevalence of co-infection and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in two rehabilitation facilities in Iran: implications for the conservation of captive raptors. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:114. [PMID: 36209068 PMCID: PMC9547439 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various haemosporidian parasites infect raptors, especially captive hosts who may be more exposed. Diagnosis of threatening factors such as infectious diseases indirectly has a significant role in protecting endangered or threatened species that may boost the mortality or extinction resulting from declined reproduction. Few investigations have been performed in captive hosts to detect the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites and define genetic diversity in west Asia. For the first time, the current study was designed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in captive raptors by molecular methods in two rehabilitation facilities in North and North-east Iran and to define phylogenetic relationships of detected lineages circulating in raptors. Results Molecular characterization of the haemosporidian parasite was accomplished by PCR-based method and DNA sequencing in 62 captive raptors. The overall prevalence was ~ 36% with higher infection of Haemoproteus spp. than Leucocytozoon spp. Plasmodium infection was not detected in any host. Results showed that 22 individuals (of 10 species) were infected with unique lineages. Genus Haemoproteus was detected in 26.66% of examined individuals (of eight species) and Leucocytozoon was found in 10% of individuals (of four species). The molecular analysis could detect ten lineages (nine Haemoproteus spp. and one Leucocytozoon spp.) which were categorizes as new and six lineages which have been previously detected in the other investigations. Conclusions The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis derived from obtained data in the present study and published lineages in previous investigations indicated the probable host specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites in several sub-clades at hosts’ order and genus level. As monitoring the parasite loads of captive birds when admitted reduce the risk of infecting hosts in captivity at those locations, we designed this study to determine infection prevalence and genetic diversity of blood parasites in raptors examined in Iran. These results allow mapping of haemosporidian distribution and shed light on the depth of their diversity in Iran to protect species by identification of risk in rehabilitation facilities. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02068-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mansour Aliabadian
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Research Department of Zoological Innovations (RDZI), Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Mirshamsi
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Research Department of Zoological Innovations (RDZI), Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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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: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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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High prevalence of Plasmodium infection in fighting cocks in Thailand determined with a molecular method. J Vet Res 2022; 66:373-379. [PMID: 36349140 PMCID: PMC9597944 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites of the genus Haemoproteus has been regularly described in multiple regions worldwide. These parasites significantly affect many avian taxa, including domestic chickens and fighting cocks. There are limited epidemiological studies of these blood parasites in vertebrate hosts, especially in Thailand. Material and Methods This study used microscopic examination of blood samples and PCR amplification exploiting primers for nucleotide sequences of Plasmodium or Haemoproteus species based on the cytochrome b gene to determine the occurrence of Plasmodium spp. in fighting cocks. Results Examination of 249 blood samples of fighting cocks revealed that 41.37% (103/249) were positive for malaria by microscopic examination and 88.76% (221/249) were positive by DNA amplification. Sequencing and DNA analysis of 61 PCR products revealed that infection by Plasmodium juxtanucleare was the most common avian malaria in fighting cocks in Thailand followed by infections by Plasmodium gallinaceum; however, Haemoproteus infection was not discovered. Conclusion This study indicated that plasmodiasis is widespread in fighting cocks in Thailand although the prevalence was not clearly determined; therefore, prevention and control strategies for these protozoa should be improved, especially those for avoiding vector exposure and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
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Exo-Erythrocytic Development of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in European Owls. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172212. [PMID: 36077935 PMCID: PMC9454416 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Avian haemosporidians of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are vector-borne blood parasites, which commonly infect birds all over the world, except for Antarctica. Although called blood parasites, these pathogens develop not only in the blood cells of vertebrate hosts, but also in the tissues of various organs. While the blood stages have been studied quite intensively, the tissue stages, patterns of their development, and their effect on the vertebrate host are not well understood, especially in wild, non-passerine birds. The present study aimed at gaining new knowledge about avian haemosporidian parasites naturally infecting owls in Austria and Lithuania. Organ samples of 121 owls were investigated for blood parasites using molecular and histological methods. Over 70% of the owls were infected, revealing seven new genetic variants (lineages) of avian haemosporidian parasites. Tissue stages of Leucocytozoon spp. and Haemoproteus syrnii, a common parasite in owls, were discovered, providing new insights into the parasites’ tissue development. This study contributes new knowledge to a better understanding of the biodiversity and life cycles of avian haemosporidian parasites. These data are crucial for avian medicine and bird protection and indicate directions for further research on the tissue development of haemosporidian infections. Abstract Avian haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa) are globally distributed and infect birds of many orders. These pathogens have been much investigated in domestic and wild passeriform birds, in which they are relatively easy to access. In birds belonging to other orders, including owls (order Strigiformes), these parasites have been studied fragmentarily. Particularly little is known about the exo-erythrocytic development of avian haemosporidians. The goal of this study was to gain new knowledge about the parasites infecting owls in Europe and investigate their exo-erythrocytic stages. Tissue samples of 121 deceased owls were collected in Austria and Lithuania, and examined using polymerase chain reactions (PCR), histology, and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). PCR-based diagnostics showed a total prevalence of 73.6%, revealing two previously unreported Haemoproteus and five novel Leucocytozoon lineages. By CISH and histology, meronts of several Leucocytozoon lineages (lASOT06, lSTAL5, lSTAL7) were discovered in the brains, heart muscles, and kidneys of infected birds. Further, megalomeronts of Haemoproteus syrnii (lineage hSTAL2) were discovered. This study contributes new knowledge to a better understanding of the biodiversity of avian haemosporidian parasites infecting owls in Europe, provides information on tissue stages of the parasites, and calls for further research of these under-investigated pathogens relevant to bird health.
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Untangling the actual infection status: detection of avian haemosporidian parasites of three Malagasy bird species using microscopy, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR methods. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2817-2829. [PMID: 35939148 PMCID: PMC9464167 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of new molecular methods has significantly improved the detection and identification of avian haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) compared to microscopic examination. Very large numbers of previously hidden Haemosporida species of a wide range of avian hosts have thus been discovered in the last two decades. However, test parameters of the various detection methods remain largely unevaluated. In this study, the merits of microscopy, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR were compared to identify the infection status of three Malagasy bird species. A total of 414 blood samples of Hypsipetes madagascariensis, Foudia omissa and F. madagascariensis, as well as 147 blood smears, were examined for haemosporidian infection. Thirty-four lineages of haemosporidian parasites could be identified, of which six have been detected for the first time. Microscopy, multiplex and nested PCR showed differences in detection rate, most likely due to low parasitemia of chronically infected birds. The combination of both PCR methods yielded the best results. In particular, detection of multiple infections could be greatly improved and will enable more precise prevalence estimates of individual haemosporidian species in wild birds in the future.
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Li Z, Ren XX, Zhao YJ, Yang LT, Duan BF, Hu NY, Zou FC, Zhu XQ, He JJ, Liu QS. First report of haemosporidia and associated risk factors in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in China. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:275. [PMID: 35915463 PMCID: PMC9344640 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian haemosporidia infect both domestic and wild birds, causing anemia, acute tissue degeneration, and depopulation in wild birds. Poultry and wild birds have been reported as common reservoirs of haemosporidia, but limited information is available for red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in China. The present study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of haemosporidia in red junglefowl. Methods Blood samples were collected from 234 red junglefowl from Jinghong City of Yunnan Province, and genomic DNA was extracted from these samples. The prevalence of haemosporidia was determined by nested PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Molecular characterization was investigated based on phylogenetic analysis of cytb sequences, and associated risk factors were analyzed using the Chi-square (χ2) test. Results The overall prevalence of haemosporidia was 74.8% (175/234), and three species were identified, namely Haemoproteus enucleator, Leucocytozoon californicus, and Plasmodium juxtanucleare. The prevalence of haemosporidia in adult fowl (81.1%, 107/132) was significantly higher (χ2 = 6.32, df = 1, P = 0.012) than that in juveniles (66.7%, 68/102). Three novel haemosporidian lineages were revealed. Conclusions This study examined the prevalence and identified species of avian haemosporidians in red junglefowl, providing new information on the molecular epidemiology and geographical distribution of haemosporidian parasites. Our results indicated high prevalence and diverse species distribution of these haemosporidians in red junglefowl. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of haemosporidian infection in red junglefowl in China. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- Animal Research and Resource Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Xia Ren
- Animal Research and Resource Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin-Jiao Zhao
- Animal Research and Resource Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian-Tao Yang
- Animal Research and Resource Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Fang Duan
- Yunnan Province Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Na-Ying Hu
- Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture Technical Extension Station for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinghong, Yunnan Province, 666100, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi-Shuai Liu
- Animal Research and Resource Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, People's Republic of China.
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Ellis VA, Kalbskopf V, Ciloglu A, Duc M, Huang X, Inci A, Bensch S, Hellgren O, Palinauskas V. Genomic sequence capture of Plasmodium relictum in experimentally infected birds. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:267. [PMID: 35906670 PMCID: PMC9336033 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05373-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sequencing parasite genomes in the presence of host DNA is challenging. Sequence capture can overcome this problem by using RNA probes that hybridize with the parasite DNA and then are removed from solution, thus isolating the parasite DNA for efficient sequencing. Methods Here we describe a set of sequence capture probes designed to target 1035 genes (c. 2.5 Mbp) of the globally distributed avian haemosporidian parasite, Plasmodium relictum. Previous sequence capture studies of avian haemosporidians from the genus Haemoproteus have shown that sequencing success depends on parasitemia, with low-intensity, chronic infections (typical of most infected birds in the wild) often being difficult to sequence. We evaluate the relationship between parasitemia and sequencing success using birds experimentally infected with P. relictum and kept under laboratory conditions. Results We confirm the dependence of sequencing success on parasitemia. Sequencing success was low for birds with low levels of parasitemia (< 1% infected red blood cells) and high for birds with higher levels of parasitemia. Plasmodium relictum is composed of multiple lineages defined by their mitochondrial DNA haplotype including three that are widespread (SGS1, GRW11, and GRW4); the probes successfully isolated DNA from all three. Furthermore, we used data from 25 genes to describe both among- and within-lineage genetic variation. For example, two samples of SGS1 isolated from different host species differed by 11 substitutions across those 25 genes. Conclusions The sequence capture approach we describe will allow for the generation of genomic data that will contribute to our understanding of the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of P. relictum, an extreme host generalist and widespread parasite. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05373-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo A Ellis
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Victor Kalbskopf
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arif Ciloglu
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mélanie Duc
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden.,Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Xi Huang
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden.,MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362, Lund, Sweden.
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Seabirds Health and Conservation Medicine in Brazil. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Marzal A, Magallanes S, Garcia-Longoria L. Stimuli Followed by Avian Malaria Vectors in Host-Seeking Behaviour. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:726. [PMID: 35625454 PMCID: PMC9138572 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever) result from a parasite transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. They are major contributors to the global disease burden, as they account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases worldwide. The interaction between vectors and their hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission. Therefore, identifying factors governing host selection by blood-feeding insects is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Here, we review published information on the physical and chemical stimuli (acoustic, visual, olfactory, moisture and thermal cues) used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to detect their vertebrate hosts. We mainly focus on studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites since this animal model has historically provided important advances in our understanding on ecological and evolutionary process ruling vector-borne disease dynamics and transmission. We also present relevant studies analysing the capacity of feather and skin symbiotic bacteria in the production of volatile compounds with vector attractant properties. Furthermore, we review the role of uropygial secretions and symbiotic bacteria in bird-insect vector interactions. In addition, we present investigations examining the alterations induced by haemosporidian parasites on their arthropod vector and vertebrate host to enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose future lines of research for designing successful vector control strategies and for infectious disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación y Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15007, Peru
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Luz Garcia-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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44
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Filion A, Deschamps L, Niebuhr CN, Poulin R. Anthropogenic landscape alteration promotes higher disease risk in wild New Zealand avian communities. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265568. [PMID: 35333899 PMCID: PMC8956180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic changes can have dramatic effects on wild populations. Moreover, by promoting the emergence of vector-borne diseases in many ecosystems, those changes can lead to local extinction of native wildlife. One of those diseases, avian malaria, has been shown to be on the rise in New Zealand, threatening native bird species that are among the most extinction-prone in the world. It is thus of prime importance to better understand the potential cascading effects that anthropogenic modifications have on those fragile species. Here, we aim to test how long-lasting modification to regional environmental filters can subsequently alter local biotic filters, in turn promoting the emergence of avian malaria in New Zealand avian communities. To this end, we used Bayesian structural equation modelling to unravel the drivers of disease emergence within the complex interplay between landscape and local species pools. We show that altered landscape, quantified through a lower enhanced vegetation index, leads to more infections in Turdus spp. and modification in avian community composition, potentially raising the probability of infection for other species in the community. In addition, we show that climatic variables associated with the presence of vectors play a predominant role in shaping the regional pattern of avian malaria occurrence. Our results suggest long-lasting impacts of anthropogenic changes on regional environmental filters and demonstrate that conservation efforts should align toward restoring the landscape to prevent further emergence of infectious diseases in wild ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Filion
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Lucas Deschamps
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivières (Québec), Canada
| | | | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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45
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Alvarez-Londoño J, Cardona-Romero M, Martínez-Sánchez ET, Ossa-López PA, Pérez-Cárdenas JE, Gonzalez AD, Rivera-Páez FA, Castaño-Villa GJ. Avian haemosporidian (Haemosporida: Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in the department of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia region. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1775-1787. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07511-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Amaya-Mejia W, Dodge M, Morris B, Dumbacher JP, Sehgal RNM. Prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites across islands of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1621-1630. [PMID: 35362739 PMCID: PMC9098550 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The taxonomically diverse and relatively understudied avifauna of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) island archipelagos provide a unique ecological framework for studying haemosporidian parasite differentiation and geographic structure. We implemented molecular and phylogenetic analyses of partial mitochondrial DNA sequences to assess the host distribution of 3 genera of vector-transmitted avian blood parasites (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus) across a range of islands off the southeastern tip of PNG. We identified 40 new lineages of haemosporidians, including five lineages belonging to Leucocytozoon, a genus not previously described in this region. Leucocytozoon infections were only observed on the larger, human-inhabited islands. Lineages belonging to Haemoproteus were diverse and had broad geographic distribution. Compared to the mainland, Haemoproteus parasites on the smaller, more distant islands had greater host specificity and lower infection prevalence. The black sunbird (Leptocoma aspasia), a commonly caught species, was shown to be a rare host for Haemoproteus spp. infections. Moreover, although birds of the genus Pitohui harbor a neurotoxin (homobatrachotoxin), they demonstrated an infection prevalence comparable to other bird species. The islands of PNG display heterogeneous patterns of haemosporidian diversity, distribution and host-specificity and serve as a valuable model system for studying host-parasite-vector interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmer Amaya-Mejia
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA.
| | - Molly Dodge
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
| | - Brett Morris
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
| | - John P Dumbacher
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA.,California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
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Ings K, Denk D. Avian Malaria in Penguins: Diagnostics and Future Direction in the Context of Climate Change. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050600. [PMID: 35268169 PMCID: PMC8909384 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Avian malaria is caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. This vector-borne parasite is spread by mosquitoes and has a variable significance depending on environmental, host, mosquito and parasite factors. Captive penguins in non-native environments are exposed to the protozoa without having coevolved with them and are especially sensitive to infection. The most common presentation of the disease in affected penguins is acute death. Infection of wild penguins is reported and a greater understanding of the significance of such infections is required. Global warming and related surges in vector availability present an increasing threat to conservation in captive environments and targeted research into the early diagnosis of disease is required. Current diagnostic methods predominantly rely upon direct microscopy and/or molecular testing on tissues obtained from penguin postmortem examinations, and frequently fail to identify the causative agent at a species level. There are several barriers to the development of a rapid method to detect infection and the causative species; however, this information would further our understanding of this disease, and development of such a method is a valuable undertaking. This paper provides a summary of current diagnostic methods, identifies the likely future impacts of avian malaria in penguins, and highlights the need to improve both the speed and scope of available diagnostics. Abstract Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without the selective pressure that these parasites exert and are highly susceptible to infection when transplanted to endemic regions, for example, in the context of zoological collections or rehabilitation centers. Avian malaria in penguins typically causes acute mortality without premonitory signs, or less commonly, nonspecific signs of morbidity, followed by mortality. Additionally, infection is reported in wild penguins, though the significance of these infections remains equivocal. As global temperatures continue to increase, avian malaria is likely to pose a continued and further threat to conservation efforts in captive environments. Intra vitam diagnosis currently relies on the evaluation of blood smears and molecular methods. The former is unreliable in penguins, as the acute clinical course typically does not allow the development of parasitemia. This absence of parasitemia also makes speciation challenging. Current molecular methods typically target the Cytochrome B or 18s subunit and have proven variably sensitive and specific. Reliable intra vitam diagnosis of avian malaria and further information about the causative agents at a species level would be very valuable in understanding the epidemiology and likely future course of avian malaria infection in penguins, and in particular, the implications avian malaria may have for conservation efforts. This paper provides an overview of malaria in penguins, discusses its changing impact on management and conservation, offers a summary of current diagnostics, and suggests future direction for the development of diagnostic tests. The latter will be key in understanding and managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Ings
- Garscube Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Daniela Denk
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: or
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Massive Infection of Lungs with Exo-Erythrocytic Meronts in European Robin Erithacus rubecula during Natural Haemoproteus attenuatus Haemoproteosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113273. [PMID: 34828005 PMCID: PMC8614495 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Haemoproteus parasites are cosmopolitan bird pathogens belonging to the order Haemosporida (Apicomplexa). A majority of the described species are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, which inject infective stages (sporozoites) in birds during blood meals. The sporozoites initiate tissue merogony, resulting in numerous merozoites, part of which penetrate red blood cells and produce blood stages (gametocytes), which are infective for vectors. The blood stages of Haemoproteus parasites have been relatively well-investigated, although tissue stages and patterns of their development remain unidentified in the majority of Haemoproteus species. Nevertheless, they often damage various organs which makes them important for bird health. This study contributes new knowledge about tissue merogony of Haemoproteus attenuatus, which parasitize birds of the Muscicapidae. Naturally infected European robins Erithacus rubecula were caught in Lithuania during autumnal migration. Parasites were identified using morphological features of gametocytes and DNA sequence analysis. Organs of infected birds were examined using histological methods. Tissue stages (meronts) were present only in the lungs, where they were numerous and markedly varied in shape, size and maturation stage. Description of meronts was provided and molecular phylogenetic analysis identified closely related lineages that could present similar exo-erythrocytic development in lungs. Lung damage caused by meronts of H. attenuatus and closely related lineages is worth attention due to their possible implications on a bird’s health. Abstract Haemoproteus species are widespread avian blood parasites belonging to Haemoproteidae (Haemosporida). Blood stages of these pathogens have been relatively well-investigated, though exo-erythrocytic (tissue) stages remain unidentified for the majority of species. However, recent histopathological studies show that haemoproteins markedly affect bird organs during tissue merogony. This study investigated the exo-erythrocytic development of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) attenuatus (lineage hROBIN1), the common parasite of flycatchers (Muscicapidae). Naturally infected European robins Erithacus rubecula were examined. Parasite species and lineage were identified using microscopic examination of blood stages and DNA sequence analysis. Parasitaemia intensity varied between 0.8 and 26.5% in seven host individuals. Organs of infected birds were collected and processed for histological examination. Tissues stages (meronts) were seen in six birds and were present only in the lungs. The parasites were usually located in groups and were at different stages of maturation, indicating asynchronous exo-erythrocytic development. In most parasitized individuals, 100 meronts were observed in 1 cm2 section of lungs. The largest meronts reached 108 µm in length. Mature meronts contained numerous roundish merozoites of approximately 0.8 µm in diameter. Megalomeronts were not observed. Massive merogony and resulting damage of lungs is a characteristic feature during H. attenuatus infections and might occur in related parasite lineages, causing haemoproteosis.
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Sobeck J, Nsengimana O, Ruhagazi D, Uwanyirigira P, Mbasinga G, Tumushime JC, Kayitare A, Bahizi M, Muvunyi R, Sehgal RNM. Haemosporidia of grey crowned cranes in Rwanda. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:477-482. [PMID: 34767080 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07358-7] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have been facing significant and long-term population declines in East Africa. Studies of Haemosporidian infections are essential to gain insight into pathogenic threats and help infer vector-host relationships, resolve parasite relationships, and support conservation efforts. As part of a program to reintroduce captive cranes in Rwanda back to their natural habitats, through health checks and initial microscopic examination, 120 grey crowned cranes were selected under suspicion of harboring Haemosporidian infections following initial peripheral blood smear examinations. Of these, 104 were infected with Haemoproteus and 3 were coinfected with Leucocytozoon as detected by PCR and microscopy. Sequencing allowed us to identify 2 distinct unreported lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis and one lineage of Leucocytozoon in the subspecies of Grey Crowned Cranes endemic to East Africa, B. r. gibbericeps. Molecularly, our two lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis differ by 32 base pairs and matched with about 95 percent identity to previously reported sequences of H. antigonis found in other species of cranes. No visible morphologic differences were found when compared to images of H. antigonis from previous studies. Our work demonstrates not only a need for increased testing within the family Gruidae, but also to investigate the possibility of cryptic speciation within the morphospecies Haemoproteus antigonis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sobeck
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA.
| | | | - Déo Ruhagazi
- Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, P.O.Box 5427, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Gloria Mbasinga
- Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, P.O.Box 5427, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Methode Bahizi
- Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, P.O. Box 356, Davis, CA, 95617, USA
| | | | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
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Wiegmann A, Springer A, Rinaud T, Ottensmann M, Legler M, Krüger O, Fehr M, Chakarov N, Strube C. The prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. in nestlings of three wild raptor species including implications on haematological and blood chemistry values. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:236-243. [PMID: 34760619 PMCID: PMC8567326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leucocytozoonosis is a vector-borne infection of birds, caused by members of the haemosporidian genus Leucocytozoon. The clinical presentation may range from asymptomatic to severe disease. Consequences of Leucocytozoon infection on blood profiles remain to be described, especially for different host species in the wild. In the current study, the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection was determined in wild nestlings of three European raptor species, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 464), red kite (Milvus milvus, n = 46) and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis, n = 18). Among 528 nestlings, 51.9% (n = 274) were infected with Leucocytozoon spp., whereby the highest prevalence was found in common buzzards (54.9%), followed by red kites (32.6%) and northern goshawks (22.2%). For a subset of 87 individuals (50 common buzzards, 29 red kites, 8 northern goshawks), a detailed analysis of differential leukocyte counts and several blood chemistry parameters in response to infection was conducted: AP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GLDH (glutamate dehydrogenase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase), CK (creatine kinase), BuChE (butyrylcholinesterase), BA (bile acids), ALB (albumin) and TP (total protein). Even though in the physiological range, infected nestlings displayed significantly increased levels of heterophils, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bile acids and butyrylcholinesterase, but decreased lymphocyte and monocyte values compared to uninfected ones. Furthermore, significant species differences with regard to blood parameters, but no sex differences were found. Overall, obtained results show a high prevalence, but a low pathogenicity of Leucocytozoon spp. in wild raptor chicks, presumably resulting from coevolutionary adaptation, but show signatures of infection in the haematological and blood chemistry profiles. Leucocytozoon prevalence in nestlings of three wild raptor species was 52%. Common buzzards (Buteo buteo) showed the highest prevalence (55%). Examined blood parameter values varied with species, age and infection status. Leucocytozoon infections were associated with increased AST and BuChE. Leucocytozoon infections in Accipitridae nestlings seem to be of minor pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wiegmann
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tony Rinaud
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Meinolf Ottensmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marko Legler
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Fehr
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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