1
|
Hattendorf C, Cadar D, Bosch S, Becker N, Lachmann L, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Heitmann A, Lühken R. Weak association of Usutu virus and haemosporidian infection in birds collected in Germany. One Health 2024; 19:100868. [PMID: 39247760 PMCID: PMC11378720 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Usutu Virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus originated in Africa. The virus circulates in Germany since 2010. It is primarily transmitted and maintained in the natural cycle by Culex mosquitoes and primarily affects birds, particularly Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula), leading to significant mortality. Several studies have reported a high co-infection rate of European birds with both USUV and haemosporidians. Haemosporidians are blood parasites which maintain an enzootic life cycle with birds via different arthropod vectors. This study conducted screenings of birds from Germany received through a citizen's science project for both, USUV and haemosporidians between 2016 and 2021. The prevalence of USUV reached its peak in 2018, when it was first detected throughout most parts of Germany rather than being limited to localised hotspots. Subsequently, USUV prevalence consistently declined. On the other hand, the prevalence of haemosporidians initially declined between 2016 and 2019, but experienced a subsequent increase in the following years, exhibiting a more or less inverse pattern compared to the prevalence of USUV. In 2020, a statistically significant positive association between both pathogens was found, which was also detected across all years combined, indicating if at all a weak relationship between these pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Hattendorf
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bosch
- Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Charlottenplatz 17, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- Institute for Dipterology, Georg-Peter-Süß-Straße 3, 67346 Speyer, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars Lachmann
- Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Charitéstraße 3, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Universität Hamburg, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Mittelweg 177, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Heitmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wiegmann A, Springer A, Ottensmann M, Rinaud T, Krüger O, Strube C, Chakarov N. Insights from common buzzard broods on the interaction between Leucocytozoon infection, watercourse habitats and simuliid blackfly vectors. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 25:100978. [PMID: 39263426 PMCID: PMC11389542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100978] [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: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon commonly infect many bird species worldwide and are particularly prevalent in birds of prey. As a vector-borne parasitic disease, the infection occurrence overlaps with that of the dominant vectors: blackflies (Diptera, Simuliidae). These blood-sucking insects are dependent on habitats with flowing freshwaters for the development of their larval stages. We investigated the correlation between the proximity to flowing waters and Leucocytozoon infection probability in common buzzard (Buteo buteo) broods, as well as the occurrence of adult blackflies directly at the nests. In addition, we investigated the survival of captured simuliids in relation to host infection intensity. In total in 2019, we examined 112 different nests, including 297 common buzzard nestlings, with a Leucocytozoon prevalence of 56.6% among the nestlings and of 80.3% at brood level. We found no significant association of Leucocytozoon infection probability with nestling age, the distance to the nearest stream and the sum of the length of streams within a radius of 200 and 1000 m around each nest. The number of blackflies caught around the nest showed a tentative correlation with the probability of Leucocyozoon infection of the nestlings. Among the subsample of 218 blackfly individuals that survived day one after capture, survival averaged 6.2 days. Our results suggest that Leucocytozoon transmission is complex and requires consideration of many factors, related to habitat and vector prevalence, especially given their temporal variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wiegmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meinolf Ottensmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tony Rinaud
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
- Joint Institute for Individualisation in a Changing Environment (JICE), University of Münster and Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Neumann AE, Suarez-Rubio M, Renner SC. Haemosporidian intensity and nestlings' life-history along an urban-to-rural gradient. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17018. [PMID: 39043828 PMCID: PMC11266576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67824-x] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban areas, i.e. dense housing and reduced green spaces, can significantly impact avian health, through altering land use and increasing biotic and abiotic stress. This study assessed the association of urbanization on haemosporidian infections, vectors, immune response, and body condition in Parus major nestlings, across four classes of urbanization along an urban-to-rural gradient in Vienna, Austria. Contrary to our expectations, vector abundance remained consistent across the gradient, while an increase in leukocyte count is positively associated with total parasite intensity. We found that nestlings in more urbanized areas exhibited higher parasite intensity and altered immune response, as evidenced by variations in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and leukocyte counts. Culicidae female vectors were associated with nestlings' total parasites, scaled mass index, and industrial units. Nestlings in highly developed areas had higher infection rates than those in forests, suggesting increased exposure to infections. However, there was no clear relationship between total female vectors and total parasites. The level of urbanization negatively affected nestling body condition, with a decrease in fat deposits from forested to highly urbanized areas. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between urbanization, vector-borne parasite transmission, and host immune response, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning to improve wildlife health and guarantee ecosystem functioning. Understanding how urbanization affects bird immunity and parasite infections is critical for adapting urban landscapes for wildlife health and ecosystem integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid E Neumann
- Urban Productive Ecosystems, Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Hans Carl-von-Carlowitz Platz 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, BOKU University, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33/I, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Suarez-Rubio
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, BOKU University, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33/I, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Swen C Renner
- Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1080, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan WL, Sun HT, Zhao YC, Hou XW, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Elsheikha HM, Ni HB. Global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105136. [PMID: 38183894 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105136] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium infection transmitted to birds by mosquitoes. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the global prevalence of malaria and risk factors associated with infection in wild birds. A systematic search of the databases CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, and ScienceDirect was performed from database inception to 24 February 2023. The search identified 3181 retrieved articles, of which 52 articles met predetermined inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The estimated pooled global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds was 16%. Sub-group analysis showed that the highest prevalence was associated with adult birds, migrant birds, North America, tropical rainforest climate, birds captured by mist nets, detection of infection by microscopy, medium quality studies, and studies published after 2016. Our study highlights the need for more understanding of Plasmodium prevalence in wild birds and identifying risk factors associated with infection to inform future infection control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China; College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang 130600, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - He-Ting Sun
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yi-Chen Zhao
- Academy of Forestry Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100714, PR China
| | - Xin-Wen Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang 130600, Jilin Province, PR China.
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gutiérrez-Galán A, Martínez-Fernández V. Low parasite infestations in high densities: The paradox of woodpigeons in urban areas. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:127-132. [PMID: 36690291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.11.008] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The type of habitat occupied by avian populations has a marked effect on the parasitises they host. The growth of cities and urban areas in recent decades has favoured some species of birds adapted to these types of habitats - urban exploiters - although the effects of urbanisation on the parasitism of wildlife are not always well known. This study compares the ectoparasites characteristic of two differentiated populations of woodpigeons, one located in a predominantly urban environment and the other in a rural one. Most of the species found were chewing lice, with Columbicola claviformis and Campanulotes bidentatus being dominant. Despite the higher density of the urban population, woodpigeon individuals were characterised by a lower abundance of chewing lice, as well as the presence of ectoparasites typical of feral pigeons such as Hohorstiella lata and the hippoboscids fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis. Similarly, birds with lower weights showed a higher parasitic load, which became more noticeable in urban woodpigeons. The lower ectoparasite load of urban hosts represents a health advantage compared with rural populations, which could be one of the causes of greater growth and reproductive success in urban populations of woodpigeons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gutiérrez-Galán
- Dirección General de Biodiversidad y Recursos Naturales, Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Vivienda y Agricultura, Comunidad de Madrid, Alcalá 16, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Vanesa Martínez-Fernández
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, ETSI Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Jose Antonio Nováis 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Epidemiology of protozoan and helminthic parasites in wild passerine birds of Britain and Ireland. Parasitology 2023; 150:297-310. [PMID: 36597822 PMCID: PMC10090598 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Avian endoparasites play important roles in conservation, biodiversity and host evolution. Currently, little is known about the epidemiology of intestinal helminths and protozoans infecting wild birds of Britain and Ireland. This study aimed to determine the rates of parasite prevalence, abundance and infection intensity in wild passerines. Fecal samples (n = 755) from 18 bird families were collected from 13 sites across England, Wales and Ireland from March 2020 to June 2021. A conventional sodium nitrate flotation method allowed morphological identification and abundance estimation of eggs/oocysts. Associations with host family and age were examined alongside spatiotemporal and ecological factors using Bayesian phylogenetically controlled models. Parasites were detected in 20.0% of samples, with corvids and finches having the highest prevalences and intensities, respectively. Syngamus (33%) and Isospora (32%) were the most prevalent genera observed. Parasite prevalence and abundance differed amongst avian families and seasons, while infection intensity varied between families and regions. Prevalence was affected by diet diversity, while abundance differed by host age and habitat diversity. Infection intensity was higher in birds using a wider range of habitats, and doubled in areas with feeders present. The elucidation of these patterns will increase the understanding of parasite fauna in British and Irish birds.
Collapse
|
7
|
Robles-Fernández ÁL, Santiago-Alarcon D, Lira-Noriega A. Wildlife susceptibility to infectious diseases at global scales. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122851119. [PMID: 35994656 PMCID: PMC9436312 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122851119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease transmission prediction across wildlife is crucial for risk assessment of emerging infectious diseases. Susceptibility of host species to pathogens is influenced by the geographic, environmental, and phylogenetic context of the specific system under study. We used machine learning to analyze how such variables influence pathogen incidence for multihost pathogen assemblages, including one of direct transmission (coronaviruses and bats) and two vector-borne systems (West Nile Virus [WNV] and birds, and malaria and birds). Here we show that this methodology is able to provide reliable global spatial susceptibility predictions for the studied host-pathogen systems, even when using a small amount of incidence information (i.e., [Formula: see text] of information in a database). We found that avian malaria was mostly affected by environmental factors and by an interaction between phylogeny and geography, and WNV susceptibility was mostly influenced by phylogeny and by the interaction between geographic and environmental distances, whereas coronavirus susceptibility was mostly affected by geography. This approach will help to direct surveillance and field efforts providing cost-effective decisions on where to invest limited resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel L. Robles-Fernández
- Facultad de Física, Universidad Veracruzana, 91000 Xalapa, México
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281
| | | | - Andrés Lira-Noriega
- Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., 91073 Xalapa, México
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Roldán-Zurabián F, José Ruiz-López M, de la Puente JM, Figuerola J, Drummond H, Ancona S. Apparent absence of avian malaria and malaria-like parasites in northern blue-footed boobies breeding on Isla Isabel. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6892. [PMID: 35477963 PMCID: PMC9046203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11075-1] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites are common in birds but are seldom reported in seabirds. The absence of vectors or genetic resistance to infection have been proposed to explain this pattern. However, screening of blood parasites in many seabirds has been done only by visual inspection of blood smears, which can miss low-intensity infections, and molecular detection of blood parasites must be supported by detection in blood smears to confirm the presence of haemosporidians and avoid false positive cases. Here, we tested for the presence of blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, combining inspection of blood smears and PCR-based detection methods in a highly philopatric colony of blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) in the Tropical North Pacific. Our results indicate that adults in this colony are likely free of these blood parasites, probably due to unsuitable conditions for insect vectors in booby breeding sites, although potential genetic resistance of blue-footed boobies to infection deserves examination. Apparent absence of blood parasites in Isla Isabel boobies indirectly adds to the growing evidence of variation in parasite infections among avian host species that coexist locally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Roldán-Zurabián
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico.,Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Mexico City, 09230, Mexico
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), 41092, Sevilla, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez de la Puente
- Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), 41092, Sevilla, Spain.,Ciber de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugh Drummond
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - Sergio Ancona
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vinagre‐Izquierdo C, Bodawatta KH, Chmel K, Renelies‐Hamilton J, Paul L, Munclinger P, Poulsen M, Jønsson KA. The drivers of avian-haemosporidian prevalence in tropical lowland forests of New Guinea in three dimensions. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8497. [PMID: 35222943 PMCID: PMC8844478 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemosporidians are among the most common parasites of birds and often negatively impact host fitness. A multitude of biotic and abiotic factors influence these associations, but the magnitude of these factors can differ by spatial scales (i.e., local, regional and global). Consequently, to better understand global and regional drivers of avian-haemosporidian associations, it is key to investigate these associations at smaller (local) spatial scales. Thus, here, we explore the effect of abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, forest structure, and anthropogenic disturbances) on haemosporidian prevalence and host-parasite networks on a horizontal spatial scale, comparing four fragmented forests and five localities within a continuous forest in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, we investigate if prevalence and host-parasite networks differ between the canopy and the understory (vertical stratification) in one forest patch. We found that the majority of Haemosporidian infections were caused by the genus Haemoproteus and that avian-haemosporidian networks were more specialized in continuous forests. At the community level, only forest greenness was negatively associated with Haemoproteus infections, while the effects of abiotic variables on parasite prevalence differed between bird species. Haemoproteus prevalence levels were significantly higher in the canopy, and an opposite trend was observed for Plasmodium. This implies that birds experience distinct parasite pressures depending on the stratum they inhabit, likely driven by vector community differences. These three-dimensional spatial analyses of avian-haemosporidians at horizontal and vertical scales suggest that the effect of abiotic variables on haemosporidian infections are species specific, so that factors influencing community-level infections are primarily driven by host community composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Vinagre‐Izquierdo
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Section for Ecology and EvolutionDepartment of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics GroupEstación Biológica de Doñana – CSICSevillaSpain
| | - Kasun H. Bodawatta
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kryštof Chmel
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of SciencesUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Biology CentreCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | | | - Luda Paul
- New Guinea Binatang Research CentreMadangPapua New Guinea
| | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and EvolutionDepartment of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Knud A. Jønsson
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Seasonal Dynamics and Diversity of Haemosporidians in a Natural Woodland Bird Community in Slovakia. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13090439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the ubiquity of disease seasonality, mechanisms behind the fluctuations in seasonal diseases are still poorly understood. Avian hemosporidiosis is increasingly used as a model for ecological and evolutionary studies on disease dynamics, but the results are complex, depending on the focus (hosts, parasites, vectors) and scale (individuals, community, populations) of the study. Here, we examine the local diversity of haemosporidian parasites and the seasonal patterns of infections, parasite richness, and diversity in a natural woodland bird community in Slovakia. In 35 avian species, we detected 111, including 19 novel, haemosporidian cytochrome b lineages. The highest numbers of lineages were detected during spring and autumn, corresponding with higher avian species richness and infection prevalence in the avian community during these periods of time. Nevertheless, the haemosporidian community in the local breeders in summer was relatively stable, Haemoproteus lineages dominated in the local avian haemosporidian community, and only few parasite lineages were abundant within each genus. While prevailing Leucocytozoon infections in spring suggest that the majority of sampled birds wintered in the Mediterranean region, Plasmodium infections in spring can be due to relapses in reproductively active short-distance migrants. Multiple haemosporidian infections, both intra- and inter-generic ones, were common in the local avian community. Infection intensity peaked during summer and tended to be higher in older birds, pointing to the role of supressed immunity in reproductively active birds.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiménez-Peñuela J, Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer RC, Figuerola J. Urbanization effects on temporal variations of avian haemosporidian infections. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111234. [PMID: 34019890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization is an important human-driven process that leads to biodiversity loss and alters the interactions between organisms, including disease transmission. Although urbanization affects both host and vector communities, the effects on vector-borne pathogens are still poorly understood. Here, we monitored variation in prevalence and richness of three common blood parasites in birds (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) from localities with different land uses (urban, rural and natural) during two consecutive years (2013 and 2014). Overall, 1400 juvenile house sparrows (Passer domesticus) from 15 localities in southern Spain were included in this study. Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon prevalence was higher in 2013 than in 2014, particularly in urban and natural habitats for the case of Leucocytozoon. Prevalence was correlated between years for Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, independently of the habitat. Additionally, rural habitats harboured significantly higher Haemoproteus lineage richness compared to urban and natural habitats during 2014. Leucocytozoon lineage richness was negatively correlated between years in rural habitats but positively correlated in urban and natural habitats in comparison. Parasite lineages found in birds were homogeneously distributed along habitats and years and the common lineages prevalence were not influenced by them. Our results highlight different patterns of infection depending on the parasite genera probably related to the composition and density of vector communities. The specific reproductive environmental requirements of the different groups of vectors involved in the transmission may be affected by climatic conditions and landscape features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098XH, the Netherlands.
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, E-41092, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, E-41092, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, E-41092, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Doussang D, Sallaberry-Pincheira N, Cabanne GS, Lijtmaer DA, González-Acuña D, Vianna JA. Specialist versus generalist parasites: the interactions between host diversity, environment and geographic barriers in avian malaria. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:899-911. [PMID: 34044005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The specialist versus generalist strategies of hemoparasites in relation to their avian host, as well as environmental factors, can influence their prevalence, diversity and distribution. In this paper we investigated the influence of avian host species, as well as the environmental and geographical factors, on the strategies of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium hemoparasites. We determined prevalence and diversity by targeting their cytochrome b (Cytb) in a total of 2,590 passerine samples from 138 localities of Central and South America, and analysed biogeographic patterns and host-parasite relationships. We found a total prevalence of 23.2%. Haemoproteus presented a higher prevalence (15.3%) than Plasmodium (4.3%), as well as a higher diversity and host specificity. We determined that Plasmodium and Haemoproteus prevalences correlated positively with host diversity (Shannon index) and were significantly influenced by bird diversity, demonstrating a possible "amplification effect". We found an effect of locality and the avian family for prevalences of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium. These results suggest that Haemoproteus is more specialist than Plasmodium and could be mostly influenced by its avian host and the Andes Mountains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Doussang
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 537, Chillán, Chile; Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
| | | | - Gustavo S Cabanne
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío A Lijtmaer
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - Juliana A Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Código Postal, 6904411, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rodríguez-Hernández K, Álvarez-Mendizábal P, Chapa-Vargas L, Escobar F, González-García F, Santiago-Alarcon D. Haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation in relation to avian assemblage life history traits at different elevations. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:365-378. [PMID: 33454363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of vector-borne protozoa such as parasites of the Order Haemosporida is dependent on both biotic and abiotic factors such as host life history traits and environmental conditions. This study aimed to identify the variables that determine haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation within the context of elevation and avian life history traits in Central Veracruz, Mexico. We sampled 607 birds from 88 species; we used microscopy and the mtDNA cytochrome b gene to detect parasites. We found an overall prevalence of 32.3%. Haemosporidian prevalence was 21.6% in tropical sub-deciduous forest (at sea level), 38% in tropical deciduous forest (265 m above sea level (asl)), 19.4% in montane cloud forest (1630 m asl), and 51.7% in pine-oak forest (2790 m asl). The prevalence of each parasite genus was strongly influenced by elevation (a proxy of habitat type). Plasmodium showed the highest prevalence at low elevation. Haemoproteus increased in prevalence with elevation. Leucocytozoon displayed the highest prevalence at the highest elevation (pine-oak forest). Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. prevalences were higher in open cup than in closed nests. Haemoproteus prevalence and haemosporidian parasitaemia were lower in solitary birds than birds with pairing and gregarious behavior. Haemosporidian aggregation decreased with elevation, yielding the significantly lowest values at the pine-oak forest. Elevation distribution patterns of prevalence for each genus were similar to those previously reported in other geographical areas (e.g., South America, Europe).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rodríguez-Hernández
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Paulina Álvarez-Mendizábal
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Chapa-Vargas
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A. C., Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Colonia Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Federico Escobar
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Fernando González-García
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hernández-Lara C, Carbó-Ramírez P, Santiago-Alarcon D. Effects of land use change (rural-urban) on the diversity and epizootiological parameters of avian Haemosporida in a widespread neotropical bird. Acta Trop 2020; 209:105542. [PMID: 32470331 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transformation of natural environments for livestock, agriculture and human settlements modifies the diversity of organisms, usually decreasing in highly disturbed land uses. Like their hosts, parasites have to adapt to novel human impacted landscapes, in which the abiotic and biotic conditions are radically different from those of conserved natural environments. We evaluated the diversity (alpha and beta taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity) of haemosporidians (mtDNA cyt b lineages) in the common chlorospingus (Chlorospingus flavopectus) at five land use types. We further analyzed the response of prevalence, parasitaemia and parasite aggregation to land use types and seasonality. Parasite lineage richness (i.e., haplotypes) and abundance (no. infected hosts) decreased with disturbance. Parasite assemblages were commonly dominated by either one of two lineages, one dominant in the urban greenspace (pBAEBIC02) and the other dominant in well-preserved mountain cloud forest (hCHLFLA01). Beta diversity was mainly explained by lineage turnover. Phylo beta diversity was low (i.e., lineages are closely related). Overall prevalence increased in wet season that coincides with host's breeding season. Haemoproteus and Plasmodium prevalence presented the opposite response to urbanization (negative and positive, respectively). Parasitaemia presented similar values across land uses for both genera and seasons, while Plasmodium aggregation decreased with urbanization. Thus, some parasite lineages (pBAEBIC02) will benefit from the urbanization process, while others will entirely disappear from cities (hCHLFLA01).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Lara
- Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya. Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Pilar Carbó-Ramírez
- Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya. Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya. Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
van Hoesel W, Santiago-Alarcon D, Marzal A, Renner SC. Effects of forest structure on the interaction between avian hosts, dipteran vectors and haemosporidian parasites. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:47. [PMID: 32814584 PMCID: PMC7437053 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forest habitats are important biodiversity refuges for a wide variety of bird species. Parasitism may modulate host species presence and abundance, and parasite effects can change according to forest management practices. Such processes are not well studied in vector-borne avian haemosporidians. We analyzed the effects of forest management on bird-dipteran-haemosporidian interactions, using seven common bird species in managed and unmanaged beech forest habitats in northeastern Germany. We assumed that forest structural heterogeneity affects parasite population parameters in avian hosts (i.e., prevalence and parasitemia), through its effect on the condition of the avian host but also through varying vector abundances. Results Parasite prevalence was high (about 80%) and homogeneous across different beech forest categories (i.e., young, old, unmanaged) and for all bird species, except Erithacus rubecula (35%). Parasitemia varied across bird species but not across forest categories within each avian species (lowest parasitemia were found in E. rubecula, Turdus merula, and Turdus philomelos). In our study system, we found that vector abundance was not the main driver of parasite dynamics. We found that forest structure affects parasite infection probability directly and potentially host condition via available resources that have to be used either to combat infections (i.e., high parasitemia) or to maintain a good body condition. Conclusions The effects of each of the predictors were bird species-specific, and we found that Diptera vectors were not the foremost influence in our host-vector-parasite system. Effects of forest habitat variables indicated that for most bird species in this study, habitat regulation of infection probability was more likely (i.e., E. rubecula, Fringilla coelebs, Sylvia atricapilla), whereas for Parus major habitat characteristics impacted first individuals' body condition and subsequently the probability of infection. Our findings emphasize the need of species-specific analyses and to use continuous forest structural parameters (e.g., the proportion of gap, south facing aspect) to better understand habitat and land use effects on host-vector-parasite dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem van Hoesel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Instituto de Ecología, Red de Biología Y Conservación de Vertebrados, Coatepec 351 El Haya, 91070, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Swen C Renner
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria.,Ornithology, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burggasse 7, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Chagas CRF, Bernotienė R, Iezhova TA. Molecular characterization of swallow haemoproteids, with description of one new Haemoproteus species. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105486. [PMID: 32330450 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are cosmopolitan bird blood parasites, which often cause relatively benign infections in adapted avian hosts, but severe and even lethal haemoproteosis might develop due to internal organ damage if these pathogens inhabit non-adapted (wrong) hosts. Haemoproteids of swallows (Hirundinidae) remain fragmentarily investigated, with only two haemoproteid species reported in this bird family, which members are cosmopolitan, diverse and inhabit various terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in tropical countries. This study describes and provides molecular characterization of Haemoproteus parahirundinis n. sp. (cytochrome b lineage hHIRUS05), parasite of the most broadly distributed swallow, the Barn swallow Hirundo rustica. Gametocytes, gametes and ookinetes of the new species were examined and compared with other haemoproteids described in swallows. The phylogenetic analysis indicated the existence of a largely undescribed Haemoproteus species diversity in birds of the Hirundinidae and also suggests that all lineages of haemoproteids reported in swallows are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, but not louse flies of the Hippoboscidae, which often inhabit their nests. The biting midges should be the first targets in vectors research of swallow haemoproteids. This study indicates existence of Haemoproteus species, which are readily distinct based on morphological characters of their blood and sporogonic stages, but differ only negligently in partial cytochrome b sequences, the main markers broadly used in molecular characterization of haemoproteids. That calls for further taxonomic research on haemoproteid in swallows, many species of which are endangered or even threatened with extinction because of habitat degradation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Molecular characterization of six widespread avian haemoproteids, with description of three new Haemoproteus species. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105051. [PMID: 31181190 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Species of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are widespread and often prevalent blood parasites of birds all over the word. They are particularly diverse in tropical countries. Due to limited knowledge of life cycles, these pathogens usually have been considered relatively benign and were neglected in veterinary medicine and bird management. However, recent molecular studies provided evidence that Haemoproteus parasites might cause severe diseases if they infect non-adapted (wrong) avian hosts due to marked damage of organs by exo-erythrocytic stages (megalomeronts). Additionally, high Haemoproteus infections are lethal to blood-sucking insects. Molecular markers are essential for reliable detection and species identification both at tissue stages in vertebrates and sporogonic stages in arthropods however, remain insufficiently developed for wildlife haemosporidian parasites. This study combined PCR-based and microscopic approaches and reported cytochrome b gene (cytb) and apicoplast gene (clpc) markers for characterization of six widespread species of haemoproteids parasitizing common birds wintering in tropics and subtropics of the Old World. Three new Haemoproteus species were described using morphological and molecular markers. Molecular characterization of haemoproteids parasitizing falcons was developed. Morphological and phylogenetic characterization of Haemoproteus tinnunculi (cytb lineage hFALSUB01), H. brachiatus (hLK03), H. parabelopolskyi (hSYAT1), H. homogeneae n. sp. (hSYAT16), H. homopicae n. sp. (hGAGLA07) and H. homominutus n. sp. (hCUKI1) was performed and provides clues for infections diagnostics. This study adds three species to the group of morphologically readily distinct Haemoproteus parasites, which differ in few base pairs (< 1%) in their partial cytb sequences, indicating that low genetic difference in such sequences often show between-species divergence and should be carefully applied in taxonomic biodiversity studies of haemosporidian parasites. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis identified the position of detected lineages in regard of other Haemoproteus species, suggesting that all reported parasites belong to subgenus Parahaemoproteus and likely are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. Importance of clpc gene sequences was specified in haemosporidian parasite taxonomy on species levels.
Collapse
|
18
|
van Hoesel W, Marzal A, Magallanes S, Santiago-Alarcon D, Ibáñez-Bernal S, Renner SC. Management of ecosystems alters vector dynamics and haemosporidian infections. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8779. [PMID: 31217486 PMCID: PMC6584559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of insect vectors is a key prerequisite for transmission of vector-borne disease such as avian haemosporidians. In general, the effects of land use change on Diptera vectors are not well studied; the response of vectors to forest management depends on vector species, as has been shown previously for the birds. We tested if abundance of insects from different Diptera families and haemosporidian infection are affected through alteration of habitat structural variables (measured by LiDAR) and forest management intensities. We identified higher large-scale variation of female insect abundance in northeastern than in southwestern Germany. Unmanaged forest stands had higher Diptera insect abundances. We found that abundance of female Diptera increased with the amount of forest gaps but decreased in forest plots with more south facing aspect, higher habitat structural heterogeneity, temperature and humidity. We found that haemosporidian infections in Diptera insects increased with increased management intensity and more canopy structural diversity (e.g., amount of edge habitat), but decreased with a denser shrub layer, deeper leaf litter and higher humidity (characteristics for unmanaged forest stands). Although higher forest management intensity decreased vector abundance, the haemosporidian infections in the vectors increased, indicating a significant effect of forest management on disease dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem van Hoesel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1880, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Sergio Ibáñez-Bernal
- Red de Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Swen C Renner
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1880, Vienna, Austria.
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Center, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.
| |
Collapse
|