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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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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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Chagas CRF, Binkienė R, Valkiūnas G. Description and Molecular Characterization of Two Species of Avian Blood Parasites, with Remarks on Circadian Rhythms of Avian Haematozoa Infections. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3490. [PMID: 34944267 PMCID: PMC8698112 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123490] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian blood parasites are remarkably diverse and frequently occur in co-infections, which predominate in wildlife. This makes wildlife pathogen research challenging, particularly if they belong to closely related groups, resulting in diagnostic problems and poor knowledge about such infections as well as the patterns of their co-occurrence and interactions. This is particularly true due to the periodicity (circadian rhythms) of parasitemia, which means that different parasitemia and parasite stages might be found throughout the day. We analysed blood samples from a Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and a Song thrush (Turdus philomelos). This study aimed to describe a new avian Lankesterella species and molecularly characterize and redescribe Splendidofilaria mavis, a common avian filarioid nematode. Additionally, it was possible to investigate the circadian rhythms of the avian blood parasites belonging to Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma, which occurred in co-infection in the same avian host individuals. Different circadian rhythms were seen in different parasites, with Plasmodium sp. peaks occurring at midday, Leucocytozoon spp. peaks mainly during the evening and night, and Trypanosoma spp. and microfilariae peaks at midnight. No periodicity was seen in Haemoproteus and Lankesterella species infections. The time of parasitemia peaks most likely coincides with the time of vectors' activity, and this should be beneficial for transmission. Knowledge about the circadian rhythms is needed for better understanding patterns in host-parasite interactions and disease transmission.
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Guimarães LDO, Simões RF, Chagas CRF, de Menezes RMT, Silva FS, Monteiro EF, Holcman MM, Bajay MM, Pinter A, de Camargo-Neves VLF, Kirchgatter K. Assessing Diversity, Plasmodium Infection and Blood Meal Sources in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from a Brazilian Zoological Park with Avian Malaria Transmission. INSECTS 2021; 12:215. [PMID: 33802320 PMCID: PMC7999885 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites are widespread parasites transmitted by Culicidae insects belonging to different genera. Even though several studies have been conducted recently, there is still a lack of information about potential vectors of Plasmodium parasites, especially in Neotropical regions. Former studies with free-living and captive animals in São Paulo Zoo showed the presence of several Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted at the zoo to collect mosquitoes in order to find out (i) which species of Culicidae are present in the study area, (ii) what are their blood meal sources, and (iii) to which Plasmodium species might they be potential vectors. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meal source and haemosporidian DNA were identified using molecular protocols. A total of 25 Culicidae species were identified, and 6 of them were positive for Plasmodium/Haemoproteus DNA. Ten mosquito species had their source of blood meal identified, which were mainly birds, including some species that were positive for haemosporidian parasites in the former study mentioned. This study allowed us to expand the list of potential vectors of avian malaria parasites and to improve our knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the highly diverse communities of birds, parasites, and vectors present at São Paulo Zoo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Roseli França Simões
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas
- Nature Research Centre, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Applied Research Department, Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | - Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Fabiana Santos Silva
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Eliana Ferreira Monteiro
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Marcia Moreira Holcman
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | | | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
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Platonova E, Aželytė J, Iezhova T, Ilgūnas M, Mukhin A, Palinauskas V. Experimental study of newly described avian malaria parasite Plasmodium (Novyella) collidatum n. sp., genetic lineage pFANTAIL01 obtained from South Asian migrant bird. Malar J 2021; 20:82. [PMID: 33568162 PMCID: PMC7874632 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian malaria parasites are microorganisms parasitizing erythrocytes and various tissues of the birds; they are common and distributed worldwide. These parasites are known to infect birds of different taxa and be the cause of the deaths of birds in the wild and in captivity. The species of parasites with the ability to colonize new territories and infect local non-migratory birds are of particular interest. This scenario is likely in temperate zones of Europe, because of climate change and its contribution in spreading vectors of southern origin, which can be involved in the transmission of malaria parasites. In the present study, a tropical Plasmodium parasite from a naturally infected long-distance migrant bird was isolated and tested for its ability to develop in common species of mosquitoes and European short-distance migrant birds. Methods Plasmodium sp. (pFANTAIL01) was isolated on the Curonian spit of the Baltic sea coast from the naturally infected Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus in June 2019. The parasite was described based on the morphological features of its blood stages, the partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and development after experimental infection of birds and mosquitoes. The parasite was inoculated into Eurasian siskins, Carduelis spinus. Parasitaemia, haematocrit and weight of birds were monitored. At the end of the survey, internal organs were collected to study exoerythrocytic stages of this parasite. Experimental infection of mosquitoes Culex pipiens form molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus was applied to study sporogonic development of the parasite. Results Based on morphological features, the parasite was described as a new species, Plasmodium collidatum n. sp., and attributed to subgenus Novyella. It was revealed that the obtained pFANTAIL01 lineage is a generalist parasite infecting a wide range of avian hosts and most likely is transmitted in South and Southeast (SE) Asia and Oceania. In Europe, this strain was recorded only in adult migratory birds wintering in South Asia. This parasite developed high parasitaemia in experimentally infected siskins and caused 25 % mortality. Exoerythrocytic stages of pFANTAIL01 were found in the lungs, liver, spleen and kidney of the deceased birds. Sporogonic development did not occur in Cx. pipiens form molestus and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Conclusions Plasmodium collidatum is a highly virulent for Eurasian siskin and completes its development in these birds, which can be considered as a potential vertebrate host if the transmission of the infection starts occurring in Europe and temperate zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Platonova
- Biological Station Rybachy of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad Region, 238535, Rybachy, Russia. .,Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania.
| | - Justė Aželytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Andrey Mukhin
- Biological Station Rybachy of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad Region, 238535, Rybachy, Russia
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Anjos CC, Chagas CRF, Fecchio A, Schunck F, Costa-Nascimento MJ, Monteiro EF, Mathias BS, Bell JA, Guimarães LO, Comiche KJM, Valkiūnas G, Kirchgatter K. Avian Malaria and Related Parasites from Resident and Migratory Birds in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with Description of a New Haemoproteus Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:103. [PMID: 33494428 PMCID: PMC7912314 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the prevalence and local transmission dynamics of parasitic organisms are necessary to understand the ability of parasites to persist in host populations and disperse across regions, yet local transmission dynamics, diversity, and distribution of haemosporidian parasites remain poorly understood. We studied the prevalence, diversity, and distributions of avian haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon among resident and migratory birds in Serra do Mar, Brazil. Using 399 blood samples from 66 Atlantic Forest bird species, we determined the prevalence and molecular diversity of these pathogens across avian host species and described a new species of Haemoproteus. Our molecular and morphological study also revealed that migratory species were infected more than residents. However, vector infective stages (gametocytes) of Leucocytozoon spp., the most prevalent parasites found in the most abundant migrating host species in Serra do Mar (Elaenia albiceps), were not seen in blood films of local birds suggesting that this long-distance Austral migrant can disperse Leucocytozoon parasite lineages from Patagonia to the Atlantic Forest, but lineage sharing among resident species and local transmission cannot occur in this part of Brazil. Our study demonstrates that migratory species may harbor a higher diversity and prevalence of parasites than resident species, but transportation of some parasites by migratory hosts may not always affect local transmission.
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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 05403-000, SP, Brazil; (C.C.A.); (E.F.M.); (B.S.M.); (K.J.M.C.)
| | | | - Alan Fecchio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil;
| | - Fabio Schunck
- Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos—CBRO, São Paulo 04785-040, SP, Brazil;
| | - Maria J. Costa-Nascimento
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Eliana F. Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil; (C.C.A.); (E.F.M.); (B.S.M.); (K.J.M.C.)
| | - Bruno S. Mathias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil; (C.C.A.); (E.F.M.); (B.S.M.); (K.J.M.C.)
| | - 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, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo 01027-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Kiba J. M. Comiche
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil; (C.C.A.); (E.F.M.); (B.S.M.); (K.J.M.C.)
| | | | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil; (C.C.A.); (E.F.M.); (B.S.M.); (K.J.M.C.)
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo 01027-000, SP, Brazil;
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Morel AP, Webster A, Prusch F, Anicet M, Marsicano G, Trainini G, Stocker J, Giani D, Bandarra PM, da Rocha MIS, Zitelli LC, Umeno KA, Souza UA, Dall'Agnol B, Reck J. Molecular detection and phylogenetic relationship of Haemosporida parasites in free-ranging wild raptors from Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 23:100521. [PMID: 33678376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The order Haemosporida is widely distributed parasitizing members of the Aves class. In birds of prey, infection with Plasmodium spp. parasites varies from an apathogenic form to a clinical syndrome. However, studies on Haemosporida in raptors from the neotropical region are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate natural infection by Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in free-ranging wild raptors from southern Brazil. For this, we sampled 206 individuals of 21 species: 94 live-trapped Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus) and 112 raptors from other species that were brought to rehabilitation centers. The presence of infection was investigated using a nested-PCR for Haemosporida performed on blood samples. Overall, 56 out of 206 birds were positive for Plasmodium spp./Haemoproteus spp. Twenty-two percent (21/94) of the C. plancus samples were positive. Of the 112 wild raptors rescued, 31% (35/112) of those belonging to 15 other species tested positive. No sample was positive for Leucocytozoon spp. Herein, we demonstrated nine lineages of Haemosporidian parasites (eight Plasmodium sp. and one Haemoproteus sp.) in free-living species of Brazilian birds of prey, being six of them potential novel lineages. It suggests that information currently available on South-American haemosporidian from these birds greatly underestimate the potential lineage diversity in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Morel
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Anelise Webster
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Prusch
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marina Anicet
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gleide Marsicano
- Clinica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos, Marechal José Inácio da Silva, 404 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Trainini
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Julian Stocker
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Denise Giani
- Hayabusa Consultoria Ambiental, Estrada da Carapina, 1001 São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paulo Mota Bandarra
- Núcleo de Rabilitação de Fauna Silvestre-NURFS, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Caló Zitelli
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Karen Akemi Umeno
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ugo Araújo Souza
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dall'Agnol
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Centro de Pequisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000 Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Oliveira L, Dias RJP, Rossi MF, D'Agosto M, Santos HA. Molecular diversity and coalescent species delimitation of avian haemosporidian parasites in an endemic bird species of South America. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4033-4047. [PMID: 33030600 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06908-9] [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: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp. are blood parasites that occur in birds worldwide. Identifying the species within this group is complex, especially in wild birds that present low parasitemia when captured, making morphological identification very difficult. Thus, the use of alternative tools to identify species may be useful in the elucidation of the distribution of parasites that circulate in bird populations. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and parasitemia of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in Tachyphonus coronatus in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, and to evaluate the molecular diversity, geographic distribution, and specificity of these parasites based on coalescent species delimitation methods. Microscopic analysis, PCR, cyt b gene sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and coalescent species delimitation using single-locus algorithms were performed (Poisson tree process (PTP) and multi-rate Poisson tree process (MPTP) methods). The analyses were performed in 117 avian host individuals. The prevalence was 55.5% for Plasmodium and 1.7% for Haemoproteus, with a mean parasitemia of 0.06%. Twenty-five Plasmodium and two Haemoproteus lineages were recovered. The MPTP method recovered seven different evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Plasmodium and one of Haemoproteus, whereas PTP presented fourteen ESUs of Plasmodium and one of Haemoproteus. The MPTP was more consistent with current taxonomy, while PTP overestimated the number of lineages. These ESUs are widely distributed and have already been found in 22 orders of birds that, all together, inhabit every continent, except Antarctica. The computational methods of species delimitation proved to be effective in cases where the classification of Haemosporida based just on morphology is insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Oliveira
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias
- Department of Zoology (LabProto), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.,Laboratory of Protozoology (LabProto), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana F Rossi
- Department of Zoology (LabProto), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. .,Laboratory of Protozoology (LabProto), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
| | - Marta D'Agosto
- Department of Zoology (LabProto), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson A Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
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Evolutionary ecology, taxonomy, and systematics of avian malaria and related parasites. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105364. [PMID: 32007445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus are one of the most prevalent and widely studied groups of parasites infecting birds. Plasmodium is the most well-known haemosporidian as the avian parasite Plasmodium relictum was the original transmission model for human malaria and was also responsible for catastrophic effects on native avifauna when introduced to Hawaii. The past two decades have seen a dramatic increase in research on avian haemosporidian parasites as a model system to understand evolutionary and ecological parasite-host relationships. Despite haemosporidians being one the best studied groups of avian parasites their specialization among avian hosts and variation in prevalence amongst regions and host taxa are not fully understood. In this review we focus on describing the current phylogenetic and morphological diversity of haemosporidian parasites, their specificity among avian and vector hosts, and identifying the determinants of haemosporidian prevalence among avian species. We also discuss how these parasites might spread across regions due to global climate change and the importance of avian migratory behavior in parasite dispersion and subsequent diversification.
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Ilgūnas M, Bukauskaitė D, Palinauskas V, Iezhova T, Fragner K, Platonova E, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Patterns of Plasmodium homocircumflexum virulence in experimentally infected passerine birds. Malar J 2019; 18:174. [PMID: 31113429 PMCID: PMC6528185 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) are cosmopolitan and some species cause severe pathologies or even mortality in birds, yet their virulence remains fragmentally investigated. Understanding mechanisms and patterns of virulence during avian Plasmodium infections is crucial as these pathogens can severely affect bird populations in the wild and cause mortality in captive individuals. The goal of this study was to investigate the pathologies caused by the recently discovered malaria parasite Plasmodium homocircumflexum (lineage pCOLL4) in four species of European passeriform birds. METHODS One cryopreserved P. homocircumflexum strain was multiplied and used for experimental infections. House sparrows (Passer domesticus), common chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), common crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were exposed by subinoculation of infected blood. Experimental and control groups (8 individuals in each) were observed for over 1 month. Parasitaemia, haematocrit value and body mass were monitored. At the end of the experiment, samples of internal organs were collected and examined using histological and chromogenic in situ hybridization methods. RESULTS All exposed birds were susceptible, with similar average prepatent period and maximum parasitaemia, yet virulence was different in different bird species. Mortality due to malaria was reported in chaffinches, house sparrows and crossbills (7, 5 and 3 individuals died respectively), but not in starlings. Exoerythrocytic meronts (phanerozoites) were observed in the brain of all dead experimental birds. Blockage of blood vessels in the brain led to cerebral ischaemia, invariably causing brain damage, which is likely the main reason of mortality. Phanerozoites were observed in parenchymal organs, heart and muscles of all infected individuals, except starlings. CONCLUSION This study shows that P. homocircumflexum is generalist and the same lineage caused similar parasitaemia-related pathologies in different host species. Additionally, the mode of exo-erythrocytic development is different in different birds, resulting in different mortality rates. This should be taken into consideration in studies addressing pathology during avian malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | | | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karin Fragner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Platonova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Pacheco MA, García-Amado MA, Manzano J, Matta NE, Escalante AA. Blood parasites infecting the Hoatzin ( Opisthocomus hoazin), a unique neotropical folivorous bird. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6361. [PMID: 30740273 PMCID: PMC6368046 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is the only extant member of the order Opisthocomiformes. This unique South American bird lives in the riparian lowland vegetation characteristic of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Hoatzins nest in communal social units close to water bodies; they are strictly folivores being the only bird with pregastric fermentation in the crop. Because of the complex logistics involved in capturing this bird, there is a knowledge gap on its parasites. This study documents two distant lineages of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium spp.) in a juvenile and two adults sampled in the Cojedes state, Venezuela. Although negative by microscopy, the parasite identification was possible by using molecular methods. We estimated the phylogenetic relationships on the parasite cytochrome b (cytb, 480 bp) gene and the mitochondrial DNA. We found one of the parasites lineages in two individuals (nestling and adult), and the corresponding fragment of cytb was identical to a one found in Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) from Brazil. The other lineage, found in an adult, has an identity of 469 out of 478 bp (98%) with Plasmodium sp. GAL-2012 (isolate THAMB08) from Brazil. Although a morphological description of these parasites was not possible, this is the first molecular study focusing on Hoatzin haemosporidian parasites and the first documentation of Plasmodium infections in the Hoatzin from Venezuela. Furthermore, we reported microfilaria in two adults as well as hematological parameters for six individuals. Information on hematological parameters could contribute to establishing the necessary baseline to detect underlying conditions, such as infections, in this bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Department of Biology/Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - M Alexandra García-Amado
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Gastrointestinal, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Jaime Manzano
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización genética e Inmunología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Nubia E Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización genética e Inmunología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Department of Biology/Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Chagas CRF, Bukauskaitė D, Ilgūnas M, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G. A new blood parasite of leaf warblers: molecular characterization, phylogenetic relationships, description and identification of vectors. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:538. [PMID: 30286800 PMCID: PMC6172721 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 are cosmopolitan, might be responsible for mortality in non-adapted birds, and often kill blood-sucking insects. However, this group remains insufficiently investigated in the wild. This is particularly true for the parasites of leaf warblers of the Phylloscopidae Alström, Ericson, Olsson & Sundberg the common small Old World passerine birds whose haemoproteid parasite diversity and vectors remain poorly studied. This study reports a new species of Haemoproteus parasitizing leaf warblers, its susceptible vector and peculiar phylogenetic relationships with other haemoproteids. METHODS Wood warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix Bechstein) were caught in Lithuania during spring migration, and blood films were examined microscopically. Laboratory reared Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen were exposed experimentally by allowing them to take blood meals on one individual harbouring mature gametocytes of the new Haemoproteus species (lineage hPHSIB2). To follow sporogonic development, the engorged insects were dissected at intervals. The parasite lineage was distinguished using sequence data, and morphological analysis of blood and sporogonic stages was carried out. Bayesian phylogeny was constructed in order to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the new parasite with other haemoproteids. RESULTS Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) homopalloris n. sp. was common in wood warblers sampled after arrival to Europe from their wintering grounds in Africa. The new parasite belongs to a group of avian haemoproteid species with macrogametocytes possessing pale staining cytoplasm. All species of this group clustered together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that intensity of the cytoplasm staining is a valuable phylogenetic character. Laboratory-reared biting midges C. nubeculosus readily supported sporogony of new infections. Phylogenetic analysis corroborated vector experiments, placing the new parasite in the clade of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) parasites transmitted by biting midges. CONCLUSIONS Haemoproteus homopalloris n. sp. is the third haemoproteid, which is described from and is prevalent in wood warblers. Phylogenetic analysis identified a clade containing seven haemoproteids, which are characterised by pale staining of the macrogametocyte cytoplasm and with ookinetes maturing exceptionally rapidly (between 1 to 1.5 h after exposure to air). Both these features may represent valuable phylogenetic characters. Studies targeting mechanisms of sporogonic development of haemoproteids remain uncommon and should be encouraged. Culicoides nubeculosus is an excellent experimental vector of the new parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dovilė Bukauskaitė
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) are widespread in birds. These pathogens cause pathology of blood and various organs, often resulting in severe avian malaria. Numerous recent studies have reported DNA sequences of avian malaria parasites, indicating rich genetic diversity and the possible existence of many undescribed species. However, the majority of reported Plasmodium lineages remain unidentified to species level, and molecular characterization is unavailable for the majority of described Plasmodium parasites. During the past 15 years, numerous new Plasmodium species have been described. However, keys for their identification are unavailable or incomplete. Identification of avian malaria parasites remains a difficult task even for experts, and this precludes development of avian malariology, particularly in wildlife. Here, keys for avian malaria parasites have been developed as a baseline for assisting academic and veterinary medicine researchers in identification of these pathogens. The main obstacles and future research priorities have been defined in the taxonomy of avian Plasmodium species. METHODS The data were considered from published articles and type and voucher material, which was accessed in museums in Europe, the USA and Australia. Blood films containing various blood stages of the majority of described species were examined and used for the development of dichotomous keys for avian Plasmodium species. RESULTS In all, 164 published articles were included in this review. Blood stages of avian Plasmodium parasites belonging to subgenera Haemamoeba, Giovannolaia, Novyella, Bennettinia and Huffia were analysed and compared. Illustrated keys for identification of subgenera and species of these parasites were developed. Lists of invalid and synonymous Plasmodium parasite names as well as names of doubtful identity were composed. CONCLUSION This study shows that 55 described species of avian Plasmodium can be readily identified using morphological features of their blood stages. These were incorporated in the keys. Numerous synonymous names of Plasmodium species and also the names belonging to the category species inquirenda exist, and they can be used as reserves for future taxonomy studies. Molecular markers are unavailable for 58% of described Plasmodium parasites, raising a task for the current avian malaria researchers to fill up this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatjana A Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius 2100, Lithuania
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Smith JD, Gill SA, Baker KM, Vonhof MJ. Prevalence and diversity of avian Haemosporida infecting songbirds in southwest Michigan. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:471-489. [PMID: 29282527 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian blood parasites from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida) affect hosts in numerous ways. They influence species interactions, host behavior, reproductive success, and cause pathology and mortality in birds. The Great Lakes region of North America has extensive aquatic and wetland habitat and supports a diverse vector community. Here we describe the community of bird-infecting Haemosporida in southwest Michigan and their host associations by measuring parasite prevalence, diversity, and host breadth across a diverse community of avian hosts. Over 700 songbirds of 55 species were screened for Haemosporida infection across southwest Michigan, including 11 species that were targeted for larger sample sizes. In total, 71 parasite lineages infected over 40% of birds. Of these, 42 were novel, yet richness estimates suggest that approximately half of the actual parasite diversity in the host community was observed despite intensive sampling of multiple host species. Parasite prevalence varied among parasite genera (7-24%) and target host species (0-85%), and parasite diversity was consistently high across most target species. Host breadth varied widely across the most prevalent parasite lineages, and we detected around 60% of host species richness for these parasite lineages. We report many new lineages and novel host-parasite associations, but substantial parasite diversity remains undiscovered in the Midwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie D Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Sharon A Gill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Kathleen M Baker
- Department of Geography, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.,W.E. Upjohn Center for the Study of Geographical Change, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Maarten J Vonhof
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA. .,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
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15
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Coker SM, Hernandez SM, Kistler WM, Curry SE, Welch CN, Barron HW, Harsch S, Murray MH, Yabsley MJ. Diversity and prevalence of hemoparasites of wading birds in southern Florida, USA. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:220-225. [PMID: 29379711 PMCID: PMC5779636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.08.003] [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: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Relatively few studies on hemoparasites have been conducted on wading birds in the families Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae (order Pelecaniformes), especially in the United States. In this study, we obtained baseline data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in wading birds opportunistically sampled from southern Florida, USA. We detected blood parasites in White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Green Heron (Butorides virescens), and Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) with several novel host-parasite relationships. Infected birds had low parasitemias (average 0.77%, range 0-4%) suggesting that infections were chronic. Despite the low sample sizes for several of our sampled species, these data highlight the diversity of parasites in this understudied group of birds and suggest that additional studies are needed to investigate the potential impacts of these parasites on their health, especially since southern Florida is becoming increasingly urbanized which can alter parasite transmission or host susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Coker
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sonia M. Hernandez
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Whitney M. Kistler
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Shannon E. Curry
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Catharine N. Welch
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Stefan Harsch
- South Florida Wildlife Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Maureen H. Murray
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Tostes R, Dias RJP, de Oliveira L, Senra MVX, Massard CL, D'Agosto M. Molecular and Morphological Characterization of a Brazilian Lineage of Plasmodium ( Novyella) Unalis in Turdus Spp. (Passeriformes) of the Atlantic Forest, with Remarks on New Hosts and High Genetic Variation. J Parasitol 2017; 104:70-78. [PMID: 28930498 DOI: 10.1645/16-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. are haemosporidian protozoans that alternate their live cycles between bloodsucking Culicidae dipterans and vertebrate hosts (mammals, reptiles, and birds). In birds, these parasites are the causative agents of the so-called avian malaria, a disease associated with considerable declines and extinctions in the avifauna in different geographical regions. In this work, we applied a multidisciplinary approach, light microscopy and cytochrome oxidase b (cyt b) gene sequence analysis, for characterization of Plasmodium spp. found in association with wild birds of the genus Turdus, collected in Atlantic forest fragments of southeastern Brazil. From the total 90 analyzed birds, 58 (47 Turdus rufiventris, 9 Turdus leucomelas, 1 Turdus albicollis, and 1 Turdus flavipes) were positively infected with Plasmodium unalis, a haemosporidian that was previously detected in Turdus fuscater in Colombia and in penguins in Brazil, but has never been found in association with these Turdus species of this present work. Moreover, all 7 new sequences of P. unalis cyt b gene clustered into a monophyletic clade with previously characterized P. unalis sequences with a mean genetic divergence of 1.6% and with a maximum divergence of 3.1%, indicating for a high degree of intraspecific polymorphism within this parasitic species. Together, our data highlight the existence a high degree of intraspecific variation within P. unalis and highlight the importance of integrative taxonomy to an accurate identification and characterization of avian haemosporidian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Tostes
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberto J P Dias
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luísa de Oliveira
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus V X Senra
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Massard
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta D'Agosto
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Multidisciplinary re-description of Plasmodium (Novyella) paranucleophilum in Brazilian wild birds of the Atlantic Forest kept in captivity. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1887-1897. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Chagas CRF, Valkiūnas G, de Oliveira Guimarães L, Monteiro EF, Guida FJV, Simões RF, Rodrigues PT, de Albuquerque Luna EJ, Kirchgatter K. Diversity and distribution of avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites in captive birds from a Brazilian megalopolis. Malar J 2017; 16:83. [PMID: 28212654 PMCID: PMC5316177 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of zoos in conservation programmes has increased significantly in last decades, and the health of captive animals is essential to guarantee success of such programmes. However, zoo birds suffer from parasitic infections, which often are caused by malaria parasites and related haemosporidians. Studies determining the occurrence and diversity of these parasites, aiming better understanding infection influence on fitness of captive birds, are limited. METHODS In 2011-2015, the prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was examined in blood samples of 677 captive birds from the São Paulo Zoo, the largest zoo in Latin America. Molecular and microscopic diagnostic methods were used in parallel to detect and identify these infections. RESULTS The overall prevalence of haemosporidians was 12.6%. Parasites were mostly detected by the molecular diagnosis, indicating that many birds harbour subclinical or abortive infections. In this project, birds of 17 orders (almost half of all the orders currently accepted in taxonomy of birds), 29 families, and 122 species, were tested, detecting positive individuals in 27% of bird species. Birds from the Anatidae were the most prevalently infected (64.7% of all infected animals). In all, infections with parasites of the genus Plasmodium (overall prevalence 97.6%) predominated when compared to those of the genus Haemoproteus (2.4%). In total, 14 cytochrome b (cytb) lineages of Plasmodium spp. and 2 cytb lineages of Haemoproteus spp. were recorded. Eight lineages were new. One of the reported lineages was broad generalist while others were reported in single or a few species of birds. Molecular characterization of Haemoproteus ortalidum was developed. CONCLUSION This study shows that many species of birds are at risk in captivity. It is difficult to stop haemosporidian parasite transmission in zoos, but is possible to reduce the infection rate by treating the infected animals or/and while keeping them in facilities free from mosquitoes. Protocols of quarantine should be implemented whenever an animal is transferred between bird maintaining institutions. This is the first survey of haemosporidians in captive birds from different orders maintained in zoos. It is worth emphasizing the necessity of applying practices to control these parasites in management and husbandry of animals in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Eliana Ferreira Monteiro
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Roseli França Simões
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Priscila Thihara Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Expedito José de Albuquerque Luna
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Malaria Research Center, Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, São Paulo, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho, Aguiar 470, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
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Ciloglu A, Yildirim A, Duzlu O, Onder Z, Dogan Z, Inci A. Investigation of avian haemosporidian parasites from raptor birds in Turkey, with molecular characterisation and microscopic confirmation. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2016; 63. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2016.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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20
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Ilgūnas M, Bukauskaitė D, Palinauskas V, Iezhova TA, Dinhopl N, Nedorost N, Weissenbacher-Lang C, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Mortality and pathology in birds due to Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) homocircumflexum infection, with emphasis on the exoerythrocytic development of avian malaria parasites. Malar J 2016; 15:256. [PMID: 27146519 PMCID: PMC4857288 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are widespread, but their virulence has been insufficiently investigated, particularly in wild birds. During avian malaria, several cycles of tissue merogony occur, and many Plasmodium spp. produce secondary exoerythrocytic meronts (phanerozoites), which are induced by merozoites developing in erythrocytic meronts. Phanerozoites markedly damage organs, but remain insufficiently investigated in the majority of described Plasmodium spp. Avian malaria parasite Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) homocircumflexum (lineage pCOLL4) is virulent and produces phanerozoites in domestic canaries Serinus canaria, but its pathogenicity in wild birds remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathology caused by this infection in species of common European birds. Methods One individual of Eurasian siskin Carduelis spinus, common crossbill Loxia curvirostra and common starling Sturnus vulgaris were exposed to P. homocircumflexum infection by intramuscular sub-inoculation of infected blood. The birds were maintained in captivity and parasitaemia was monitored until their death due to malaria. Brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, and a piece of breast muscle were examined using histology and chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) methods. Results All exposed birds developed malaria infection, survived the peak of parasitaemia, but suddenly died between 30 and 38 days post exposure when parasitaemia markedly decreased. Numerous phanerozoites were visible in histological sections of all organs and were particularly easily visualized after ISH processing. Blockage of brain capillaries with phanerozoites may have led to cerebral ischaemia, causing cerebral paralysis and is most likely the main reason of sudden death of all infected individuals. Inflammatory response was not visible around the brain, heart and muscle phanerozoites, and it was mild in parenchymal organs. The endothelial damage likely causes dysfunction and failure of parenchymal organs. Conclusion Plasmodium homocircumflexum caused death of experimental passerine birds due to marked damage of organs by phanerozoites. Patterns of phanerozoites development and pathology were similar in all exposed birds. Mortality was reported when parasitaemia decreased or even turned into chronic stage, indicating that the light parasitaemia is not always indication of improved health during avian malaria. Application of traditional histological and ISH methods in parallel simplifies investigation of exoerythrocytic development and is recommended in avian malaria research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | | | | | - Nora Dinhopl
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Bukauskaitė D, Žiegytė R, Bernotienė R, Jusys V, Eigirdas V, Fragner K, Weissenböck H, Iezhova TA. Plasmodium delichoni n. sp.: description, molecular characterisation and remarks on the exoerythrocytic merogony, persistence, vectors and transmission. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2625-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Levin II, Colborn RE, Kim D, Perlut NG, Renfrew RB, Parker PG. Local parasite lineage sharing in temperate grassland birds provides clues about potential origins of Galapagos avian Plasmodium. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:716-26. [PMID: 26865960 PMCID: PMC4739572 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Oceanic archipelagos are vulnerable to natural introduction of parasites via migratory birds. Our aim was to characterize the geographic origins of two Plasmodium parasite lineages detected in the Galapagos Islands and in North American breeding bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) that regularly stop in Galapagos during migration to their South American overwintering sites. We used samples from a grassland breeding bird assemblage in Nebraska, United States, and parasite DNA sequences from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, to compare to global data in a DNA sequence registry. Homologous DNA sequences from parasites detected in bobolinks and more sedentary birds (e.g., brown‐headed cowbirds Molothrus ater, and other co‐occurring bird species resident on the North American breeding grounds) were compared to those recovered in previous studies from global sites. One parasite lineage that matched between Galapagos birds and the migratory bobolink, Plasmodium lineage B, was the most common lineage detected in the global MalAvi database, matching 49 sequences from unique host/site combinations, 41 of which were of South American origin. We did not detect lineage B in brown‐headed cowbirds. The other Galapagos‐bobolink match, Plasmodium lineage C, was identical to two other sequences from birds sampled in California. We detected a close variant of lineage C in brown‐headed cowbirds. Taken together, this pattern suggests that bobolinks became infected with lineage B on the South American end of their migratory range, and with lineage C on the North American breeding grounds. Overall, we detected more parasite lineages in bobolinks than in cowbirds. Galapagos Plasmodium had similar host breadth compared to the non‐Galapagos haemosporidian lineages detected in bobolinks, brown‐headed cowbirds, and other grassland species. This study highlights the utility of global haemosporidian data in the context of migratory bird–parasite connectivity. It is possible that migratory bobolinks bring parasites to the Galapagos and that these parasites originate from different biogeographic regions representing both their breeding and overwintering sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris I Levin
- Department of Biology University of Missouri - St. Louis One University Blvd.St. Louis Missouri 63121; Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center University of Missouri - St. Louis One University Blvd.St. Louis Missouri 63121; Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute One Government Dr.St. Louis Missouri 63110
| | - Rachel E Colborn
- Department of Biology University of Missouri - St. Louis One University Blvd. St. Louis Missouri 63121
| | - Daniel Kim
- Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust 6611 W. Whooping Crane Dr. Wood River Nebraska 68883
| | - Noah G Perlut
- Department of Environmental Studies University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford Maine 04005
| | | | - Patricia G Parker
- Department of Biology University of Missouri - St. Louis One University Blvd.St. Louis Missouri 63121; Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center University of Missouri - St. Louis One University Blvd.St. Louis Missouri 63121; Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute One Government Dr.St. Louis Missouri 63110
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Hemosporidian parasites of free-living birds in the São Paulo Zoo, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1443-52. [PMID: 26677094 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies addressed the diversity of bird Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites. However, a few have been carried out in continental avian hotspot regions such as Brazil, a country with markedly different biomes, including Amazon, Brazilian Savanna, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampas. We present the first study on hemosporidian (Haemosporida) parasites in free-living birds from an Atlantic Forest fragment where more than 80 avian species have been reported. Within this area, the São Paulo Zoo locates, and it is the fourth largest zoo in the world and the largest in Latin America. A total of 133 free-living bird samples representing 12 species were collected in the zoo, with the overall hemosporidian prevalence of 18 % by PCR-based diagnostics. Twenty-four positive PCR signals were reported from four different bird species, including migratory ones. Columba livia, an urban species, considered nowadays a pest in big cities, showed 100 % prevalence of Haemoproteus spp., mainly Haemoproteus columbae. We discuss the epidemiological importance of new parasites introduced by migratory birds in the São Paulo Zoo area and the risk it poses to the captive species, which are natives or exotics. We also warn about the influence these parasites can have on the biodiversity and the structure of host populations by altering the competitive interaction between the free-living and the captive birds.
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Valkiūnas G, Žiegytė R, Palinauskas V, Bernotienė R, Bukauskaitė D, Ilgūnas M, Dimitrov D, Iezhova TA. Complete sporogony of Plasmodium relictum (lineage pGRW4) in mosquitoes Culex pipiens pipiens, with implications on avian malaria epidemiology. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3075-85. [PMID: 25958156 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium relictum (lineage pGRW4) causes malaria in birds and is actively transmitted in countries with warm climates and also temperate regions of the New World. In Europe, the lineage pGRW4 has been frequently reported in many species of Afrotropical migrants after their arrival from wintering grounds, but is rare in European resident birds. Obstacles for transmission of this parasite in Europe have not been identified. Culex quinquefasciatus is an effective vector of pGRW4 malaria, but this mosquito is absent from temperate regions of Eurasia. It remains unclear if the lineage pGRW4 completes sporogony in European species of mosquitoes. Here we compare the sporogonic development of P. relictum (pGRW4) in experimentally infected mosquitoes Culex pipiens pipiens form molestus, C. quinquefasciatus, and Ochlerotatus cantans. The pGRW4 parasite was isolated from a garden warbler Sylvia borin, multiplied, and used to infect laboratory-reared Culex spp. and wild-caught Ochlerotatus mosquitoes by allowing them to take blood meals on infected birds. The exposed females were maintained at a mean laboratory temperature of 19 °C, which ranged between 14 °C at night and 24 °C during daytime. They were dissected on intervals to study the development of sporogonic stages. Only ookinetes developed in O. cantans; sporogonic development was abortive. The parasite completed sporogony in both Culex species, with similar patterns of development, and sporozoites were reported in the salivary glands 16 days after infection. The presence of sporogonic stages of the lineage pGRW4 in mosquitoes was confirmed by PCR-based testing of (1) the sporozoites present in salivary glands and (2) the single oocysts, which were obtained by laser microdissection from infected mosquito midguts. This study shows that P. relictum (pGRW4) completes sporogony in C. p. pipiens at relatively low temperatures. We conclude that there are no restrictions for spreading this bird infection in Europe from the point of view of vector availability and temperature necessary for sporogony. Other factors should be considered and were discussed for the explanation of rare reports of this malaria parasite in Europe.
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Tostes R, Vashist U, Scopel KK, Massard CL, Daemon E, D'Agosto M. Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in birds of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest detected by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2015000100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years haemosporidian infection by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, has been considered one of the most important factors related to the extinction and/or population decline of several species of birds worldwide. In Brazil, despite the large avian biodiversity, few studies have been designed to detect this infection, especially among wild birds in captivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in wild birds in captivity in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil using microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples of 119 different species of birds kept in captivity at IBAMA during the period of July 2011 to July 2012 were collected. The parasite density was determined based only on readings of blood smears by light microscopy. The mean prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection obtained through the microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR were similar (83.19% and 81.3%, respectively), with Caracara plancus and Saltator similis being the most parasitized. The mean parasitemia determined by the microscopic counting of evolutionary forms of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was 1.51%. The results obtained from this study reinforce the importance of the handling of captive birds, especially when they will be reintroduced into the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Tostes
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Erik Daemon
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
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Culleton RL, Abkallo HM. Malaria parasite genetics: doing something useful. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:244-53. [PMID: 25073068 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Genetics has informed almost every aspect of the study of malaria parasites, and remains a key component of much of the research that aims to reduce the burden of the disease they cause. We describe the history of genetic studies of malaria parasites and give an overview of the utility of the discipline to malariology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Culleton
- Malaria Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Hussein M Abkallo
- Malaria Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Vanstreels RET, Kolesnikovas CKM, Sandri S, Silveira P, Belo NO, Ferreira Junior FC, Epiphanio S, Steindel M, Braga ÉM, Catão-Dias JL. Outbreak of avian malaria associated to multiple species of Plasmodium in magellanic penguins undergoing rehabilitation in southern Brazil. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94994. [PMID: 24736326 PMCID: PMC3988135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium spp. Avian plasmodia are recognized conservation-threatening pathogens due to their potential to cause severe epizootics when introduced to bird populations with which they did not co-evolve. Penguins are considered particularly susceptible, as outbreaks in captive populations will often lead to high morbidity and rapid mortality. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate an outbreak of avian malaria in 28 Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at a rehabilitation center during summer 2009 in Florianópolis, Brazil. Hemosporidian infections were identified by microscopic and molecular characterization in 64% (18/28) of the penguins, including Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) tejerai, Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum, a Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) sp. lineage closely related to Plasmodium cathemerium, and a Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) sp. lineage closely related to Haemoproteus syrnii. P. tejerai played a predominant role in the studied outbreak and was identified in 72% (13/18) of the hemosporidian-infected penguins, and in 89% (8/9) of the penguins that died, suggesting that this is a highly pathogenic parasite for penguins; a detailed description of tissue meronts and lesions is provided. Mixed infections were identified in three penguins, and involved P. elongatum and either P. tejerai or P. (Haemamoeba) sp. that were compatible with P. tejerai but could not be confirmed. In total, 32% (9/28) penguins died over the course of 16 days despite oral treatment with chloroquine followed by sulfadiazine-trimethoprim. Hemosporidian infections were considered likely to have occurred during rehabilitation, probably from mosquitoes infected while feeding on local native birds, whereas penguin-mosquito-penguin transmission may have played a role in later stages of the outbreak. Considering the seasonality of the infection, rehabilitation centers would benefit from narrowing their efforts to prevent avian malaria outbreaks to the penguins that are maintained throughout summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sandro Sandri
- Associação R3 Animal, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nayara O. Belo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francisco C. Ferreira Junior
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Epiphanio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mário Steindel
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Érika M. Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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