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Penha VADS, Manica LT, Barrand ZA, Hepp CM, McGraw KJ. Correlates of Co-Infection with Coccidiosis and Avian Malaria in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:634-646. [PMID: 38741368 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00175] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pathogens have traditionally been studied in isolation within host systems; yet in natural settings they frequently coexist. This raises questions about the dynamics of co-infections and how host life-history traits might predict co-infection versus single infection. To address these questions, we investigated the presence of two parasites, a gut parasite (Isospora coccidians) and a blood parasite (Plasmodium spp.), in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a common passerine bird in North America. We then correlated these parasitic infections with various health and condition metrics, including hematological parameters, plasma carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, blood glucose concentration, body condition, and prior disease history. Our study, based on 48 birds captured in Tempe, Arizona, US, in October 2021, revealed that co-infected birds exhibited elevated circulating lutein levels and a higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) compared to those solely infected with coccidia Isospora spp. This suggests that co-infected birds experience heightened stress and may use lutein to bolster immunity against both pathogens, and that there are potentially toxic effects of lutein in co-infected birds compared to those infected solely with coccidia Isospora sp. Our findings underscore the synergistic impact of coparasitism, emphasizing the need for more co-infection studies to enhance our understanding of disease dynamics in nature, as well as its implications for wildlife health and conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Aguiar de Souza Penha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, 100 Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, Paraná 81531-980, Brazil
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, ASU Life Sciences Building E, 400 E Tyler Mal, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
- Organismal and Evolutionary Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Biokeskus 3, PL 65 (Viikinkaari 1), Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Lilian Tonelli Manica
- Departamento de Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Avenida Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos Avenue, 100, Curitiba, Paraná 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Zachary A Barrand
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Building 56, 1395 South Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, 3051 West Shamrell Boulevard, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA
| | - Crystal M Hepp
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Building 56, 1395 South Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Building 90, 1295 South Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011, USA
| | - Kevin J McGraw
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, ASU Life Sciences Building E, 400 E Tyler Mal, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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Agliani G, Giglia G, de Bruin E, van Mastrigt T, Blom R, Sikkema RS, Kik M, Koopmans MP, Gröne A, Van den Brand JM. The pathology of co-infection with Usutu virus and plasmodium spp. in naturally infected Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula). One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
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Cozzarolo CS, Pigeault R, Isaïa J, Wassef J, Baur M, Glaizot O, Christe P. Experiment in semi-natural conditions did not confirm the influence of malaria infection on bird attractiveness to mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:187. [PMID: 35655262 PMCID: PMC9164852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in host phenotype following parasite infection are often considered as host manipulation when they seem advantageous for the parasite. However, putative cases of host manipulation by parasites are rarely tested in field-realistic conditions. Infection-induced phenotypic change cannot be conclusively considered as host manipulation if no evidence shows that this trait is adaptive for the parasite in the wild. Plasmodium sp., the parasites causing malaria in vertebrates, are hypothesized to “manipulate” their host by making their odour more attractive to mosquitoes, their vector and final host. While this is fairly well supported by studies on mice and humans, studies focusing on avian malaria give contradictory results. Methods In the present study, genotyped birds at different stages (uninfected, acute and chronic) of Plasmodium relictum infection were exposed, in a large outdoor aviary, to their natural vector, the mosquito Culex pipiens. Results After genotyping the blood meals of more than 650 mosquitoes, we found that mosquitoes did not bite infected birds more than they bit them before infection, nor more than they bit uninfected hosts. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of testing ecological behaviours under natural conditions and suggests that different processes might be at play in mammals and birds regarding potential manipulation of attractiveness by malaria parasites. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05292-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille-Sophie Cozzarolo
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland. .,Biogéosciences, UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Romain Pigeault
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Laboratoire EBI, Equipe EES, UMR CNRS 7267, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, 86000, France
| | - Julie Isaïa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Wassef
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Molly Baur
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Musée Cantonal de Zoologie, Lausanne, 1014, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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Ings K, Denk D. Avian Malaria in Penguins: Diagnostics and Future Direction in the Context of Climate Change. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050600. [PMID: 35268169 PMCID: PMC8909384 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Avian malaria is caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. This vector-borne parasite is spread by mosquitoes and has a variable significance depending on environmental, host, mosquito and parasite factors. Captive penguins in non-native environments are exposed to the protozoa without having coevolved with them and are especially sensitive to infection. The most common presentation of the disease in affected penguins is acute death. Infection of wild penguins is reported and a greater understanding of the significance of such infections is required. Global warming and related surges in vector availability present an increasing threat to conservation in captive environments and targeted research into the early diagnosis of disease is required. Current diagnostic methods predominantly rely upon direct microscopy and/or molecular testing on tissues obtained from penguin postmortem examinations, and frequently fail to identify the causative agent at a species level. There are several barriers to the development of a rapid method to detect infection and the causative species; however, this information would further our understanding of this disease, and development of such a method is a valuable undertaking. This paper provides a summary of current diagnostic methods, identifies the likely future impacts of avian malaria in penguins, and highlights the need to improve both the speed and scope of available diagnostics. Abstract Avian malaria is caused by infection with haemoprotozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infection is endemic in large parts of the world and is typically subclinical in birds that are native to these regions. Several penguin species have evolved in non-endemic regions without the selective pressure that these parasites exert and are highly susceptible to infection when transplanted to endemic regions, for example, in the context of zoological collections or rehabilitation centers. Avian malaria in penguins typically causes acute mortality without premonitory signs, or less commonly, nonspecific signs of morbidity, followed by mortality. Additionally, infection is reported in wild penguins, though the significance of these infections remains equivocal. As global temperatures continue to increase, avian malaria is likely to pose a continued and further threat to conservation efforts in captive environments. Intra vitam diagnosis currently relies on the evaluation of blood smears and molecular methods. The former is unreliable in penguins, as the acute clinical course typically does not allow the development of parasitemia. This absence of parasitemia also makes speciation challenging. Current molecular methods typically target the Cytochrome B or 18s subunit and have proven variably sensitive and specific. Reliable intra vitam diagnosis of avian malaria and further information about the causative agents at a species level would be very valuable in understanding the epidemiology and likely future course of avian malaria infection in penguins, and in particular, the implications avian malaria may have for conservation efforts. This paper provides an overview of malaria in penguins, discusses its changing impact on management and conservation, offers a summary of current diagnostics, and suggests future direction for the development of diagnostic tests. The latter will be key in understanding and managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Ings
- Garscube Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Daniela Denk
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: or
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5
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First records of prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidia in snipe species (genus Gallinago) of Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:5-17. [PMID: 34377664 PMCID: PMC8326977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Migratory birds are important carriers of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Avian haemosporidia have been detected from many wild birds of Japan, but the infection status of migratory birds and transmission area are still largely unknown. Gallinago snipes are long-distance migratory shorebirds, and five species migrate to or through Japan, including Latham's snipe which is near threatened. Haemosporidian parasites in four snipe species were investigated to understand the role of migratory birds in the transmission of avian haemosporidia. Namely, this study aimed: i) to investigate differences in parasite prevalence and related factors explaining infection likelihood among these migratory species, ii) to explore the diversity in haemosporidian lineages and possible transmission areas, and iii) to assess the possibility of morphological effects of infection. Blood samples were collected from snipes caught in central and southwest Japan during migration. Parasites cytb gene DNA were detected via PCR-based testing, and detected lineages were phylogenetically analyzed. Additionally, factors related to prevalence and morphological effects of infection were statistically tested. 383 birds from four Gallinago snipe species were caught, showing higher overall prevalence of avian haemosporidia (17.8 %) than reported in other wader species in previous studies. This high infection rate is presumably due to increased contact with vector insects, resultant of environmental preferences. The prevalence of Plasmodium spp. Was higher in Swinhoe's snipes, while Haemoproteus spp. Was higher in Latham's snipes. These differences are thought to be related to ecological factors including habitat use, distribution and migratory route. Six lineages detected from juveniles indicate transmission between the breeding and sampling area. Contrary to expectations, a direct link between morphological features and haemosporidian parasite infection were not detected. These findings provide valuable information for conservation of this endangered migratory bird group. Further studies linking biological and parasitological research are anticipated to contribute to conservational actions.
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6
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Abad CS, Tellkamp MP, Amaro IR, Spencer LM. Incidence of avian malaria in hummingbirds in humid premontane forests of Pichincha Province, Ecuador: A pilot study. Vet World 2021; 14:889-896. [PMID: 34083937 PMCID: PMC8167542 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.889-896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Avian malaria is a tropical disease caused by protozoans of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. As a nonlethal disease, avian malaria can affect the lifespan and reproductive rate of birds. If there is a differential effect depending on bird species, then this disease might have a significant effect on avian biodiversity. The current study aimed to determine the incidence of Plasmodium in hummingbirds in humid premontane forest areas. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=60) were collected from hummingbirds from two areas (Santuario de Aves Milpe and Hacienda Puyucunapi) of Pichincha Province, Ecuador. Prevalence and parasitemia were determined by microscopic examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa reagent. Both study sites are part of a 1000 m elevational gradient; hence, elevation was used as a predictor variable for prevalence and parasitemia levels in a Mann–Whitney U-test. This test was also used to test for a sex bias. Results: This study reports on a total of 12 bird species that inhabit both study sites. At Milpe, the lower elevation site, a prevalence of 100% was recorded, whereas at Puyucunapi, the prevalence was 96%. The combined prevalence was 97%. Elevation and sex did not influence prevalence nor parasitemia in hummingbirds. Conclusion: This study does not suggest a significant elevation or sex bias on prevalence and parasitemia in hummingbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S Abad
- Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | - Markus P Tellkamp
- Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | - Isidro R Amaro
- Department of Mathematics, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | - Lilian M Spencer
- Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador.,Department of Cell Biology, Simón Bolívar University, AP 89000 Caracas, Venezuela
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Li B, Li Y, Wu S, Yang Y, Fu S, Yin X, Tu X, Fang L, Guo Z, Ye J. Identification and functional characterization of CD154 in T cell-dependent immune response in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 111:102-110. [PMID: 33513438 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CD154, a member of the TNF superfamily, is a multifunctional molecule highly expressed in activated T cells, and plays important roles in T cell-dependent humoral immune response. In this study, CD154 of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was identified, and its functions in the T cell-dependent immune response were demonstrated. The open reading frame (ORF) of OnCD154 is 699 bp, encoding a protein of 232 amino acids with a 23 amino acid transmembrane region. Amino acid sequence of OnCD154 is highly homologous to that of other teleost fish, especially rainbow trout. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that mRNA of OnCD154 is highly expressed in immune organs, especially in spleen, thymus, gills, head kidney, etc. In addition, the anti-OnCD154 polyclonal antibody (anti-(r)OnCD154) was successfully prepared, and it can react with natural protein in head kidney leukocytes. Following two immunizations with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in vivo, the significantly up-regulated expression level of OnCD154 mRNA appeared earlier (fifth day) and higher (42.9 folds) in the second challenge than the first on in head kidney. Further, after stimulation with KLH in vitro, the expressions of T cell-dependent immune response-related molecules (activated T cell specific surface molecules CD3ε and CD154) and B cell differentiation-related molecules (Blimp1 and sIgM) and CD40 were significantly up-regulated in head kidney leukocytes. Moreover, the up-regulated expressions of these molecules were blocked with the treatment of anti-(r)OnCD154 antibody. Taken together, these results indicate that OnCD154 might get involved in T cell-dependent immune response, and provide a new insight into the humoral immune response of teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxi Li
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Yuan Li
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Siwei Wu
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Yanjian Yang
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Shengli Fu
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiao Tu
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China
| | - Liang Fang
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China.
| | - Zheng Guo
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China.
| | - Jianmin Ye
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, Guangdong, 510631, PR China.
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Becker DJ, Singh D, Pan Q, Montoure JD, Talbott KM, Wanamaker SM, Ketterson ED. Artificial light at night amplifies seasonal relapse of haemosporidian parasites in a widespread songbird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201831. [PMID: 32962545 PMCID: PMC7542808 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban habitats can shape interactions between hosts and parasites by altering not only exposure rates but also within-host processes. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is common in urban environments, and chronic exposure can impair host immunity in ways that may increase infection. However, studies of causal links between this stressor, immunity, and infection dynamics are rare, particularly in migratory animals. Here, we experimentally tested how ALAN affects cellular immunity and haemosporidian parasite intensity across the annual cycle of migrant and resident subspecies of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We monitored an experimental group exposed to light at night and a control group under natural light/dark cycles as they passed through short days simulating early spring to longer days simulating the breeding season, followed by autumn migration. Using generalized additive mixed models, we show that ALAN increased inflammation, and leucocyte counts were greatest in early spring and autumn. At the start of the experiment, few birds had active infections based on microscopy, but PCR revealed many birds had chronic infections. ALAN increased parasitaemia across the annual cycle, with strong peaks in spring and autumn that were largely absent in control birds. As birds were kept in indoor aviaries to prevent vector exposure, this increased parasitaemia indicates relapse of chronic infection during costly life-history stages (i.e. reproduction). Although the immunological and parasitological time series were in phase for control birds, cross-correlation analyses also revealed ALAN desynchronized leucocyte profiles and parasitaemia, which could suggest a general exaggerated inflammatory response. Our study shows how a common anthropogenic influence can shape within-host processes to affect infection dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devraj Singh
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Qiuyun Pan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah M. Wanamaker
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ellen D. Ketterson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Dahlin K, Feng Z. Modeling the population impacts of avian malaria on Hawaiian honeycreepers: Bifurcation analysis and implications for conservation. Math Biosci 2019; 318:108268. [PMID: 31669327 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2019.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease of birds caused by protists of the genera Plasmodium, most notably Plasmodium relictum. This disease has been identified as a primary cause of the drastic decline and extinctions of birds, in particular Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae), where rates of mortality may exceed 90%. We formulate an epizootiological model of the transmission dynamics of avian malaria between populations of bird hosts and mosquito vectors using a system of compartmental ordinary differential equations. We derive the basic reproduction number as well as criteria for the existence and local stability of disease-free and enzootic equilibria. These results provide useful information for evaluating management strategies. A local sensitivity analysis of certain model invariants to uncertain parameter values is performed to ascertain which biological factors have the largest impact on ecological outcomes and, in particular, long-term bird population densities. We discuss and compare the effectiveness of two disease control and conservation strategies: captive propagation of honeycreepers and larval mosquito habitat reduction. We provide examples of combinations of these strategies that either are predicted to eliminate enzootic avian malaria or to increase predicted bird density above a given ecologically meaningful threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dahlin
- Purdue University, 150 N University Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Zhilan Feng
- Purdue University, 150 N University Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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The effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation in a vertebrate host on the infection dynamics and transmission of avian malaria to the vector. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2043-2052. [PMID: 29744700 PMCID: PMC6006207 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Host susceptibility to parasites is likely to be influenced by intrinsic factors, such as host oxidative status determined by the balance between pro-oxidant production and antioxidant defences. As a result, host oxidative status acts as an environmental factor for parasites and may constrain parasite development. We evaluated the role of host oxidative status on infection dynamics of an avian malarial parasite by providing canaries (Serinus canaria) with an antioxidant supplementation composed of vitamin E (a lipophilic antioxidant) and olive oil, a source of monounsaturated fatty acids. Another group received a standard, non-supplemented food. Half of the birds in each group where then infected with the haemosporidian parasite, Plasmodium relictum. We monitored the parasitaemia, haematocrit level, and red cell membrane resistance, as well as the transmission success of the parasite to its mosquito vector, Culex pipiens. During the acute phase, the negative effect of the infection was more severe in the supplemented group, as shown by a lower haematocrit level. Parasitaemia was lower in the supplemented group during the chronic phase only. Mosquitoes fed on supplemented hosts were more often infected than mosquitoes fed on the control group. These results suggest that dietary antioxidant supplementation conferred protection against Plasmodium in the long term, at the expense of a short-term negative effect. Malaria parasites may take advantage of antioxidants, as shown by the increased transmission rate in the supplemented group. Overall, our results suggest an important role of oxidative status in infection outcome and parasite transmission.
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