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Dimas Martins A, Roberts M, Ten Bosch Q, Heesterbeek H. Indirect interaction between an endemic and an invading pathogen: A case study of Plasmodium and Usutu virus dynamics in a shared bird host population. Theor Popul Biol 2024; 157:118-128. [PMID: 38626854 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Infectious disease agents can influence each other's dynamics in shared host populations. We consider such influence for two mosquito-borne infections where one pathogen is endemic at the time that a second pathogen invades. We regard a setting where the vector has a bias towards biting host individuals infected with the endemic pathogen and where there is a cost to co-infected hosts. As a motivating case study, we regard Plasmodium spp., that cause avian malaria, as the endemic pathogen, and Usutu virus (USUV) as the invading pathogen. Hosts with malaria attract more mosquitoes compared to susceptible hosts, a phenomenon named vector bias. The possible trade-off between the vector-bias effect and the co-infection mortality is studied using a compartmental epidemic model. We focus first on the basic reproduction number R0 for Usutu virus invading into a malaria-endemic population, and then explore the long-term dynamics of both pathogens once Usutu virus has become established. We find that the vector bias facilitates the introduction of malaria into a susceptible population, as well as the introduction of Usutu in a malaria-endemic population. In the long term, however, both a vector bias and co-infection mortality lead to a decrease in the number of individuals infected with either pathogen, suggesting that avian malaria is unlikely to be a promoter of Usutu invasion. This proposed approach is general and allows for new insights into other negative associations between endemic and invading vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afonso Dimas Martins
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mick Roberts
- New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study and the Infectious Disease Research Centre, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Quirine Ten Bosch
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Figuerola J, la Puente JMD, Díez-Fernández A, Thomson RL, Aguirre JI, Faivre B, Ibañez-Alamo JD. Urbanization correlates with the prevalence and richness of blood parasites in Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171303. [PMID: 38423334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Urbanization is increasing worldwide, producing severe environmental impacts. Biodiversity is affected by the expansion of cities, with many species being unable to cope with the different human-induced stressors present in these landscapes. However, this knowledge is mainly based on research from taxa such as plants or vertebrates, while other organisms like protozoa have been less studied in this context. The impact of urbanization on the transmission of vector-borne pathogens in wildlife is still unclear despite its relevance for animal and human health. Here, we investigated whether cities are associated with changes in the prevalence and richness of lineages of three vector-borne protozoans (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) from multiple urban and forest areas in Europe. Our results show important species-specific differences between these two habitat types. We found a significant lower prevalence of Leucocytozoon in urban birds compared to forest birds, but no differences for Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Furthermore, the richness of parasite lineages in European cities was higher for Plasmodium but lower for Leucocytozoon than in forests. We also found one Plasmodium lineage exclusively from cities while another of Leucocytozoon was only found in forests suggesting a certain level of habitat specialization for these protozoan vectors. Overall, our findings show that cities provide contrasting opportunities for the transmission of different vector-borne pathogens and generate new scenarios for the interactions between hosts, vectors and parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Alazne Díez-Fernández
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Robert L Thomson
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Bruno Faivre
- UMR CNRS 6282, Biogéosciences, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
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Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, Ruiz S, Soriguer RC, Figuerola J. Landscape and mosquito community impact the avian Plasmodium infection in Culex pipiens. iScience 2024; 27:109194. [PMID: 38433892 PMCID: PMC10906513 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites provide an important model for studying host-pathogen interactions, yet understanding their dynamics in vectors under natural conditions is limited. We investigated the effect of vector abundance, species richness and diversity, and habitat characteristics on avian Plasmodium prevalence and lineage richness in Culex pipiens across 45 urban, natural, and rural localities in southern Spain. Analyzing 16,574 mosquitoes grouped in 768 mosquito pools, 32.7% exhibited parasite presence. 13 different Plasmodium lineages were identified, with the lineage SYAT05 being the most commonly found. Parasite prevalence positively correlated with the distance to saltmarshes and rivers, but negatively with the distance to total water source. Parasite lineage diversity was higher in natural than in rural areas and positively correlated with mosquito species richness. These results emphasize the complex dynamics of avian Plasmodium in the wild, with habitat characteristics and vector community driving the parasite transmission by mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada (UGR), Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Diputación de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón C. Soriguer
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Himmel T, Harl J, Matt J, Nedorost N, Iezhova T, Ilgūnas M, Valkiūnas G, Weissenböck H. RNAscope in situ hybridization reveals microvascular sequestration of Plasmodium relictum pSGS1 blood stages but absence of exo-erythrocytic dormant stages during latent infection of Serinus canaria. Malar J 2024; 23:70. [PMID: 38459560 PMCID: PMC10924391 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birds chronically infected with avian malaria parasites often show relapses of parasitaemia after latent stages marked by absence of parasites in the peripheral circulation. These relapses are assumed to result from the activation of dormant exo-erythrocytic stages produced during secondary (post-erythrocytic) merogony of avian Plasmodium spp. Yet, there is no morphological proof of persistent or dormant tissue stages in the avian host during latent infections. This study investigated persistence of Plasmodium relictum pSGS1 in birds with latent infections during winter, with the goal to detect presumed persisting tissue stages using a highly sensitive RNAscope® in situ hybridization technology. METHODS Fourteen domestic canaries were infected with P. relictum pSGS1 by blood-inoculation in spring, and blood films examined during the first 4 months post infection, and during winter and spring of the following year. After parasitaemia was no longer detectable, half of the birds were dissected, and tissue samples investigated for persisting tissue stages using RNAscope ISH and histology. The remaining birds were blood-checked and dissected after re-appearance of parasitaemia, and their tissues equally examined. RESULTS Systematic examination of tissues showed no exo-erythrocytic stages in birds exhibiting latent infections by blood-film microscopy, indicating absence of dormant tissue stages in P. relictum pSGS1-infected canaries. Instead, RNAscope ISH revealed rare P. relictum blood stages in capillaries of various tissues and organs, demonstrating persistence of the parasites in the microvasculature. Birds examined after re-appearance of parasitemia showed higher numbers of P. relictum blood stages in both capillaries and larger blood vessels, indicating replication during early spring and re-appearance in the peripheral circulation. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that persistence of P. relictum pSGS1 during latent infection is mediated by continuous low-level erythrocytic merogony and possibly tissue sequestration of infected blood cells. Re-appearance of parasitaemia in spring seems to result from increased erythrocytic merogony, therefore representing recrudescence and not relapse in blood-inoculated canaries. Further, the study highlights strengths and limitations of the RNAscope ISH technology for the detection of rare parasite stages in tissues, providing directions for future research on persistence and tissue sequestration of avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Himmel T, Harl J, Matt J, Nedorost N, Lunardi M, Ilgūnas M, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G, Weissenböck H. Co-infecting Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa) show different host tissue tropism during exo-erythrocytic development in Fringilla coelebs (Fringillidae). Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:1-22. [PMID: 37598774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon are common blood parasites in wild birds all over the world. Despite their importance as pathogens potentially compromising host fitness and health, little is known about the exo-erythrocytic development of these parasites, particularly during co-infections which predominate in wildlife. This study aimed to address this issue using Haemoproteus parasites of Fringilla coelebs, a common bird species of the Western Palearctic and host to a variety of haemosporidian parasite lineages. Blood and tissue samples of 20 F. coelebs, positive for haemosporidians by blood film microscopy, were analysed by PCR and sequencing to determine cytochrome b lineages of the parasites. Tissue sections were examined for exo-erythrocytic stages by histology and in situ hybridization applying genus-, species-, and lineage-specific probes which target the 18S rRNA of the parasites. In addition, laser microdissection of tissue stages was performed to identify parasite lineages. Combined molecular results of PCR, laser microdissection, and in situ hybridization showed a high rate of co-infections, with Haemoproteus lineages dominating. Exo-erythrocytic meronts of five Haemoproteus spp. were described for the first known time, including Haemoproteus magnus hCCF6, Haemoproteus fringillae hCCF3, Haemoproteus majoris hCCF5, Haemoproteus sp. hROFI1, and Haemoproteus sp. hCCF2. Merogonic stages were observed in the vascular system, presenting a formerly unknown mode of exo-erythrocytic development in Haemoproteus parasites. Meronts and megalomeronts of these species were distinct regarding their morphology and organ distribution, indicating species-specific patterns of merogony and different host tissue tropism. New pathological aspects of haemoproteosis were reported. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of Haemoproteus spp. with regard to their exo-erythrocytic stages points towards separation of non-megalomeront-forming species from megalomeront-forming species, calling for further studies on exo-erythrocytic development of haemosporidian parasites to explore the phylogenetic character of this trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Madeleine Lunardi
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Chagas CRF, Duc M, Himmel T, Eigirdas V, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Exo-erythrocytic development of Leucocytozoon parasites (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) in song thrushes Turdus philomelos. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:60-68. [PMID: 37692054 PMCID: PMC10485597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Leucocytozoon parasites (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) are haemosporidians whose diversity, exo-erythrocytic development and potential vectors are the least studied. The knowledge about their exo-erythrocytic development and pathogenicity is fragmentary, resulting in an incomplete comprehension of the impact of these parasites on avian hosts. For a long time, Leucocytozoon infections were considered benign to wild birds, even though they were virulent in poultry and responsible for some wild bird population declines. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Leucocytozoon species exo-erythrocytic stages in song thrushes Turdus philomelos using conventional histological techniques (sections stained by H&E) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Tissues from ten birds (seven naturally infected and three opportunistic samplings) were examined using both methods. Parasite lineages were identified from blood samples using PCR-based techniques. Leucocytozoon species meronts were found in five individuals (in four birds using H&E staining protocol, and in three in CISH-treated histological sections). Meronts were found mainly in the kidneys, but some meronts were also present in the lungs. It was possible to observe different maturation stages of meronts in the same bird individual, indicating an asynchronous development. Cytomeres were readily visible in developing meronts. One megalomeront-like structure was present close to a blood vessel in the heart. It was covered with a prominent capsular-like wall. No inflammatory reaction or necrosis was seen in the tissues surrounding the meronts or the megalomeront-like structure. We could confirm the transmission of three Leucocytozoon lineages (lTUPHI14, lSTUR1 and lTUPHI13) in Europe, and add evidence of the transmission of two Plasmodium lineages, including Plasmodium circumflexum (pTURDUS1), and Haemoproteus asymmetricus (hTUPHI01). We call for further research to better understand Leucocytozoon parasite exo-erythrocytic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mélanie Duc
- P. B. Šivickis Laboratory of Parasitology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vytautas Eigirdas
- Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, Marių 24, 99361, Ventė, Lithuania
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- P. B. Šivickis Laboratory of Parasitology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Emmenegger T, Riello S, Schmid R, Serra L, Spina F, Hahn S. Avian Haemosporidians Infecting Short- and Long-Distance Migratory Old World Flycatcher Species and the Variation in Parasitaemia After Endurance Flights. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:746-753. [PMID: 37589880 PMCID: PMC10665221 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Avian haemosporidians are widespread parasites, occurring in many bird families and causing pathologies ranging from rather benign infections to highly virulent diseases. The state of knowledge about lineage-specific intensities of haemosporidian infection (i.e., parasitaemia) is mainly based on infection experiments conducted under laboratory conditions. The levels and range of parasitaemia in natural host-parasite associations as well as their influencing factor remain largely unexplored. METHODS Thus, we explored the parasitaemia of four songbird species (i.e., European Robins, Black and Common Redstarts and Whinchats) during migration by screening individuals upon landing on an insular passage site after extensive endurance flights to (1) describe their natural host-parasite associations, (2) quantify parasitaemia and (3) explore potential host- and parasite-related factors influencing parasitaemia. RESULTS We found 68% of Whinchats to be infected with haemosporidians, which is more frequent than any other of the studied host species (30-34%). Furthermore, we confirmed that parasitaemia of Haemoproteus infections was higher than average Plasmodium infections. Median parasitaemia levels were rather low (parasite cells in 0.01% of hosts' red blood cells) and varied largely among the different parasite lineages. However, we found four individuals hosting infections with parasitaemia higher than typical chronic infections. CONCLUSIONS Based on the known transmission areas of the respective lineages, we argue that these higher intensity infections might be relapses of consisting infections rather than acute phases of recent primary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Emmenegger
- Bird Migration department, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland.
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Sara Riello
- Riserva Naturale Statale "I Sole di Ventotene e S.Stefano", Ventotene, Italy
| | - Raffaella Schmid
- Bird Migration department, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Serra
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano Emilia, , BO, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano Emilia, , BO, Italy
| | - Steffen Hahn
- Bird Migration department, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
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Harl J, Himmel T, Ilgūnas M, Valkiūnas G, Weissenböck H. The 18S rRNA genes of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa) parasites from European songbirds with remarks on improved parasite diagnostics. Malar J 2023; 22:232. [PMID: 37563610 PMCID: PMC10416517 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nuclear ribosomal RNA genes of Plasmodium parasites are assumed to evolve according to a birth-and-death model with new variants originating by duplication and others becoming deleted. For some Plasmodium species, it has been shown that distinct variants of the 18S rRNA genes are expressed differentially in vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors. The central aim was to evaluate whether avian haemosporidian parasites of the genus Haemoproteus also have substantially distinct 18S variants, focusing on lineages belonging to the Haemoproteus majoris and Haemoproteus belopolskyi species groups. METHODS The almost complete 18S rRNA genes of 19 Haemoproteus lineages of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus, which are common in passeriform birds from the Palaearctic, were sequenced. The PCR products of 20 blood and tissue samples containing 19 parasite lineages were subjected to molecular cloning, and ten clones in mean were sequenced each. The sequence features were analysed and phylogenetic trees were calculated, including sequence data published previously from eight additional Parahaemoproteus lineages. The geographic and host distribution of all 27 lineages was visualised as CytB haplotype networks and pie charts. Based on the 18S sequence data, species-specific oligonucleotide probes were designed to target the parasites in host tissue by in situ hybridization assays. RESULTS Most Haemoproteus lineages had two or more variants of the 18S gene like many Plasmodium species, but the maximum distances between variants were generally lower. Moreover, unlike in most mammalian and avian Plasmodium species, the 18S sequences of all but one parasite lineage clustered into reciprocally monophyletic clades. Considerably distinct 18S clusters were only found in Haemoproteus tartakovskyi hSISKIN1 and Haemoproteus sp. hROFI1. The presence of chimeric 18S variants in some Haemoproteus lineages indicates that their ribosomal units rather evolve in a semi-concerted fashion than according to a strict model of birth-and-death evolution. CONCLUSIONS Parasites of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus contain distinct 18S variants, but the intraspecific variability is lower than in most mammalian and avian Plasmodium species. The new 18S data provides a basis for more thorough investigations on the development of Haemoproteus parasites in host tissue using in situ hybridization techniques targeting specific parasite lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Chagas CRF, Duc M, Gutiérrez-Liberato GA, Valkiūnas G. Host Cells of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) Gametocytes, with Remarks on the Phylogenetic Importance of This Character. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050712. [PMID: 37242382 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucocytozoon parasites remain poorly investigated in comparison to other haemosporidians. The host cell inhabited by their blood stages (gametocytes) remains insufficiently known. This study aimed to determine the blood cells inhabited by Leucocytozoon gametocytes in different species of Passeriformes and to test if this feature has a phylogenetic importance. We microscopically analyzed blood films stained with Giemsa from six different bird species and individuals and used PCR-based methods for parasite lineage identification. The DNA sequences obtained were applied for phylogenetic analysis. Leucocytozoon parasite from the song thrush Turdus philomelos (cytochrome b lineage STUR1), the blackbird Turdus merula (undetermined lineage), the garden warbler Sylvia borin (unknown lineage) inhabited erythrocytes, a parasite from the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus (PARUS4) infects lymphocytes, while in the wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix (WW6) and the common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (AFR205) they were found inhabiting thrombocytes. Parasites infecting thrombocytes were closely related, while the parasites infecting erythrocytes were placed in three different clades, and the one found in lymphocytes was placed in a separate clade. This shows that the determination of host cells inhabited by Leucocytozoon parasites can be phylogenetically important and should be considered in future species descriptions. Noteworthy, phylogenetic analysis might be used for the prediction of which host cells parasite lineages might inhabit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mélanie Duc
- Nature Research Centre, 01109 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Valkiūnas G, Iezhova TA. Insights into the Biology of Leucocytozoon Species (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae): Why Is There Slow Research Progress on Agents of Leucocytozoonosis? Microorganisms 2023; 11:1251. [PMID: 37317225 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (Leucocytozoidae) only inhabit birds and represent a readily distinct evolutionary branch of the haemosporidians (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa). Some species cause pathology and even severe leucocytozoonosis in avian hosts, including poultry. The diversity of Leucocytozoon pathogens is remarkable, with over 1400 genetic lineages detected, most of which, however, have not been identified to the species level. At most, approximately 45 morphologically distinct species of Leucocytozoon have been described, but only a few have associated molecular data. This is unfortunate because basic information about named and morphologically recognized Leucocytozoon species is essential for a better understanding of phylogenetically closely related leucocytozoids that are known only by DNA sequence. Despite much research on haemosporidian parasites during the past 30 years, there has not been much progress in taxonomy, vectors, patterns of transmission, pathogenicity, and other aspects of the biology of these cosmopolitan bird pathogens. This study reviewed the available basic information on avian Leucocytozoon species, with particular attention to some obstacles that prevent progress to better understanding the biology of leucocytozoids. Major gaps in current Leucocytozoon species research are discussed, and possible approaches are suggested to resolve some issues that have limited practical parasitological studies of these pathogens.
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González-Olvera M, Hernandez-Colina A, Himmel T, Eckley L, Lopez J, Chantrey J, Baylis M, Jackson AP. Molecular and epidemiological surveillance of Plasmodium spp. during a mortality event affecting Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at a zoo in the UK. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:26-37. [PMID: 36035627 PMCID: PMC9403903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, a mortality event affected Humboldt penguins at Chester Zoo (UK), which coincided with the diagnosis of avian malaria (AM) in some birds. AM is found worldwide wherever a competent mosquito vector is present, but the disease is particularly severe in penguins and other species that originate from non-endemic regions. To better understand the role of AM and manage its threat to penguin collections, Plasmodium was surveyed through PCR at Chester Zoo in mosquitoes, penguins, and dead free-living wild birds during and around the mortality event. Additional sequences were obtained from penguin fatalities from four other UK zoological collections. All sequences were integrated into phylogenetic analyses to determine parasite species and lineages. In total, 753/6459 positive mosquitoes were recorded (11.7% prevalence), reaching a weekly peak of 30% prevalence in mid-summer. Among penguin fatalities at Chester Zoo, several penguins presented signs and lesions compatible with AM; nevertheless, exoerythrocytic meronts were identified in only one case and Plasmodium spp. was identified in 5/22 birds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed at least five parasite cytb lineages of three Plasmodium species (P. matutinum, P. relictum and P. vaughani) circulating in mosquitoes at Chester Zoo; however, infections in free-living wild birds and penguins were only from P. matutinum. Plasmodium matutinum was confirmed as the cause of death of one penguin and was highly suspected to be the cause of death of another three. The lineage LINN1 was associated with 4/5 penguin infections. AM had a key role in the penguin multicausal mortality event. Understanding the risk of AM to penguin collections at Chester Zoo and elsewhere requires long-term surveillance to examine the association between Plasmodium infection and penguin mortality and the variability in parasite virulence. Surveillance of Plasmodium spp. in mosquitoes and local birds provides information about the parasite's transmission cycle locally, and could warn about infection risks to species of interest, which is essential for efficient disease control and prevention. Plasmodium infection in penguins, mosquito and wild birds is described. Humboldt penguin mortality due to P. matutinum was recorded for the first time. One of three Plasmodium spp. found in mosquitoes infected penguins and wild birds. Detecting Plasmodium infections is challenging despite pathological evidence.
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Galen SC, Ray S, Henry M, Weckstein JD. Parasite-associated mortality in birds: the roles of specialist parasites and host evolutionary distance. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20210575. [PMID: 35414225 PMCID: PMC9006019 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors that influence whether a parasite is likely to cause death in a given host species are not well known. Generalist parasites with high local abundances, broad distributions and the ability to infect a wide phylogenetic diversity of hosts are often considered especially dangerous for host populations, though comparatively little research has been done on the potential for specialist parasites to cause host mortality. Here, using a novel database of avian mortality records, we tested whether phylogenetic host specialist or host generalist haemosporidian blood parasites were associated with avian host deaths based on infection records from over 81 000 examined hosts. In support of the hypothesis that host specialist parasites can be highly virulent in novel hosts, we found that the parasites that were associated with avian host mortality predominantly infected more closely related host species than expected under a null model. Hosts that died tended to be distantly related to the host species that a parasite lineage typically infects, illustrating that specialist parasites can cause death outside of their limited host range. Overall, this study highlights the overlooked potential for host specialist parasites to cause host mortality despite their constrained ecological niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer C Galen
- Biology Department, University of Scranton, Loyola Science Center, Scranton, PA 18510, USA.,Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Suravi Ray
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.,Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Marissa Henry
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.,Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Jason D Weckstein
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.,Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
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13
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Harl J, Himmel T, Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Nedorost N, Matt J, Kübber-Heiss A, Alic A, Konicek C, Weissenböck H. Avian haemosporidian parasites of accipitriform raptors. Malar J 2022; 21:14. [PMID: 34986864 PMCID: PMC8729155 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The order Accipitriformes comprises the largest group of birds of prey with 260 species in four families. So far, 21 haemosporidian parasite species have been described from or reported to occur in accipitriform birds. Only five of these parasite species have been characterized molecular genetically. The first part of this study involved molecular genetic screening of accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina and the first chromogenic in situ hybridization approach targeting parasites in this host group. The aim of the second part of this study was to summarize the CytB sequence data of haemosporidian parasites from accipitriform raptors and to visualize the geographic and host distribution of the lineages. Methods Blood and tissue samples of 183 accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR, and tissue samples of 23 PCR-positive birds were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus-specific probes targeting the parasites’ 18S rRNAs. All published CytB sequence data from accipitriform raptors were analysed, phylogenetic trees were calculated, and DNA haplotype network analyses were performed with sequences from clades featuring multiple lineages detected in this host group. Results Of the 183 raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina screened by PCR and sequencing, 80 individuals (44%) were infected with haemosporidian parasites. Among the 39 CytB lineages detected, 18 were found for the first time in the present study. The chromogenic in situ hybridization revealed exo-erythrocytic tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites belonging to the Leucocytozoon toddi species group in the kidneys of 14 infected birds. The total number of CytB lineages recorded in accipitriform birds worldwide was 57 for Leucocytozoon, 25 for Plasmodium, and 21 for Haemoproteus. Conclusion The analysis of the DNA haplotype networks allowed identifying numerous distinct groups of lineages, which have not yet been linked to morphospecies, and many of them likely belong to yet undescribed parasite species. Tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites developing in accipitriform raptors were discovered and described. The majority of Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus lineages are specific to this host group, but most Plasmodium lineages were found in birds of other orders. This might indicate local transmission from birds kept at the same facilities (raptor rescue centres and zoos), likely resulting in abortive infections. To clarify the taxonomic and systematic problems, combined morphological and molecular genetic analyses on a wider range of accipitriform host species are needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Cornelia Konicek
- Service for Birds and Reptiles, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Himmel T, Harl J, Matt J, Weissenböck H. A citizen science-based survey of avian mortality focusing on haemosporidian infections in wild passerine birds. Malar J 2021; 20:417. [PMID: 34688278 PMCID: PMC8542282 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemosporidioses are common in birds and their manifestations range from subclinical infections to severe disease, depending on the involved parasite and bird species. Clinical haemosporidioses are often observed in non-adapted zoo or aviary birds, whereas in wild birds, particularly passerines, haemosporidian infections frequently seem to be asymptomatic. However, a recent study from Austria showed pathogenic haemosporidian infections in common blackbirds due to high parasite burdens of Plasmodium matutinum LINN1, a common parasite in this bird species, suggesting that virulent infections also occur in natural hosts. Based on these findings, the present study aimed to explore whether and to what extent other native bird species are possibly affected by pathogenic haemosporidian lineages, contributing to avian morbidity. Methods Carcasses of passerine birds and woodpeckers were collected during a citizen science-based survey for avian mortality in Austria, from June to October 2020. Tissue samples were taken and examined for haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon by nested PCR and sequencing the mitochondrial cytb barcode region, histology, and chromogenic in situ hybridization applying genus-specific probes. Results From over 160 dead bird reportings, 83 carcasses of 25 avian species were submitted for investigation. Overall haemosporidian infection rate was 31%, with finches and tits prevailing species counts and infections. Sequence analyses revealed 17 different haplotypes (4 Plasmodium, 4 Haemoproteus, 9 Leucocytozoon), including 4 novel Leucocytozoon lineages. Most infected birds presented low parasite burdens in the peripheral blood and tissues, ruling out a significant contribution of haemosporidian infections to morbidity or death of the examined birds. However, two great tits showed signs of avian malaria, suggesting pathogenic effects of the detected species Plasmodium relictum SGS1 and Plasmodium elongatum GRW06. Further, exo-erythrocytic tissue stages of several haemosporidian lineages are reported. Conclusions While suggesting generally little contribution of haemosporidian infections to mortality of the investigated bird species, the findings indicate a possible role of certain haemosporidian lineages in overall clinical manifestation, either as main causes or as concurrent disease agents. Further, the study presents new data on exo-erythrocytic stages of previously reported lineages and shows how citizen science can be used in the field of haemosporidian research. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03949-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Avian Haemosporidian Diversity on Sardinia: A First General Assessment for the Insular Mediterranean. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Western Palearctic is one of the most investigated regions for avian haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon), yet geographic gaps in our regional knowledge remain. Here, we report the first haemosporidian screening of the breeding birds from Sardinia (the second-largest Mediterranean Island and a biodiversity hotspot), and the first for the insular Mediterranean in general. We examined the occurrence of haemosporidians by amplifying their mtDNA cytb gene in 217 breeding birds, belonging to 32 species. The total prevalence of infected birds was 55.3%, and of the 116 haplotypes recovered, 84 were novel. Despite the high number of novel lineages, phylogenetic analysis did not highlight Sardinia-specific clades; instead, some Sardinian lineages were more closely related to lineages previously recovered from continental Europe. Host-parasite network analysis indicated a specialized host-parasite community. Binomial generalized linear models (GLMs), performed at the community level, suggested an elevational effect on haemosporidian occurrence probability (negative for Haemoproteus; positive for Leucocytozoon) likely due to differences in the abundance of insect vectors at different elevations. Furthermore, a GLM revealed that sedentary birds showed a higher probability of being infected by novel haplotypes and long-distance migrants showed a lower probability of novel haplotype infection. We hypothesize that the high diversity of haemosporidians is linked to the isolation of breeding bird populations on Sardinia. This study adds to the growing knowledge on haemosporidians lineage diversity and distribution in insular environments and presents new insights on potential host-parasite associations.
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16
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Meister SL, Richard OK, Hoby S, Gurtner C, Basso WU. Fatal avian malaria in captive Atlantic puffins ( Fratercula arctica) in Switzerland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 14:97-106. [PMID: 33552896 PMCID: PMC7848291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium species, which may affect a broad spectrum of bird families worldwide. In most endemic and migratory birds, Plasmodium infections seem not to cause severe harm; however, non-indigenous species kept in human care such as penguins may experience high morbidity and mortality rates. Fatal avian malaria may also occur in other non-native seabirds such as puffins (Fratercula spp.), but reported cases are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze seven cases of sudden death in captive Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) at Berne Animal Park in Switzerland between 2010 and 2020, and to determine the involvement of haemosporidian parasites in the fatal outcome. In all cases, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, necrotic lesions in several organs and presence of protozoan stages within tissues/erythrocytes or accumulation of iron-based pigment were observed histologically. A one-step multiplex PCR designed to simultaneously detect and discriminate haemosporidia belonging to the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, and a nested PCR detecting Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections were performed on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or fresh liver and spleen tissues from five and two birds, respectively. Plasmodium spp. DNA was detected in the tissues from six of seven birds by the one-step multiplex PCR and in five of seven individuals by the nested PCR protocol. Direct sequencing of the amplification products allowed the molecular identification of Plasmodium relictum SGS1 as the involved species in three individuals and Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 in two of these fatal cases. In one bird, no haemosporidian DNA could be amplified from FFPE tissues despite of suggestive histopathological findings. These results indicate that avian malaria represents an important cause of death in captive puffins and it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in unclear or fatal cases in this threatened bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraina L Meister
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivia K Richard
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Hoby
- Berne Animal Park, Tierparkweg 1, CH-3005, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter U Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Emmenegger T, Bensch S, Hahn S, Kishkinev D, Procházka P, Zehtindjiev P, Bauer S. Effects of blood parasite infections on spatiotemporal migration patterns and activity budgets in a long-distance migratory passerine. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:753-762. [PMID: 33520163 PMCID: PMC7820147 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
How blood parasite infections influence the migration of hosts remains a lively debated issue as past studies found negative, positive, or no response to infections. This particularly applies to small birds, for which monitoring of detailed migration behavior over a whole annual cycle has been technically unachievable so far. Here, we investigate how bird migration is influenced by parasite infections. To this end, we tracked great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) with multisensor loggers, characterized general migration patterns as well as detailed flight bout durations, resting times and flight heights, and related these to the genus and intensity of their avian haemosporidian infections. We found migration distances to be shorter and the onset of autumn migration to be delayed with increasing intensity of blood parasite infection, in particular for birds with Plasmodium and mixed-genus infections. Additionally, the durations of migratory flight bout were prolonged for infected compared to uninfected birds. But since severely infected birds and particularly birds with mixed-genus infections had shorter resting times, initial delays seemed to be compensated for and the timing in other periods of the annual cycle was not compromised by infection. Overall, our multisensor logger approach revealed that avian blood parasites have mostly subtle effects on migratory performance and that effects can occur in specific periods of the year only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Emmenegger
- Department of Bird MigrationSwiss Ornithological InstituteSempachSwitzerland
- Institute of Integrative BiologyETH ZurichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution LabDepartment of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Steffen Hahn
- Department of Bird MigrationSwiss Ornithological InstituteSempachSwitzerland
| | - Dmitry Kishkinev
- School of Natural SciencesBangor UniversityBangorUK
- Biological Station RybachyZoological Institute of Russian Academy of SciencesRybachyRussia
- School of Life SciencesKeele UniversityKeeleUK
| | - Petr Procházka
- Institute of Vertebrate BiologyThe Czech Academy of SciencesBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Pavel Zehtindjiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem ResearchBulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
| | - Silke Bauer
- Department of Bird MigrationSwiss Ornithological InstituteSempachSwitzerland
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Duc M, Ilgūnas M, Valkiūnas G. Patterns of Haemoproteus majoris (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) megalomeront development. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105706. [PMID: 32956638 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are cosmopolitan and prevalent in birds. Numerous species and lineages of these pathogens have been identified. Some of the infections are lethal in avian hosts mainly due to damage of organs by tissue stages, which remain insufficiently investigated. Several closely related lineages of Haemoproteus majoris, a common parasite of passeriform birds, have been identified. One recent study described megalomeronts of unique morphology in the lineages hPHYBOR04 and hPARUS1 of H. majoris and suggested that the similar tissues stages might also be features in other phylogenetically closely related lineages of the same parasite species. This study aimed to test if (i) megalomeronts are present during the development of the lineage hPHSIB1 of H. majoris and if (ii) they are similar to the other investigated lineages of this species in regard of their morphology and location in organs. One adult wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, an Afrotropical migrant, naturally infected with H. majoris lineage hPHSIB1 was wild-caught after seasonal spring migration and screened using microscopic examination of blood films and histological sections of organs as well as using PCR-based testing. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis placed the lineages hPHSIB1, hPHYBOR04 and hPARUS1 in one, well-supported clade. Parasitaemia was high (6.5%) in the examined wood warbler, numerous megalomeronts were found in kidneys, and a few in the intestine. Megalomeronts of the lineage hPHSIB1 were morphologically hardly distinguishable from those of lineages hPHYBOR04 and hPARUS1; only negligible differences in the maturation stage of the cytomeres were seen. The kidneys were the main location site of the megalomeronts in all three lineages of this parasite species. This study shows that closely related lineages of H. majoris produce megalomeronts of similar morphology and predominant location in kidneys, while the normal function of this organ may be affected by the presence of numerous large megalomeronts. Megalomeronts of different avian Haemoproteus species are markedly variable in morphology and location, but phylogenetically closely related lineages possess cryptic megalomeronts. This finding suggests that phylogenies based on partial cytb gene could provide information for prediction of patterns of exo-erythrocytic development of closely related Haemoproteus parasites and are worthy of attention in planning haemosporidian parasite tissue stage research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Duc
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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19
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Santiago-Alarcon D, Ferreira FC. Does Plasmodium Infection Affect Mosquito Attraction? Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.582943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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20
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Harl J, Himmel T, Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Bakonyi T, Weissenböck H. Geographic and host distribution of haemosporidian parasite lineages from birds of the family Turdidae. Malar J 2020; 19:335. [PMID: 32933526 PMCID: PMC7491118 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03408-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemosporidians (Apicomplexa, Protista) are obligate heteroxenous parasites of vertebrates and blood-sucking dipteran insects. Avian haemosporidians comprise more than 250 species traditionally classified into four genera, Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Fallisia. However, analyses of the mitochondrial CytB gene revealed a vast variety of lineages not yet linked to morphospecies. This study aimed to analyse and discuss the data of haemosporidian lineages isolated from birds of the family Turdidae, to visualise host and geographic distribution using DNA haplotype networks and to suggest directions for taxonomy research on parasite species. Methods Haemosporidian CytB sequence data from 350 thrushes were analysed for the present study and complemented with CytB data of avian haemosporidians gathered from Genbank and MalAvi database. Maximum Likelihood trees were calculated to identify clades featuring lineages isolated from Turdidae species. For each clade, DNA haplotype networks were calculated and provided with information on host and geographic distribution. Results In species of the Turdidae, this study identified 82 Plasmodium, 37 Haemoproteus, and 119 Leucocytozoon lineages, 68, 28, and 112 of which are mainly found in this host group. Most of these lineages cluster in the clades, which are shown as DNA haplotype networks. The lineages of the Leucocytozoon clades were almost exclusively isolated from thrushes and usually were restricted to one host genus, whereas the Plasmodium and Haemoproteus networks featured multiple lineages also recovered from other passeriform and non-passeriform birds. Conclusion This study represents the first attempt to summarise information on the haemosporidian parasite lineages of a whole bird family. The analyses allowed the identification of numerous groups of related lineages, which have not been linked to morphologically defined species yet, and they revealed several cases in which CytB lineages were probably assigned to the wrong morphospecies. These taxonomic issues are addressed by comparing distributional patterns of the CytB lineages with data from the original species descriptions and further literature. The authors also discuss the availability of sequence data and emphasise that MalAvi database should be considered an extremely valuable addition to GenBank, but not a replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Támas Bakonyi
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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