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Goodman M, Higbie CT. Neonatal Care of Anseriformes. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2024; 27:313-339. [PMID: 38103998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.11.010] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal Anseriformes require specialized care for successful development including access to clean swimming water and food presentation that stimulates natural feeding behavior. Knowledge of natural history is essential for successful rearing. Lightweight and waterproof materials can be used for corrective splinting of many developmental disorders that allow birds to ambulate normally and swim. Captivity-associated lesions can be minimized through proper husbandry and hygiene. Anseriformes are susceptible to a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases, some of which are reportable to state health agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Goodman
- Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA 19002, USA.
| | - Christine T Higbie
- The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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2
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Bennett J, Niebuhr CN, Lagrue C, Middlemiss KL, Webster T, Filion A. New insights into avian malaria infections in New Zealand seabirds. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:184. [PMID: 38625416 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08210-4] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The past few years have been marked by a drastic increase in pathogen spillover events. However, the extent and taxonomic range at which these events take place remain as crucial unanswered questions in many host-pathogen systems. Here, we take advantage of opportunistically sampled bird carcasses from the South Island of New Zealand, with the aim of identifying Plasmodium spp. infections in native and endemic New Zealand seabird species. In total, six samples from five bird species were positive for avian malaria, including four of which were successfully sequenced and identified as Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 lineage. These results provide new Plasmodium infection records in seabirds, including the first documented case in Procellariiformes in New Zealand, highlighting the potential disease risk to these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerusha Bennett
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King St, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chris N Niebuhr
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand
| | - Clément Lagrue
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, 265 Princes St, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Karen L Middlemiss
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Munro Building, 186 Bridge Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Trudi Webster
- Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, 265 Princes St, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Antoine Filion
- Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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3
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Dubiec A, Atamas N, Ledwoń M. Very low prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3063-3075. [PMID: 37907627 PMCID: PMC10667446 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07997-y] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon in marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern-in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages-one Plasmodium and two Leucocytozoon-that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentified Plasmodium infections. One of the lineages (Leucocytozoon LARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (Plasmodium SGS1 and Leucocytozoon CIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon only sporadically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dubiec
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Atamas
- Department of Animal Monitoring and Conservation, Laboratory of Population Ecology, I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, B. Khmelnytskoho Str., 15, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Ledwoń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016, Cracow, Poland
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Vanstreels RET, Chagas CRF, Valkiūnas G, Dos Anjos CC, Parsons NJ, Roberts DG, Snyman A, Hurtado R, Kirchgatter K, Ludynia K, Pistorius PA. Haemoproteus jenniae (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) infects gulls ( Larus spp.) in South Africa, with redescription of Haemoproteus skuae. Parasitology 2023; 150:1286-1295. [PMID: 36951108 PMCID: PMC10941229 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300029x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemoproteus spp. are dipteran-borne protozoa that infect erythrocytes and reticulo-endothelial cells of birds. These parasites are not usually transmitted between birds belonging to different orders. The suborder Lari (order Charadriiformes) comprises ~170 avian species, the majority of which are aquatic, including gulls, terns, auklets, murres and skuas, among others. In spite of the diversity of this avian group, there is limited known diversity of haemosporidian parasites, with only 4 recorded Haemoproteus morphospecies thus far. We examined the blood smears of 21 kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) captured at a breeding colony in South Africa, as well as Haemoproteus-positive archival blood smears of 15 kelp gulls and 1 Hartlaub's gull (Larus hartlaubii) sampled while under care at seabird rehabilitation facilities in South Africa. Haemoproteus sp. infection was detected in 19% of wild-caught kelp gulls. All parasites from the gulls were morphologically identified as Haemoproteus jenniae, a species previously recorded in Lari birds at the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Rocas Atoll (Brazil) and Poland. Gene sequencing uncovered a new cytochrome b lineage, LARDOM01, which was closely related to the previously reported H. jenniae lineage CREFUR01. Additionally, we evaluated a hapantotype blood smear of Haemoproteus skuae, which had been described infecting a brown skua (Catharacta antarctica) in South Africa. We provide a redescription of H. skuae and discuss the morphological characters distinguishing it from H. jenniae. Further research is necessary to improve our knowledge about the host and geographic distribution, health effects and phylogeny of H. jenniae and H. skuae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph E T Vanstreels
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | | | | | - Carolina C Dos Anjos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David G Roberts
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Albert Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renata Hurtado
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katrin Ludynia
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pierre A Pistorius
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
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5
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González-Olvera M, Hernandez-Colina A, Chantrey J, Allen S, Lopez J, Baylis M. A non-invasive feather-based methodology for the detection of blood parasites (Haemosporida). Sci Rep 2023; 13:16712. [PMID: 37794079 PMCID: PMC10550939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43932-y] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood parasite (haemosporidian) infections are conventionally detected using blood samples; this implies capturing and handling birds to obtain them, which induces stress and causes pain. Feathers have blood vessels, and some blood could be preserved in the feather's shaft after moulting. We used feather DNA for detecting haemosporidians by PCR testing in diverse scenarios. First, haemosporidian DNA was detected in feathers from carcasses of infected birds, proving the feasibility of the approach. Storage temperature affected DNA recovery, with maximum retrieval and haemosporidian detection at the lowest temperature (- 20 °C). All feather types from infected birds kept at optimal conditions yielded haemosporidian DNA. Parasite detection by PCR was correlated with DNA yield, which was significantly higher in heavier birds, flight feathers, and more feathers per pool. Lastly, haemosporidians were detected employing feathers moulted from wild and captive birds to estimate infection prevalence. We show for the first time that using blood from feather shafts for haemosporidian detection can be an advantageous and less invasive alternative to blood sampling if feathers are optimally preserved. This method could contribute to uncovering haemosporidian infections in endangered and elusive birds, and it might facilitate routine screening in captive birds, thereby improving infection detection, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merit González-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK.
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK.
| | - Julian Chantrey
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Simon Allen
- Gower Bird Hospital, Sandy Lane, Pennard, Swansea, SA3 2EW, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
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6
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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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7
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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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Theodosopoulos AN, Grabenstein KC, Bensch S, Taylor SA. A highly invasive malaria parasite has expanded its range to non-migratory birds in North America. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20210271. [PMID: 34493062 PMCID: PMC8424330 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite range expansions are a direct consequence of globalization and are an increasing threat to biodiversity. Here, we report a recent range expansion of the SGS1 strain of a highly invasive parasite, Plasmodium relictum, to two non-migratory passerines in North America. Plasmodium relictum is considered one of the world's most invasive parasites and causes the disease avian malaria: this is the first reported case of SGS1 in wild non-migratory birds on the continent. Using a long-term database where researchers report avian malaria parasite infections, we summarized our current understanding of the geographical range of SGS1 and its known hosts. We also identified the most likely geographical region of this introduction event using the MSP1 allele. We hypothesize that this introduction resulted from movements of captive birds and subsequent spillover to native bird populations, via the presence of competent vectors and ecological fitting. Further work should be conducted to determine the extent to which SGS1 has spread following its introduction in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn C. Grabenstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Department of Biology, MEEL, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Scott A. Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Plasmodium matutinum Causing Avian Malaria in Lovebirds ( Agapornis roseicollis) Hosted in an Italian Zoo. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071356. [PMID: 34201448 PMCID: PMC8306776 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria is a worldwide distributed, vector-born disease of birds caused by parasites of the order Haemosporida. There is a lack of knowledge about the presence and pathogenetic role of Haemosporida in Psittacidae. Here we report a case of avian malaria infection in lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), with the genetic characterization of the Plasmodium species involved. The birds were hosted in a zoo located in Italy, where avian malaria cases in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) were already reported. Animals (n = 11) were submitted for necropsy after sudden death and were subjected to further analyses including histopathology, bacteriology, and PCR for the research of haemosporidians. Clinical history, gross lesions and histopathological observation of schizonts, together with positive PCR results for Plasmodium spp., demonstrated that avian malaria was the cause of death for one animal and the possible cause of death for the other nine. The sequences obtained were compared using BLAST and analyzed for similarity to sequences available at the MalAvi database. Genetic analyses demonstrated a 100% nucleotide identity to Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 for all the obtained sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing avian malaria in lovebirds.
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Iurescia M, Romiti F, Cocumelli C, Diaconu EL, Stravino F, Onorati R, Alba P, Friedrich KG, Maggi F, Magliano A, Ermenegildi A, Carfora V, Caprioli A, De Liberato C, Battisti A. Plasmodium matutinum Transmitted by Culex pipiens as a Cause of Avian Malaria in Captive African Penguins ( Spheniscus demersus) in Italy. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:621974. [PMID: 33796578 PMCID: PMC8009178 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.621974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria is a parasitic disease of birds caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Plasmodium, within the order Haemosporida. Penguins are considered particularly susceptible, and outbreaks in captive populations can lead to high mortality. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the death due to avian malaria, occurred between 2015 and 2019, in eight African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) kept in two Italian zoos located in central Italy, and situated about 30 km apart. We also provided information about the presence and circulation of Plasmodium spp. in mosquitoes in central Italy by sampling mosquitoes in both zoos where penguin mortalities occurred. In the eight dead penguins, gross and histopathological lesions were consistent with those previously observed by other authors in avian malaria outbreaks. Organs from dead penguins and mosquitoes collected in both zoos were tested for avian malaria parasites by using a PCR assay targeting the partial mitochondrial conserved region of the cytochrome b gene. Identification at species level was performed by sequencing analysis. Plasmodium matutinum was detected in both dead penguins and in mosquitoes (Culex pipiens), while Plasmodium vaughani in Culex pipiens only. Parasites were not found in any of the PCR tested Aedes albopictus samples. Based on our phylogenetic analysis, we detected three previously characterized lineages: Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and AFTRU5, P. vaughani SYAT05. In Culex pipiens we also identified two novel lineages, CXPIP32 (inferred morphospecies Plasmodium matutinum) and CXPIP33 (inferred morphospecies P. vaughani). Significantly, LINN1 and AFTRU5 were found to be associated to penguin deaths, although only LINN1 was detected both in penguins (along the years of the study) and in Culex pipiens, while AFTRU5 was detected in a single penguin dead in 2017. In conclusion, in our study Plasmodium matutinum was found to cause avian malaria in captive penguins kept in Europe, with Culex pipiens being its most probable vector. Our results are in agreement with previous studies suggesting that Culex pipiens is one of the main vectors of Plasmodium spp. in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. Zoos maintaining captive penguins in temperate areas where Culex pipiens is abundant should be well aware of the risks of avian malaria, and should put every effort to prevent outbreaks, in particular during the periods when the number of vectors is higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Iurescia
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Romiti
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Lavinia Diaconu
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorentino Stravino
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Onorati
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Alba
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Flavio Maggi
- Zoomarine Acquatic Park, Torvaianica, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Magliano
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Ermenegildi
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Carfora
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Caprioli
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Battisti
- General Diagnostic Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
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11
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Inumaru M, Yamada A, Shimizu M, Ono A, Horinouchi M, Shimamoto T, Tsuda Y, Murata K, Sato Y. Vector incrimination and transmission of avian malaria at an aquarium in Japan: mismatch in parasite composition between mosquitoes and penguins. Malar J 2021; 20:136. [PMID: 33676517 PMCID: PMC7937252 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03669-3] [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: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Captive populations of penguins outside of their natural distributions are often maintained in outdoor facilities, such as zoos and aquariums. Consequently, such penguins in captivity are constantly exposed to mosquito vectors and risk of avian malarial infection during their active period from spring to autumn, which can be lethal to these naïve birds. Previous studies have investigated parasite prevalence in mosquitoes or penguins, but simultaneous investigations, which would be crucial to monitor the transmission dynamics and cycle within a facility, have not been done. To identify dominant lineages and trends, multiple-year surveys are recommended. Methods Avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and related haemosporidia were tested in penguins and mosquitoes at an aquarium in Japan through multiple years from 2011 to 2018. Prevalence and dynamics were confirmed, and molecular analyses targeting the protozoal cytb gene were used to reveal the transmission cycle. Blood meals of mosquitoes were also identified using molecular methods. Results Parasite detection in penguins tended to fluctuate within an individual. Two Plasmodium lineages were consistently detected in mosquitoes that had fed on penguins and wild birds observed around the aquarium. Plasmodium lineage CXPIP09 was detected from both mosquitoes and penguins, suggesting active transmission at this facility. However, Plasmodium cathemerium PADOM02 was only detected in mosquitoes, which may be due to host, vector or parasite-related factors, or detection methods and their limits. Additionally, Haemoproteus larae SPMAG12 was detected from penguins, suggesting active transmission via biting midges. Conclusions The mismatch in parasite composition between penguins and mosquitoes shows that multiple aspects such as captive birds, wild birds and vector insects should be monitored in order to better understand and control avian malarial infection within ex-situ conservation facilities. Furthermore, morphological analyses would be needed to confirm competency and infection dynamics of avian malaria parasites. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03669-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizue Inumaru
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamada
- Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai, 5932-445 Nishifunamicho, Chuo, Niigata, 951-8555, Japan
| | - Misa Shimizu
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ayana Ono
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Makiko Horinouchi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Shimamoto
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yoshio Tsuda
- Department of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Koichi Murata
- Laboratory of Wildlife Science, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yukita Sato
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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Thorel M, Chavatte JM, Landau I, Lemberger K, Leclerc A. First case of Plasmodium relictum lineage pGRW11 infection in a captive-bred common eider (Somateria Mollissima) in Europe. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 23:100529. [PMID: 33678383 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100529] [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: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A 4-year-old, female common Eider (Somateria mollissima) was presented for mild lethargy with no previous medical history. Numerous intraerythrocytic, round-shaped inclusions were visualized on blood smears, later morphologically identified as Plasmodium relictum parasites. Despite oral doxycycline treatment, clinical condition declined 48 h later. Supportive care was initiated, but the bird died rapidly. Necropsy revealed acute, internal hemorrhages (lungs, air sacs) and subcutaneous, diffuse cervical hematoma, associated with resuscitation attempts. Marked, multicentric amyloidosis (kidney, liver, spleen) was the main histological finding. Molecular analysis identified lineage pGRW11 of P. relictum. This is the first reported case of P. relictum lineage pGRW11 infection in a common Eider. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and associated pathological findings of infection by P. relictum lineage pGRW11 in a common Eider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Thorel
- ZooParc de Beauval & Beauval Nature, 41110 Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France.
| | - Jean-Marc Chavatte
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France; Malaria Reference Centre - National Public Health Laboratory, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Level 13, 16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308422, Singapore
| | - Irène Landau
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Karin Lemberger
- Vet Diagnostics, 3 Avenue de la Victoire, 69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains, France
| | - Antoine Leclerc
- ZooParc de Beauval & Beauval Nature, 41110 Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France
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