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Yan WL, Sun HT, Zhao YC, Hou XW, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Elsheikha HM, Ni HB. Global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105136. [PMID: 38183894 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium infection transmitted to birds by mosquitoes. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the global prevalence of malaria and risk factors associated with infection in wild birds. A systematic search of the databases CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, and ScienceDirect was performed from database inception to 24 February 2023. The search identified 3181 retrieved articles, of which 52 articles met predetermined inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The estimated pooled global prevalence of Plasmodium infection in wild birds was 16%. Sub-group analysis showed that the highest prevalence was associated with adult birds, migrant birds, North America, tropical rainforest climate, birds captured by mist nets, detection of infection by microscopy, medium quality studies, and studies published after 2016. Our study highlights the need for more understanding of Plasmodium prevalence in wild birds and identifying risk factors associated with infection to inform future infection control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China; College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang 130600, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - He-Ting Sun
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yi-Chen Zhao
- Academy of Forestry Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100714, PR China
| | - Xin-Wen Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang 130600, Jilin Province, PR China.
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, PR China
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2
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Schoepf I, Olson S, Moore IT, Bonier F. Experimental reduction of haemosporidian infection affects maternal reproductive investment, parental behaviour and offspring condition. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221978. [PMID: 36448284 PMCID: PMC9709520 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1978] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
When hosts have a long coevolutionary history with their parasites, fitness costs of chronic infection have often been assumed to be negligible. Yet, experimental manipulation of infections sometimes reveals effects of parasites on their hosts, particularly during reproduction. Whether these effects translate into fitness costs remains unclear. Here, we present the results of an experimental study conducted in a free-ranging population of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) naturally experiencing a high prevalence of haemosporidian infections, with more than 95% of breeding adults infected with parasites from one or more haemosporidian genus. To assess effects of infection during reproduction, we manipulated adult red-winged blackbird females' parasite burden by administering an anti-haemosporidian medication before onset of egg-laying. Experimental reduction of infection resulted in significant benefits to mothers and their offspring. Medicated females laid heavier clutches, invested more in incubation and provisioning behaviour, and produced more fledglings than control females. Nestlings of medicated females had higher haematocrit, higher blood glucose, and lower reactive oxygen metabolites than nestlings of control females. Overall, our results provide evidence that, even in a species with high prevalence of infection, parasites can lead to decreased maternal investment and offspring quality, substantially reducing fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Schoepf
- Biology Department, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- University of Alberta, Augustana Campus, 4901 46 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta, Canada T4V 2R3
| | - Sarena Olson
- Biology Department, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Ignacio T. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Frances Bonier
- Biology Department, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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3
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Palinauskas V, Mateos-Hernandez L, Wu-Chuang A, de la Fuente J, Aželytė J, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A. Exploring the Ecological Implications of Microbiota Diversity in Birds: Natural Barriers Against Avian Malaria. Front Immunol 2022; 13:807682. [PMID: 35250978 PMCID: PMC8891477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.807682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural antibodies (Abs), produced in response to bacterial gut microbiota, drive resistance to infection in vertebrates. In natural systems, gut microbiota diversity is expected to shape the spectrum of natural Abs and resistance to parasites. This hypothesis has not been empirically tested. In this 'Hypothesis and Theory' paper, we propose that enteric microbiota diversity shapes the immune response to the carbohydrate α-Gal and resistance to avian malaria. We further propose that anti-α-Gal Abs are transmitted from mother to eggs for early malaria protection in chicks. Microbiota modulation by anti-α-Gal Abs is also proposed as a mechanism favoring the early colonization of bacterial taxa with α1,3-galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) activity in the bird gut. Our preliminary data shows that bacterial α1,3GT genes are widely distributed in the gut microbiome of wild and domestic birds. We also showed that experimental infection with the avian malaria parasite P. relictum induces anti-α-Gal Abs in bird sera. The bird-malaria-microbiota system allows combining field studies with infection and transmission experiments in laboratory animals to test the association between microbiota composition, anti-α-Gal Abs, and malaria infection in natural populations of wild birds. Understanding how the gut microbiome influences resistance to malaria can bring insights on how these mechanisms influence the prevalence of malaria parasites in juvenile birds and shape the host population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Justė Aželytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
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4
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Castaño-Vázquez F, Merino S. Differential effects of environmental climatic variables on parasite abundances in blue tit nests during a decade. Integr Zool 2021; 17:511-529. [PMID: 34971472 PMCID: PMC9543696 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12625] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Models on climate change have predicted an increase of temperature over the earth's surface with potential drastic effects on living organisms. We analyzed the relationships between climatic conditions (temperature, rainfall, and wind speed) and the abundance of blood‐sucking flying insects (biting midges and blackflies) and nest‐dwelling ectoparasites (mites, fleas, and blowflies) collected from blue tit nests during bird breeding seasons for a period of 10 years. Average temperature, rainfall, and wind speed showed significant differences among years. Temperature and wind speed increased during the period of study while rainfall decreased. Biting midge, blackfly, and blowfly abundances increased across years but not flea and mite abundances. Hatching date decreased and brood size increased across years. Independently of year variation, parasites were related to climatic variables. For example, biting midge, blowfly, mite, and flea abundances were positive and significantly related to average temperature. We also found a positive and significant relationship between abundances of Haemoproteus infections and biting midge abundances during the first year of life of birds out of nests. However, abundance and prevalence of Lankesterella infections in yearlings were positive and significantly related to mite abundances during the year of birth of birds. Leucocytozoon and Lankesterella infections were also significantly related to climatic variables and Haemoproteus and Lankesterella infections increased across years. In addition, body condition of adult females and males were negatively related to flea larvae and blowfly abundance respectively. Nestling body condition was also negatively related to biting midge abundance. Changes in climatic conditions across years could therefore affect several parasites of birds but also to birds themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santiago Merino
- Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Dahlin K, Feng Z. Modeling the population impacts of avian malaria on Hawaiian honeycreepers: Bifurcation analysis and implications for conservation. Math Biosci 2019; 318:108268. [PMID: 31669327 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2019.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease of birds caused by protists of the genera Plasmodium, most notably Plasmodium relictum. This disease has been identified as a primary cause of the drastic decline and extinctions of birds, in particular Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae), where rates of mortality may exceed 90%. We formulate an epizootiological model of the transmission dynamics of avian malaria between populations of bird hosts and mosquito vectors using a system of compartmental ordinary differential equations. We derive the basic reproduction number as well as criteria for the existence and local stability of disease-free and enzootic equilibria. These results provide useful information for evaluating management strategies. A local sensitivity analysis of certain model invariants to uncertain parameter values is performed to ascertain which biological factors have the largest impact on ecological outcomes and, in particular, long-term bird population densities. We discuss and compare the effectiveness of two disease control and conservation strategies: captive propagation of honeycreepers and larval mosquito habitat reduction. We provide examples of combinations of these strategies that either are predicted to eliminate enzootic avian malaria or to increase predicted bird density above a given ecologically meaningful threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dahlin
- Purdue University, 150 N University Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Zhilan Feng
- Purdue University, 150 N University Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Morphological and molecular characterization of avian trypanosomes in raptors from Thailand. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2419-2429. [PMID: 31230161 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
From September 2012 to May 2018, blood samples from 364 raptors (mostly adults) were collected and screened for trypanosomes and haemosporidians by microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Trypanosoma spp. were identified in 15 birds from eight different species. Light microscopy revealed 14 cases of infection with Trypanosoma cf. corvi, including one each in black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus, n = 49), Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus, n = 50), and spotted owlet (SO, Athene brama, n = 27); two mountain hawk-eagles (Spizaetus nipalensis, n = 3); and three each in Asian barred owlets (ABO, Glaucidium cuculoides, n = 27), barn owls (BO, Tyto alba, n = 65) and collared scops owls (CSO, Otus lettia, n = 41). In addition, one case of infection with T. avium was identified in an oriental scops owl (OSO, Otus sunia, n = 2). All infected raptors showed very low parasitemia levels. The PCR detected more three positives in one CSO, one Japanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis), and one OSO. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR method were 93.3% and 99.1%, respectively. The overall infection rate was very low (4.9%). The highest infection rate was recorded in cold-dry season (9.9%). Coinfection of Plasmodium with trypanosomes was found in all three ABOs. Coinfection with Haemoproteus spp. was found in one BO, three CSOs, and one SO. Coinfection with Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon danilewskyi was found in the OSO. Microfilarias were detected in one ABO and one CSO. The ultrastructure of trypomastigotes of T. cf. corvi in an ABO revealed fine structures. All small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) sequences belong to two clades: T. avium and T. corvi-culicavium complex/group. SSU rRNA gene amplification was not successful in one BO. The raptors with trypanosome infections showed normal hematological values and healthy appearance. Furthermore, this is the first report of T. avium in a nocturnal raptor from Thailand.
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7
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Schumm YR, Wecker C, Marek C, Wassmuth M, Bentele A, Willems H, Reiner G, Quillfeldt P. Blood parasites in Passeriformes in central Germany: prevalence and lineage diversity of Haemosporida ( Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon) in six common songbirds. PeerJ 2019; 6:e6259. [PMID: 30723612 PMCID: PMC6360073 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian Haemosporida are vector-borne parasites that commonly infect Passeriformes. Molecular analyses revealed a high number of different lineages and lineage specific traits like prevalence and host-specificity, but knowledge of parasite prevalence and lineage diversity in wild birds in Central Germany is still lacking. Results Blood samples from a total of 238 adult and 122 nestling songbirds belonging to six species were investigated for infections with avian haemosporidian genera and lineages (Haemoproteus spp., Plasmodium spp., Leucocytozoon spp.) and Trypanosoma avium using PCR, targeting the parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 18S ribosomal RNA. In total, the prevalence in adult birds was 31.3% infected with Haemoproteus, 12.5% with Plasmodium and 71.0% with Leucocytozoon (nestlings excluded). None of the tested birds was infected with Trypanosoma avium. Only in two nestling birds, aged 12–17 days, a Leucocytozoon spp. infection was proven. Among 225 successfully sequenced samples, we found four Haemoproteus, three Plasmodium and 19 Leucocytozoon lineages, including two new Leucocytozoon lineages. Furthermore, we report two new host-lineage associations. Conclusions As first study investigating avian haemosporidian parasites in Central Germany, we provide new information on genetic diversity of Haemosporida infecting Passeriformes. We show that even with a small sample size new lineages as well as previously unknown linkages between certain lineages and host species can be detected. This may help to elucidate the diversity of lineages as well as lineage-host-connections of avian Haemosporida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne R Schumm
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wecker
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carina Marek
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mareike Wassmuth
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Bentele
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hermann Willems
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerald Reiner
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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8
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Eastwood JR, Peacock L, Hall ML, Roast M, Murphy SA, Gonçalves da Silva A, Peters A. Persistent low avian malaria in a tropical species despite high community prevalence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 8:88-93. [PMID: 30723669 PMCID: PMC6350384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Malarial and other haemosporidian parasites are widespread; however, their temporal dynamics are ill-understood. Longitudinal sampling of a threatened riparian bird revealed a consistently very low prevalence over 13 years (∼5%) despite infections persisting and prevalence increasing with age. In contrast, three key species within this tropical community were highly infected (∼20–75% prevalence) and these differences were stable. Although we found novel lineages and phylogenetic structure at the local level, there was little geographic structuring within Australasia. This study suggests that malarial parasite susceptibility is determined by host factors and that species can maintain low levels despite high community prevalence. Malarial parasite prevalence varied between species (∼5–75%). Persistent and low prevalence over 12y in a riparian bird. Oldest age category had highest parasite prevalence. Parasites showed genetic structure at the local level but not within Australasia. Tropical species can maintain low malarial parasite levels despite high exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Eastwood
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lee Peacock
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Hall
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, D-78315, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Michael Roast
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Stephen A. Murphy
- Adaptive NRM, Malanda, Queensland, 4885, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, 0909, Australia
| | - Anders Gonçalves da Silva
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, D-78315, Radolfzell, Germany
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Salakij C, Pornpanom P, Lertwatcharasarakul P, Kasorndorkbua C, Salakij J. Haemoproteus in barn and collared scops owls from Thailand. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:280-289. [PMID: 29032656 PMCID: PMC5879076 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.2.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The barn owl (BO) and the collared scops owl (CSO) are common nocturnal raptors throughout Thailand. Blood samples from 23 adult BOs and 14 CSOs were collected and processed for complete blood cell counts and parasite morphological examinations. Two Haemoproteus-positive samples were processed for ultrastructural observation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for a partial cytochrome b gene (cytb) from Haemoproteus was performed in all samples. Haemoproteus presence detected by light microscopy was lower than that detected by PCR (30.4% and 34.8%, respectively, in BO; and 50.0% and 78.6%, respectively, in CSO). Comparative hematology revealed that Haemoproteus-positive BOs had higher mean cell hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte, absolute heterophil, basophil, and monocyte counts than Haemoproteus-negative BOs, but no significant differences between Haemoproteus-negative and -positive CSOs. Monocyte ultrastructure analysis revealed a role in the elimination of gametocytes. Morphologically, the Haemoproteus in 3 BOs and 6 CSOs were identified as H. noctuae, while that in 1 CSO was identified as H. syrnii. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the Haemoproteus spp. in 8 BOs and 7 CSOs were not closely related to H. noctuae or H. syrnii, and the cytb of 2 CSOs was that of H. syrnii. These results should be useful for study of Haemoproteus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaleow Salakij
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Pornpanom
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Preeda Lertwatcharasarakul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10903, Thailand.,Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Jarernsak Salakij
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
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10
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Molecular characterization of avian malaria in the spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:919-928. [PMID: 29327322 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We studied the prevalence and genetic diversity of malaria parasites in the poorly investigated spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) breeding in central Spain, aiming to describe the phylogenetic relationships among them and with other haemosporidians infecting the genus Sturnus. A total of 180 nestlings and 180 adult individuals from four different breeding seasons were screened for haemosporidian parasites using a nested PCR approach for the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Although the malaria prevalence ranged between years, the overall prevalence was 6.94%. Adults had a higher prevalence than chicks: 12.77 vs. 1.11%, respectively. We molecularly characterized avian malaria isolated in peripheral blood samples taken from malaria-infected individuals. Sequence analyses revealed four unique Plasmodium lineages of avian malaria (STURUNI01, STURUNI02, SYAT05, SGS1) in our spotless starling population. The phylogenetic analysis showed a well-supported clade comprised by STURUNI01, STURUNI02, and SYAT05. The most common lineage (SYAT05) has been previously found in 26 other avian host species, including populations of spotless starling in Portugal. Because this sedentary species is widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, we suggest that the local transmission of these lineages might place migratory birds at infection risk.
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11
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Grilo ML, Vanstreels RET, Wallace R, García-Párraga D, Braga ÉM, Chitty J, Catão-Dias JL, Madeira de Carvalho LM. Malaria in penguins - current perceptions. Avian Pathol 2017; 45:393-407. [PMID: 27009571 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1149145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium, and it is considered one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in captive penguins, both in zoological gardens and rehabilitation centres. Penguins are known to be highly susceptible to this disease, and outbreaks have been associated with mortality as high as 50-80% of affected captive populations within a few weeks. The disease has also been reported in wild penguin populations, however, its impacts on the health and fitness of penguins in the wild is not clear. This review provides an overview of the aetiology, life cycle and epidemiology of avian malaria, and provides details on the strategies that can be employed for the diagnostic, treatment and prevention of this disease in captive penguins, discussing possible directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Grilo
- a Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal.,b Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation , Buesum , Germany
| | - R E T Vanstreels
- c Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - R Wallace
- d Milwaukee County Zoo , Milwaukee , WI , USA
| | - D García-Párraga
- e Veterinary Services , Oceanografic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias , Valencia , Spain
| | - É M Braga
- f Departamento de Parasitologia , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | | | - J L Catão-Dias
- c Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia , Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - L M Madeira de Carvalho
- a Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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12
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Muriel J, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Puerta M, Gil D. Sex-Specific Effects of High Yolk Androgen Levels on Constitutive and Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Nestlings of an Altricial Passerine. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:106-117. [DOI: 10.1086/688445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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13
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High rates of infection by blood parasites during the nestling phase in UK Columbids with notes on ecological associations. Parasitology 2016; 144:622-628. [PMID: 27938431 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016002274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Studies of blood parasite infection in nestling birds rarely find a high prevalence of infection. This is likely due to a combination of short nestling periods (limiting the age at which nestlings can be sampled) and long parasite prepatent periods before gametocytes can be detected in peripheral blood. Here we examine rates of blood parasite infection in nestlings from three Columbid species in the UK. We use this system to address two key hypotheses in the epidemiology of avian haemoparasites: first, that nestlings in open nests have a higher prevalence of infection; and second, that nestlings sampled at 14 days old have a higher apparent infection rate than those sampled at 7 days old. Open-nesting individuals had a 54% infection rate compared with 25% for box-nesters, probably due to an increased exposure of open-nesting species to dipteran vectors. Nestlings sampled at 14 days had a 68% infection rate compared with 32% in nestlings sampled at 7 days, suggesting that rates of infection in the nest are high. Further work should examine nestlings post-fledging to identify rates of successful parasite infection (as opposed to abortive development within a dead-end host) as well as impacts on host post-fledging survival and behaviour.
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14
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Hammers M, Komdeur J, Kingma SA, Hutchings K, Fairfield EA, Gilroy DL, Richardson DS. Age-specific haemosporidian infection dynamics and survival in Seychelles warblers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29720. [PMID: 27431430 PMCID: PMC4949462 DOI: 10.1038/srep29720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites may severely impact the fitness and life-history of their hosts. After infection, surviving individuals may suppress the growth of the parasite, or completely clear the infection and develop immunity. Consequently, parasite prevalence is predicted to decline with age. Among elderly individuals, immunosenescence may lead to a late-life increase in infection prevalence. We used a 21-year longitudinal dataset from one population of individually-marked Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to investigate age-dependent prevalence of the GRW1 strain of the intracellular protozoan blood parasite Haemoproteus nucleocondensus and whether infections with this parasite affect age-dependent survival. We analyzed 2454 samples from 1431 individuals and found that H. nucleocondensus infections could rarely be detected in nestlings. Prevalence increased strongly among fledglings and peaked among older first year birds. Prevalence was high among younger adults and declined steeply until ca 4 years of age, after which it was stable. Contrary to expectations, H. nucleocondensus prevalence did not increase among elderly individuals and we found no evidence that annual survival was lower in individuals suffering from an infection. Our results suggest that individuals clear or suppress infections and acquire immunity against future infections, and provide no evidence for immunosenescence nor an impact of chronic infections on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Hammers
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Theoretical Research in Evolutionary Life Sciences, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjouke A Kingma
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Theoretical Research in Evolutionary Life Sciences, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Hutchings
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Eleanor A Fairfield
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Danielle L Gilroy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
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15
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Calero-Riestra M, García JT. Sex-dependent differences in avian malaria prevalence and consequences of infections on nestling growth and adult condition in the Tawny pipit, Anthus campestris. Malar J 2016; 15:178. [PMID: 27001667 PMCID: PMC4802721 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1220-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasites play pivotal roles in host population dynamics and can have strong ecological impacts on hosts. Knowledge of the effects of parasites on hosts is often limited by the general observation of a fraction of individuals (mostly adults) within a population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria parasites in adult (≥ 1 year old) and nestling (7-11 day old) Tawny pipits Anthus campestris, to evaluate the influence of the host sex on parasite prevalence in both groups of age, and explore the association between infections and body condition (adults) and growth (nestlings). METHODS Two hundred Tawny pipits (105 adults and 95 nestlings) from one Spanish population were screened for avian malaria parasites (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Body condition (body mass against a linear measure of size) was measured in adults and growth rate (daily mass gain) was calculated for nestlings. RESULTS The overall prevalence of infection was 46%. Sixteen different mitochondrial cytochrome b haplotypes of Plasmodium spp. and one Haemoproteus spp. haplotype were found. Malaria parasites were equally prevalent in nestlings and adults (45 and 46%, respectively). Males were more likely to be infected by parasites than females, and this sex-bias parasitism was evident in both adults and nestlings. Furthermore, a lower daily mass gain during nestling growth in males than in females following infections were found, whereas the effect of infections on body condition of adults was detrimental for females but not for males. CONCLUSIONS Age-specific differences in physiological trade-offs and ecological factors, such as nest predation would explain, at least in part, the observed host sex and age-related patterns in Tawny pipits.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Calero-Riestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jesus T García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites in the globally-threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. Parasitology 2015; 142:1183-9. [PMID: 25924680 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The diversity and prevalence of malaria parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus were determined in the globally-threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. Birds were sampled during migration in Portugal and at the wintering quarters in Senegal and parasites were detected using molecular methods. Only three generalist parasite lineages (Plasmodium) were found. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of parasites between sexes in Europe, but adults had higher prevalence than first-year birds, and birds in Europe had higher prevalence than those captured in Africa. When comparing with other Acrocephalus species and taking sample size into account, Aquatic Warblers had the lowest prevalence and, together with another threatened species, the Seychelles Warbler Acrocephalus sechellensis, the lowest diversity of malaria parasites. We hypothesize that the low diversity of parasites and absence of specialist lineages of Aquatic Warblers are caused by its small population size and fragmented distribution. Furthermore, Aquatic Warblers' extreme habitat specialization may decrease their exposure to malaria parasites, but other explanations such as high mortality (which would constraint the sampling of infected birds) or, in contrast, very efficient immunological system in clearing the infections cannot be ruled out. This study contributes to explain variation in prevalence and diversity of malaria parasites among hosts.
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17
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Knowles SCL, Wood MJ, Alves R, Sheldon BC. Dispersal in a patchy landscape reveals contrasting determinants of infection in a wild avian malaria system. J Anim Ecol 2013; 83:429-39. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. L. Knowles
- Department of Zoology; Edward Grey Institute; University of Oxford; South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology; Imperial College London; St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK
| | - Matthew J. Wood
- Department of Zoology; Edward Grey Institute; University of Oxford; South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
- Department of Natural and Social Sciences; University of Gloucestershire; Francis Close Hall Cheltenham GL50 4AZ UK
| | - Ricardo Alves
- Department of Zoology; Edward Grey Institute; University of Oxford; South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
| | - Ben C. Sheldon
- Department of Zoology; Edward Grey Institute; University of Oxford; South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
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Abstract
SUMMARYThe effect of insect vectors on avian exposure to infection by pathogens remains poorly studied. Here, we used an insect repellent treatment to reduce the number of blood-sucking flying insects in blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus nests and examined its effect on nestling health status measured as body mass, nestling phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response and blood parasite prevalence. We found that (i) the insect repellent treatment significantly reduced the number of blood-sucking flying insects in nests and (ii) the number of blood-sucking flying insects had a significant effect on the prevalence of the blood parasite Trypanosoma independently of the treatment. In addition, we found support for an adverse effect of parasite infections on nestling PHA response. Nestlings infected by Trypanosoma mounted a weaker response against PHA than non-parasitized ones. In addition, the number of blowflies in the nest was negatively associated with nestling PHA response. Overall, we found support for the hypothesis that blood-sucking flying insects attacking nestlings increase their exposure to parasite infections. Our results further substantiate the adverse effect of parasites on nestling condition.
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Knutie SA, Waite JL, Clayton DH. Does avian malaria reduce fledging success: an experimental test of the selection hypothesis. Evol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-012-9578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Auger P, Mchich R, Chowdhury T, Sallet G, Tchuente M, Chattopadhyay J. Effects of a disease affecting a predator on the dynamics of a predator–prey system. J Theor Biol 2009; 258:344-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Geographic variation in malarial parasite lineages in the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). CONSERV GENET 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-007-9497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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