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1.
J Helminthol ; 98: e47, 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38828707

ABSTRACT

Relative to the numerous studies focused on mammalian schistosomes, fewer include avian schistosomatids particularly in the southern hemisphere. This is changing and current research emerging from the Neotropics shows a remarkable diversity of endemic taxa. To contribute to this effort, nine ducks (Spatula cyanoptera, S.versicolor, Netta peposaca), 12 swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) and 1,400 Physa spp. snails from Chile and Argentina were collected for adults and larval schistosomatids, respectively. Isolated schistosomatids were preserved for morphological and molecular analyses (28S and COI genes). Four different schistosomatid taxa were retrieved from birds: Trichobilharzia sp. in N. peposaca and S. cyanoptera that formed a clade; S.cyanoptera and S. versicolor hosted Trichobilharzia querquedulae; Cygnus melancoryphus hosted the nasal schistosomatid, Nasusbilharzia melancorhypha; and one visceral, Schistosomatidae gen. sp., which formed a clade with furcocercariae from Argentina and Chile from previous work. Of the physid snails, only one from Argentina had schistosomatid furcocercariae that based on molecular analyses grouped with T. querquedulae. This study represents the first description of adult schistosomatids from Chile as well as the elucidation of the life cycles of N.melancorhypha and T. querquedulae in Chile and Neotropics, respectively. Without well-preserved adults, the putative new genus Schistosomatidae gen. sp. could not be described, but its life cycle involves Chilina spp. and C. melancoryphus. Scanning electron microscopy of T. querquedulae revealed additional, undescribed morphological traits, highlighting its diagnostic importance. Authors stress the need for additional surveys of avian schistosomatids from the Neotropics to better understand their evolutionary history.


Subject(s)
Life Cycle Stages , Phylogeny , Schistosomatidae , Animals , Schistosomatidae/genetics , Schistosomatidae/classification , Schistosomatidae/isolation & purification , Schistosomatidae/growth & development , Schistosomatidae/anatomy & histology , Chile , Argentina , Birds/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics , Snails/parasitology , South America , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
2.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 51: 101035, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38772641

ABSTRACT

The current investigation was carried out during the period from July 2022 to March 2023, aiming to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic birds collected from traditional markets in Guilan province. One hundred forty-eight domestic birds, including chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), greylag geese (Anser anser), and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) were examined. Totally, 42.56% of the investigated birds were positive for helminthic parasites. Morphological analysis revealed varying infection rates among birds: Echinostoma revolutum (5.40%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (2.02%), Cloacotaenia megalops (0.67%), Hymenolepididae family (4.05%), Ascaridia galli (16.89%), and Heterakis gallinarum (4.72%). The investigation involved molecular analysis of the 18S and ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2 rRNA gene regions. The findings indicated that the 18S region of nematode isolates exhibited a similarity of 92 to 100% with sequences in the GenBank, whereas trematode and cestode isolates showed a gene similarity ranging from 88 to 99%. The ITS regions of nematode, trematode, and cestode isolates exhibited genetic similarities ranging from 87 to 100%, 73-99%, and 75-99%, respectively. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the categorization of the identified species within the Ascaridiidae, Heterakidae, Hymenolepididae, and Echinostomatidae families, indicating their close affinity with previously documented species. Implementing precise control measures such as consistent monitoring, adequate sanitation protocols, and administering anthelmintic treatments is crucial for effectively managing parasitic infections in free-range and backyard poultry farms. Additionally, conducting further surveys is advisable to assess the impact of these parasites on the health and productivity of poultry in the investigated area.


Subject(s)
Helminthiasis, Animal , Animals , Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology , Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology , Iran/epidemiology , One Health , Helminths/isolation & purification , Helminths/genetics , Helminths/classification , Prevalence , Poultry Diseases/parasitology , Poultry Diseases/epidemiology , Phylogeny , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Ducks/parasitology
3.
Syst Parasitol ; 101(3): 40, 2024 May 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739253

ABSTRACT

A novel Eimeria Schneider, 1875 species is described from an Australian pied oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Vieillot, in Western Australia. The pied oystercatcher was admitted to the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (KWRC), Perth, Western Australia in a poor body condition, abrasion to its right hock and signs of partial delamination to its lower beak. Investigation into potential medical causes resulted in a faecal sample being collected and screened for gastrointestinal parasites. Unsporulated coccidian oocysts were initially observed in the faeces and identified as Eimeria upon sporulation. The sporulated oocysts (n = 20) are ellipsoidal, 20-21 × 12-13 µm in shape and have thick bi-layered walls which are c.2/3 of the total thickness. Micropyle is present, robust and protruding, and occasionally has a rounded polar body attached to the micropyle. Within the oocyst, a residuum, in addition, two to five polar granules are present. There are four ellipsoidal sporocysts 9-11 × 5-6 µm with flattened to half-moon shaped Stieda bodies. Sub-Stieda body and para-Stieda body are absent. The sporocysts contain sporocyst residuums composed of a few spherules scattered among the sporozoites. Within the sporozoites, anterior and posterior refractile bodies are present, but the nucleus is indiscernible. To further characterise the novel Eimeria species from H. longirostris, molecular analysis was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA locus, using PCR amplification and cloning. Two cloned sequences from the novel Eimeria were compared with those from other Eimeria spp. with the highest genetic similarity of 97.6% and 97.2% from Clone 1 and 2, respectively with Eimeria reichenowi (AB544308) from a hooded crane (Grus monacha Temminck) in Japan. Both sequences grouped in a clade with the Eimeria spp. isolated from wetland birds, which include Eimeria paludosa (KJ767187) from a dusky moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa Gould) in Western Australia, Eimeria reichenowi (AB544308) and Eimeria gruis (AB544336) both from hooded cranes. Based on the morphological and molecular data, this Eimeria sp. is a new species of coccidian parasite and is named Eimeria haematopusi n. sp. after its host H. longirostris.


Subject(s)
Eimeria , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Animals , Eimeria/genetics , Eimeria/classification , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Western Australia , Charadriiformes/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Oocysts , Coccidiosis/parasitology , Coccidiosis/veterinary , Species Specificity , Bird Diseases/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/genetics
4.
J Helminthol ; 98: e44, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38818780

ABSTRACT

The Cyathocotylidae Mühling, 1898 is a family of primitive diplostomoid trematodes important for understanding the evolution of the superfamily Diplostomoidea. However, cyathocotylids remain poorly studied with the use of molecular techniques. In this study we sequenced the 5.8S + ITS2 region, 28S rRNA, and cox1 genes of two cyathocotylid species and obtained new morphological data on them. We propose Georduboisia nom. nov. instead of the preoccupied name Duboisia Szidat, 1936 (junior homonym of Duboisia Stremme, 1911). Adults of Georduboisia cf. teganuma (Ishii, 1935) and Paracoenogonimus ovatus Katsurada, 1914 were collected from fish-eating birds in the south of the European part of Russia. Georduboisia cf. teganuma was very similar to G.teganuma but differed from it in the shape of the testes. The 28S rRNA gene dataset provided the best-resolved phylogeny of the Cyathocotylidae to date. In the phylogram based on partial sequences of this gene, P. ovatus was close to members of Holostephanoides Dubois, 1983, Neogogatea Chandler & Rausch, 1947 and Gogatea Szidat, 1936. Georduboisia cf. teganuma clustered with members of Cyathocotyle Mühling, 1896 and Holostephanus Szidat, 1936. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 5.8S + ITS2 dataset showed that adults of P. ovatus examined in our study were conspecific with the metacercariae from the musculature of fish collected in Hungary and Italy. It also revealed probable misidentifications of larvae and adults of cyathocotylids whose sequences are deposited in GenBank NCBI.


Subject(s)
DNA, Helminth , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 28S , Trematoda , Animals , Trematoda/classification , Trematoda/genetics , Trematoda/anatomy & histology , Trematoda/isolation & purification , RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Russia , Birds/parasitology , DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Trematode Infections/parasitology , Trematode Infections/veterinary , RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S/genetics , Bird Diseases/parasitology
5.
Parasite ; 31: 28, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38819296

ABSTRACT

Parasites and free-living amoebae (FLA) are common pathogens that pose threats to wildlife and humans. The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a near-threatened species and there is a shortage of research on its parasite diversity. Our study aimed to use noninvasive methods to detect intestinal parasites and pathogenic FLA in G. nigricollis using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) based on the 18S rDNA V9 region. A total of 38 fresh fecal samples were collected in Dashanbao, China, during the overwintering period (early-, middle I-, middle II-, and late-winter). Based on the 18S data, eight genera of parasites were identified, including three protozoan parasites: Eimeria sp. (92.1%) was the dominant parasite, followed by Tetratrichomonas sp. (36.8%) and Theileria sp. (2.6%). Five genera of helminths were found: Echinostoma sp. (100%), Posthodiplostomum sp. (50.0%), Euryhelmis sp. (26.3%), Eucoleus sp. (50.0%), and Halomonhystera sp. (2.6%). Additionally, eight genera of FLA were detected, including the known pathogens Acanthamoeba spp. (n = 13) and Allovahlkampfia spp. (n = 3). Specific PCRs were used to further identify the species of some parasites and FLA. Furthermore, the 18S data indicated significant changes in the relative abundance and genus diversity of the protozoan parasites and FLA among the four periods. These results underscore the importance of long-term monitoring of pathogens in black-necked cranes to protect this near-endangered species.


Title: Métabarcoding des protozoaires et des helminthes chez les grues à cou noir : forte prévalence de parasites et d'amibes libres. Abstract: Les parasites et les amibes libres sont des agents pathogènes courants qui constituent une menace pour la faune et les humains. La grue à cou noir (Grus nigricollis) est une espèce quasi menacée et les recherches sur sa diversité parasitaire sont insuffisantes. Notre étude visait à utiliser des méthodes non invasives pour détecter les parasites intestinaux et les amibes libres pathogènes chez G. nigricollis en utilisant le séquençage à haut débit basé sur la région V9 de l'ADNr 18S. Au total, 38 échantillons de matières fécales fraîches ont été collectés à Dashanbao, en Chine, au cours de la période d'hivernage (début, milieu I, milieu II et fin de l'hiver). Sur la base des données 18S, huit genres de parasites ont été identifiés, dont trois parasites protozoaires : Eimeria sp. (92,1 %) était le parasite dominant, suivi de Tetratrichomonas sp. (36,8 %) et Theileria sp. (2,6 %). Cinq genres d'helminthes ont été trouvés : Echinostoma sp. (100 %), Posthodiplostomum sp. (50,0 %), Euryhelmis sp. (26,3 %), Eucoleus sp. (50,0 %) et Halomonhystera sp. (2,6 %). De plus, huit genres d'amibes libres ont été détectés, y compris les agents pathogènes connus Acanthamoeba spp. (n = 13) et Allovahlkampfia spp. (n = 3). Des PCR spécifiques ont été utilisées pour identifier davantage les espèces de certains parasites et amibes libres. En outre, les données 18S ont indiqué des changements significatifs dans l'abondance relative et la diversité des genres des parasites protozoaires et des amibes au cours des quatre périodes. Ces résultats soulignent l'importance de la surveillance à long terme des agents pathogènes chez les grues à cou noir pour protéger cette espèce quasi menacée.


Subject(s)
Birds , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic , Feces , Helminths , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Animals , Feces/parasitology , Helminths/classification , Helminths/isolation & purification , Helminths/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Birds/parasitology , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Prevalence , China/epidemiology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology , Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology , Eimeria/isolation & purification , Eimeria/classification , Eimeria/genetics , Theileria/isolation & purification , Theileria/genetics , Theileria/classification , Amoeba/isolation & purification , Amoeba/classification , Amoeba/genetics , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Seasons , Phylogeny
6.
Parasit Vectors ; 17(1): 237, 2024 May 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38797857

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are important blood-sucking parasites of birds and mammals with a worldwide distribution. The aim of our study was to collect louse flies from birds across multiple sites in Hungary and evaluate the effects of avian traits on louse fly-host relationships. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, 237 louse flies were collected from birds at multiple locations in Hungary. The louse flies were identified to species level by morphological and molecular methods. Louse fly species and their seasonal dynamics were analyzed. RESULTS: Six louse fly species were identified: Ornithomya avicularia, Ornithomya fringillina, Ornithomya biloba, Ornithomya chloropus, Ornithoica turdi and Ornithoctona laticornis. Results of statistical analyses indicated that habitat, migration habits and the feeding places of birds have significant effects on their possible role as hosts of O. avicularia, O. fringillina and O. turdi. Analysis of the temporal distribution of avian louse flies showed different seasonal patterns according to species. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted that O. turdi clustered separately from other members of the subfamily Ornithomyinae which thus did not form a monophyletic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents one of the longest continuous collections of ornithophilic louse fly species in Europe so far. Avian traits were shown to influence louse-fly infestation. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on O. laticornis in Europe. The ability of this African louse fly species to survive in Europe, as demonstrated in the present study, may be an indication of its future establishment. Our findings, in accordance with previous reports, also indicated that the subfamily Ornithomyinae should be taxonomically revised.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Birds , Diptera , Phylogeny , Seasons , Animals , Hungary , Birds/parasitology , Diptera/classification , Diptera/physiology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Host-Parasite Interactions , Ecosystem , Male , Female
7.
J Parasitol ; 110(3): 206-209, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38802105

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects most warm-blooded animals, including birds. Scavenging birds are epidemiologically important hosts because they can serve as indicators of environmental T. gondii levels. A rapid point-of-care (POC) test that detects antibodies to T. gondii in humans is commercially available. In this research, we assessed the ability of the human POC test to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies in 106 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 23 ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) from Pennsylvania, USA. Serum samples were tested with the POC test and compared to the modified agglutination test (MAT) in a blinded study. Overall, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 2.8% (3/106) of black vultures and 60.9% (14/23) of ring-billed gulls by the POC test. One false-positive POC test occurred in a black vulture that was negative by MAT. False-negative results were obtained in 2 black vultures and 4 ring-billed gulls that had MAT titers of 1:25 or 1:50. The sensitivity and specificity of the POC for both black vultures and ring-billed gulls combined were 95.7% and 95.5%, respectively. This is the first study using human POC tests to detect antibodies to T. gondii in birds. Further study of the rapid test as a screening tool for serological surveillance of T. gondii in birds is warranted.


Subject(s)
Agglutination Tests , Antibodies, Protozoan , Bird Diseases , Charadriiformes , Falconiformes , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Toxoplasma/immunology , Charadriiformes/parasitology , Pennsylvania/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/immunology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/diagnosis , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Bird Diseases/immunology , Falconiformes/parasitology , Agglutination Tests/veterinary , Sensitivity and Specificity , Point-of-Care Testing
8.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 14: 1385599, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741893

ABSTRACT

Avian haemosporidian parasites are useful model organisms to study the ecology and evolution of parasite-host interactions due to their global distribution and extensive biodiversity. Detection of these parasites has evolved from microscopic examination to PCR-based methods, with the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene serving as barcoding region. However, standard PCR protocols used for screening and identification purposes have limitations in detecting mixed infections and generating phylogenetically informative data due to short amplicon lengths. To address these issues, we developed a novel genus-specific nested PCR protocol targeting avian haemosporidian parasites. The protocol underwent rigorous testing utilizing a large dataset comprising blood samples from Malagasy birds of three distinct Passeriformes families. Furthermore, validation was done by examining smaller datasets in two other laboratories employing divergent master mixes and different bird species. Comparative analyses were conducted between the outcomes of the novel PCR protocol and those obtained through the widely used standard nested PCR method. The novel protocol enables specific identification of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus), and Leucocytozoon parasites. The analyses demonstrated comparable sensitivity to the standard nested PCR with notable improvements in detecting mixed infections. In addition, phylogenetic resolution is improved by amplification of longer fragments, leading to a better understanding of the haemosporidian biodiversity and evolution. Overall, the novel protocol represents a valuable addition to avian haemosporidian detection methodologies, facilitating comprehensive studies on parasite ecology, epidemiology, and evolution.


Subject(s)
Haemosporida , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Protozoan Infections, Animal , Animals , Haemosporida/genetics , Haemosporida/isolation & purification , Haemosporida/classification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Protozoan Infections, Animal/diagnosis , Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/diagnosis , Birds/parasitology , Phylogeny , Sensitivity and Specificity , Passeriformes/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/genetics
9.
Acta Trop ; 254: 107210, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38599442

ABSTRACT

Several species of hard ticks, including those of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Amblyomma, and Rhipicephalus, are of medical and veterinary importance and have been reported in association with Neotropical wild birds. Colombia, known for its great bird diversity, has 57 confirmed tick species. However, there are few studies on the association between wild birds and ticks in Colombia. The Orinoquia region, a migratory center in Colombia, provides a unique opportunity to study wild bird-tick associations and their implications for tick-borne disease dynamics. Our study, conducted between October and December 2021, aimed to identify hard ticks infesting resident and migratory wild birds in the department of Arauca and to assess the presence of bacteria from the genera Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and piroplasms. A total of 383 birds were examined, of which 21 were infested. We collected 147 ticks, including Amblyomma dissimile (larvae), Amblyomma longirostre (nymphs), Amblyomma mixtum (adults), and Amblyomma nodosum (larvae and nymphs). We did not detect bacterial DNA in the tested ticks; however, piroplasm DNA was detected in ticks from three of the infested birds. Of the 21 bird-tick associations, six are new to the Americas, and interesting documentation of piroplasm DNA in A. longirostre, A. nodosum, and A. dissimile ticks from wild birds in the region. This study provides valuable insights into the ticks associated with wild birds and their role in the dispersal of ticks and pathogens in Colombia, enhancing our understanding of tick life cycles and tick-borne disease dynamics.


Subject(s)
Animals, Wild , Bird Diseases , Birds , Ixodidae , Tick Infestations , Animals , Colombia , Tick Infestations/veterinary , Tick Infestations/epidemiology , Birds/parasitology , Ixodidae/microbiology , Ixodidae/growth & development , Ixodidae/classification , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Animals, Wild/microbiology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Borrelia/isolation & purification , Ehrlichia/isolation & purification , Rickettsia/isolation & purification , Rickettsia/genetics , Rickettsia/classification , Animal Migration , Anaplasma/isolation & purification , Anaplasma/genetics , Nymph/microbiology , Nymph/growth & development , Female , Male , Larva/microbiology , Amblyomma/microbiology
10.
Parasitol Res ; 123(4): 182, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38622257

ABSTRACT

Avian haemosporidians are vector-borne parasites, infecting a great variety of birds. The order Passeriformes has the highest average infection probability; nevertheless, some common species of Passeriformes have been rather poorly studied. We investigated haemosporidians in one such species, the Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius (Corvidae), from a forest population in Hesse, Central Germany. All individuals were infected with at least one haemosporidian genus (overall prevalence: 100%). The most common infection pattern was a mixed Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infection, whereas no Plasmodium infection was detected. Results on lineage diversity indicate a rather pronounced host-specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages infecting birds of the family Corvidae.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Haemosporida , Parasites , Passeriformes , Protozoan Infections, Animal , Songbirds , Humans , Animals , Prevalence , DNA, Protozoan , Phylogeny , Haemosporida/genetics , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology
11.
Rev Bras Parasitol Vet ; 33(2): e003624, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38656050

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoans that infect a wide range of animals, including birds. However, the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in tissue samples of seabirds. Tissue samples of the pectoral muscles, heart, and brain were collected from 47 birds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State, SC, Brazil. The DNA was extracted from the tissues and screened using nested-PCR (nPCR) targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues from seven seabirds (7/47, 14.8%), kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) (5/21), and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (2/8). N. caninum DNA was detected in tissues of nine seabirds (9/47, 19.1%), the kelp gull (L. dominicanus) (4/21), Manx shearwater (P. puffinus) (2/8), neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) (1/4), brown booby (Sula leucogaster) (1/5), and white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) (1/1); however, no co-infection was observed. In conclusion, this study showed the circulation of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State. Further studies are required to clarify the role of these birds in the epidemiology of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Coccidiosis , DNA, Protozoan , Neospora , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/genetics , Brazil/epidemiology , Neospora/isolation & purification , Neospora/genetics , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/diagnosis , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/veterinary , Coccidiosis/diagnosis , Coccidiosis/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , DNA, Protozoan/analysis , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Birds/parasitology , Charadriiformes/parasitology
12.
Parasitology ; 151(5): 478-484, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38634315

ABSTRACT

Biodiversity varies worldwide and is influenced by multiple factors, such as environmental stability and past historical events (e.g. Panama Isthmus). At the same time, organisms with unique life histories (e.g. parasites) are subject to unique selective pressures that structure their diversity patterns. Parasites represent one of the most successful life strategies, impacting, directly and indirectly, ecosystems by cascading effects on host fitness and survival. Here, I focused on a highly diverse, prevalent and cosmopolitan group of parasites (avian haemosporidians) to investigate the main drivers (e.g. host and environmental features) of regional parasite diversity on a global scale. To do so, I compiled data from 4 global datasets on (i) avian haemosporidian (malaria and malaria-like) parasites, (ii) bird species diversity, (iii) avian functional traits and (iv) climate data. Then, using generalized least square models, I evaluated the effect of host and environmental features on haemosporidian diversity. I found that haemosporidian diversity mirrors host regional diversity and that higher host body mass increases haemosporidian diversity. On the other hand, climatic conditions had no effect on haemosporidian diversity in any model. When evaluating Leucocytozoon parasites separately, I found parasite diversity was boosted by a higher proportion of migratory hosts. In conclusion, I demonstrated that haemosporidian parasite diversity is intrinsically associated with their hosts' diversity and body mass.


Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Bird Diseases , Birds , Haemosporida , Animals , Haemosporida/classification , Haemosporida/genetics , Haemosporida/physiology , Haemosporida/isolation & purification , Birds/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology , Host-Parasite Interactions , Body Weight , Climate
13.
J Parasitol ; 110(2): 143-149, 2024 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38561014

ABSTRACT

Birds have a diverse community of "permanent" arthropods that complete their entire life cycle on the body of the host. Because some of these arthropods are parasites that reduce host fitness, birds control them by grooming, which consists of preening with the beak and scratching with the feet. Although preening is the primary component of grooming, scratching is essential for controlling arthropods on the head and neck, which cannot be preened. Several unrelated groups of birds have evolved comb-like pectinate claws on the middle toenail of each foot. We tested the role of these claws in the control of arthropods by experimentally removing teeth from the claws of captive western cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) infested with chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera), feather mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes), and nasal mites (Acari: Mesostigmata). After a period of 4 mo, we compared the abundance of arthropods on experimental birds to that of control birds with intact teeth. We used video to quantify the grooming rates of the captive birds, which groomed twice as much as wild birds. Experimental and control birds did not differ significantly in grooming time. Both groups virtually eradicated the chewing lice, but not feather mites or nasal mites. We found no support for the hypothesis that pectinate claws increase the efficiency of arthropod control by grooming. Experiments with wild birds are needed to test the hypothesis further under conditions in which birds devote less time to grooming.


Subject(s)
Acari , Arthropods , Bird Diseases , Lice Infestations , Phthiraptera , Animals , Cattle , Lice Infestations/veterinary , Lice Infestations/parasitology , Grooming , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Birds , Animals, Wild
14.
Mol Biol Rep ; 51(1): 483, 2024 Apr 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38578540

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is an economically important, and popular game bird in North America. Northern bobwhites have experiencing declines of > 3.5% annually in recent decades due to several factors. The eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi is a nematode parasite frequently found in the eyes of bobwhites. Although reported frequently in wild bobwhites, there is no research to understand the host-parasite mechanism. Hence, it is important to investigate mechanisms of eyeworm invasion and immune modulation in bobwhite. Cytokine gene expression using RT-PCR is widely used to identify the innate immune response of a host to an infection. METHODOLOGY: In this study, we evaluated ten reference genes (HMBS, RPL19, RPL32, RPS7, RPS8, TATA, SDHA, YWHAZ, GAPDH, and ACTB) for their stability across three tissues (liver, spleen, and caecal tonsils) of control and O. petrowi infected Northern bobwhites. Primer efficiency and reference genes stability were assessed using GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. RESULTS: Expression of these reference genes with respect to O. petrowi infection in bobwhites showed RPL32 and HMBS were the most stable genes in the liver, HMBS and SDHA were the most stable genes in the spleen, and HMBS and YWHAZ were equally stable reference genes in the caecal tonsils. CONCLUSION: Based on the geometric mean of all three analyses, our results indicate that the combination of RPL32 and HMBS for the liver, HMBS and SDHA for the spleen, and YWHAZ and HMBS for caecal tonsils might be used as reference genes for normalization in gene expression investigations on Northern bobwhites.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Colinus , Thelazioidea , Animals , Colinus/genetics , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Thelazioidea/genetics , Eye , Cytokines
15.
Parasitol Res ; 123(4): 193, 2024 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38656629

ABSTRACT

Sarcocystis spp. are apicomplexan cyst-forming parasites that can infect numerous vertebrates, including birds. Sarcosporidiosis infection was investigated in three muscles (breast, right and left thigh muscle) and one organ (heart) of four Razorbill auks (Alca torda) stranded between November and December 2022 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Nabeul and Bizerte governorates, Northern Tunisia. Two of the four tested A. torda were PCR positive for 18S rRNA Sarcocystis spp. gene. Among the examined 16 muscles/organs, only one breast and one right thigh were Sarcocystis spp. PCR-positive (12.5% ± 8.3, 2/16). Our results showed a relatively high molecular prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Razorbill auks (A. torda). Sarcocystis spp. sequence described in the present study (GenBank number: OR516818) showed 99.56-100% identity to Sarcocystis falcatula. In conclusion, our results confirmed the infection of Razorbill auks (A. torda) by S. falcatula. Further research is needed on different migratory seabirds' species in order to identify other Sarcocystis species.


Subject(s)
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Sarcocystis , Sarcocystosis , Sarcocystis/genetics , Sarcocystis/isolation & purification , Sarcocystis/classification , Animals , Sarcocystosis/veterinary , Sarcocystosis/parasitology , Sarcocystosis/epidemiology , Tunisia/epidemiology , Mediterranean Sea , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Phylogeny , Charadriiformes/parasitology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Prevalence , Sequence Analysis, DNA , DNA, Ribosomal/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
16.
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis ; 107: 102157, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38484424

ABSTRACT

Trichomonas gallinae, a protozoan parasite causing avian trichomonosis, exhibits a widespread global prevalence. It primarily affects the upper digestive tract of birds and has resulted in significant ecological problems worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypes of T. gallinae in Anhui Province, China. A total of 1612 oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from pigeon farms in Anhui Province to determine the prevalence of T. gallinae infection. The results revealed 565 (35.1%) positive samples of T. gallinae. Significant differences in infection rates were observed among different regions and age groups. Furthermore, the ITS1/5.8 S/ITS2 region was amplified, sequenced, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Genotypes A and B of T. gallinae were identified, and genotype B was the dominant genotype in Anhui Province. This is the first report on the prevalence and molecular characterization of T. gallinae in Anhui Province, China. Additionally, we integrated reports on the prevalence and genotype of T. gallinae in relevant provinces in China.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Trichomonas , Animals , Trichomonas/genetics , Columbidae/parasitology , Prevalence , Phylogeny , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , China/epidemiology
17.
Trends Parasitol ; 40(5): 369-371, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38443303

ABSTRACT

Haemoproteus blood parasites of birds are thought to be relatively benign. Recent findings show that infections may develop in the brain of birds, possibly distorting their orientation sense. Misdirected migration may lead migrants outside their range where they are recognized as vagrants and can transmit parasites to novel hosts.


Subject(s)
Animal Migration , Bird Diseases , Birds , Brain , Animals , Birds/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Brain/parasitology , Orientation/physiology , Haemosporida/physiology
18.
Acta Parasitol ; 69(1): 1082-1084, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38448645

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Up to now, five cestode species have been reported infecting five hummingbird species. To date, there have been no reports of cestode infections in hummingbirds in Mexico. METHODS: A Berylline hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) was found dead in a backyard at Toluca City, Mexico, and a window collision was assumed as the cause of death. The bird was preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological examination. RESULTS: At the histological study, liver parenchymal disruption was observed. This lesion could be the result of the assume collision. No lesions were observed in other tissues examined. Conspicuous cestode structures were observed in the lumen of the small intestine. Structure of cestodes, as revealed from histological sections, suggests their position in the genus Anonchotaenia Cohn, 1900 (family Paruterinidae). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of intestinal cestodosis in a Berylline hummingbird (S. beryllina) in Mexico.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Birds , Cestoda , Cestode Infections , Animals , Mexico , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Cestode Infections/veterinary , Cestode Infections/parasitology , Cestoda/isolation & purification , Cestoda/classification , Cestoda/anatomy & histology , Birds/parasitology , Liver/parasitology , Intestines/parasitology
19.
Vet Parasitol ; 328: 110170, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38513447

ABSTRACT

Isolation of genomic DNA of blood parasites in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes is a challenging task, given that their red blood cells are nucleated; for that reason, parasite genomic DNA is only a fraction of the total extracted DNA, and it is challenging to obtain concentrated high-quality genetic material. Percoll Density Gradient (PDG) and flow cytometry are tools for separating and analyzing cell populations or even a single cell, and both represent potent approaches for isolating avian haemosporidians parasites. Our experimental design included several steps seeking to concentrate the parasite´s DNA. We used blood samples from a Rock pigeon infected with Haemoproteus columbae. After inducing parasite exflagellation and gametogenesis in vitro, we subjected the samples to a Percoll Density Gradient to separate the parasites from the rest of the blood cells. Following centrifugation, the layer containing extracellular parasites underwent a flow cytometry and cell sorting process, during which we selected two different subpopulations of cells for analysis. Based on qPCR analyses, we demonstrate parasite DNA enrichment in Percoll Density Gradient and flow cytometry samples; simultaneously, these samples showed the lowest concentration of Columba livia DNA. However, the concentration of parasite DNA was higher in the PDG than in the cell sorting sample. This study reports the concentration of the Haemoproteus parasite by flow cytometry without DNA-intercalating dyes, and this methodology can serve as a technique for DNA enrichment of blood parasites infecting nucleated red blood cells to improve techniques that allow obtaining complete genomes.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Columbidae , DNA, Protozoan , Flow Cytometry , Haemosporida , Protozoan Infections, Animal , Animals , Flow Cytometry/veterinary , Haemosporida/isolation & purification , Haemosporida/genetics , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Columbidae/parasitology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/diagnosis , Povidone , Silicon Dioxide , Centrifugation, Density Gradient/veterinary , Organic Chemicals/chemistry
20.
Parasitology ; 151(5): 495-505, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38465379

ABSTRACT

Avian schistosomes are snail-borne trematode parasites (Trichobilharzia spp.) that can cause a nasty skin rash in humans when their cercariae mistake us for their normal bird hosts. We sought to investigate drivers of the spatial distribution of Trichobilharzia cercaria abundance throughout Northern Michigan lakes. For 38 sites on 16 lakes, we assessed several dozen potential environmental predictors that we hypothesized might have direct or indirect effects on overall cercaria abundance, based on known relationships between abiotic and biotic factors in wetland ecosystems. We included variables quantifying local densities of intermediate hosts, temperature, periphyton growth rates, human land use and hydrology. We also measured daily abundance of schistosome cercariae in the water over a 5-week period, supported by community scientists who collected and preserved filtered water samples for qPCR. The strongest predictor of cercaria abundance was Lymnaea host snail density. Lymnaea density was higher in deeper lakes and at sites with more deciduous tree cover, consistent with their association with cool temperature habitats. Contrary to past studies of human schistosomes, we also found a significant negative relationship between cercaria abundance and submerged aquatic vegetation, possibly due to vegetation blocking cercaria movement from offshore snail beds. If future work shows that these effects are indeed causal, then these results suggest possible new approaches to managing swimmer's itch risk in northern MI lakes, such as modifying tree cover and shallow-water vegetation at local sites.


Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Birds , Lakes , Schistosomatidae , Snails , Animals , Lakes/parasitology , Michigan , Schistosomatidae/isolation & purification , Schistosomatidae/genetics , Schistosomatidae/physiology , Birds/parasitology , Snails/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Ecosystem , Trematode Infections/parasitology , Trematode Infections/veterinary , Trematode Infections/epidemiology , Temperature , Cercaria/physiology , Wetlands
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