First record of Isospora amphiboluri in the thorny devil, Moloch horridus.

Poor long-term survival (Mean = 2.16 y; 95% CI 1.68-2.65) was identified in a captive population of thorny devils (Moloch horridus) held at the Alice Springs Desert Park in the Northern Territory, Australia, over a period of 27 years. There was no significant difference in survival time (after acquisition) of wild-caught individuals compared captive born animals, or males compared to females. Limited information was available regarding the cause(s) of death for animals found dead or euthanased. Health of the live population at the time of the study (n = 14) was assessed by clinical history review, physical examination, and faecal examination. Large numbers of coccidian oocysts measuring 20-24 µm in diameter were identified upon faecal examination. Molecular investigation of genomic DNA from these samples identified Isospora amphiboluri based on the sequences of partial regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) and the nuclear small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene (SSU). Isospora amphiboluri was originally described from the bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) and has since been recorded in the inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and the central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis). The present case expands the host range for I. amphiboluri. Histological examination of tissues was not available, and therefore the potential role of I. amphiboluri in morbidity and mortality of M. horridus is not clear. Further research is required to understand if colonization with I. amphiboluri is pathogenic in this species.

Identifying the hidden parasitic intruders: Molecular insights into the health of common Myna.

Birds are known to act as the parasite reservoir and can transmit them to other organisms through food chains. This study aims to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of various blood borne pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora spp., Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., Leucocytozoan spp. and Neospora caninum) in blood samples of common Myna (Acridotheres tristis: N = 80) collected from four region (Jhang, Khanewal, Multan and Muzaffargarh) in Punjab Pakistan. Effect of pathogens on the complete blood count of the host was also determined. Results revealed by 2/80 Myna (2.5 %) amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii (confirmed by DNA sequencing) while 2/80 (2.5 %) birds amplified 18S rDNA gene and Isospora spp. Phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens showed that Pakistani isolates were clustered together and were closely related to isolates that were reported from worldwide countries. Risk factor analysis revealed that prevalence of both pathogens was not restricted to a particular sampling site or a particular bird sex (P > 0.05). T. gondii infected birds had elevated red cell distribution width while Isospora sp. infected birds had elevated % monocytes and platelet distribution width while decreased mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets hematocrit than their respective uninfected birds. In conclusion, we are reporting the presence of T. gondii and Isospora sp. among Pakistani common Myna that had disturbed the complete blood count parameters that may have affected their normal physiology.

Urban house finches are more resistant to the effects of artificial light at night.

Rapid urbanization of habitats alters the physical, chemical, auditory, and photic environments of human and wild animal inhabitants. One of the most widespread transformations is caused by artificial light at night (ALAN), but it is not clear the extent to which individuals acclimate to such rapid environmental change. Here, we tested the hypothesis that urban birds show increased resistance to harmful behavioral, parasitological, and physiological effects of ALAN. We captured house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a bird that commonly inhabits cities and their natural surroundings, from two urban and two rural sites in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, which differ by both degree of urbanization and by multiple orders of magnitude in ALAN intensity, and placed them in a common garden laboratory setting. We exposed half of the birds from each habitat type to ecologically relevant levels of night lighting during the subjective night and found that, while ALAN exposure reduced sleep in both urban and rural birds, ALAN-exposed urban birds were able to sleep longer than ALAN-exposed rural birds. We also found that ALAN exposure increased the proliferation rate of an intestinal coccidian parasite (Isospora spp.) in both urban and rural birds, but that the rate of proliferation was lower in urban relative to rural birds. We found that night lighting suppressed titers of feather corticosterone in rural but not urban birds, suggesting that light impairs HPA function through chronic stress or suppression of its circadian rhythmicity, and that urban birds were again resistant to this effect. Mediation analyses show that the effect of ALAN exposure in rural birds was significantly sleep-mediated for feather corticosterone but not coccidiosis, suggesting a diversity of mechanisms by which ALAN alters physiology. We contribute further evidence that animals from night-lit habitats can develop resistance to ALAN and its detrimental effects.

Correlates of Co-Infection with Coccidiosis and Avian Malaria in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus).

Pathogens have traditionally been studied in isolation within host systems; yet in natural settings they frequently coexist. This raises questions about the dynamics of co-infections and how host life-history traits might predict co-infection versus single infection. To address these questions, we investigated the presence of two parasites, a gut parasite (Isospora coccidians) and a blood parasite (Plasmodium spp.), in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a common passerine bird in North America. We then correlated these parasitic infections with various health and condition metrics, including hematological parameters, plasma carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, blood glucose concentration, body condition, and prior disease history. Our study, based on 48 birds captured in Tempe, Arizona, US, in October 2021, revealed that co-infected birds exhibited elevated circulating lutein levels and a higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) compared to those solely infected with coccidia Isospora spp. This suggests that co-infected birds experience heightened stress and may use lutein to bolster immunity against both pathogens, and that there are potentially toxic effects of lutein in co-infected birds compared to those infected solely with coccidia Isospora sp. Our findings underscore the synergistic impact of coparasitism, emphasizing the need for more co-infection studies to enhance our understanding of disease dynamics in nature, as well as its implications for wildlife health and conservation efforts.

Isospora and Lankesterella Parasites (Eimeriidae, Apicomplexa) of Passeriform Birds in Europe: Infection Rates, Phylogeny, and Pathogenicity.

Wild birds are common hosts to numerous intracellular parasites such as single-celled eukaryotes of the family Eimeriidae (order Eucoccidiorida, phylum Apicomplexa). We investigated the infection rates, phylogeny, and pathogenicity of Isospora and Lankesterella parasites in wild and captive passerine birds. Blood and tissue samples of 815 wild and 15 deceased captive birds from Europe were tested using polymerase chain reaction and partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase I and the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. The infection rate for Lankesterella in wild birds was 10.7% compared to 5.8% for Isospora. Chromogenic in situ hybridization with probes targeting the parasites' 18S rRNA was employed to identify the parasites' presence in multiple organs, and hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to visualize the parasite stages and assess associated lesions. Isospora parasites were mainly identified in the intestine, spleen, and liver. Extraintestinal tissue stages of Isospora were accompanied by predominantly lymphohistiocytic inflammation of varying severity. Lankesterella was most frequently detected in the spleen, lung, and brain; however, infected birds presented only a low parasite burden without associated pathological changes. These findings contribute to our understanding of Isospora and Lankesterella parasites in wild birds.

Physiological and epidemiological study of some parasitic and viral enteric infections in dromedary camels in Al-Muthanna province

@#Understanding the normal physiology of the body is the key to study the changes that occur due to any infection. It is known that enteric infections play a considerable role in affecting normal body status. Thus, this study was designed for investigating the enteric infections in Arabian camels in Al-Muthanna Province. In this investigation, 588 fecal and blood serum samples (for diarrheic camels only) were collected from the camels in different areas of Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq from both sexes of different ages during the period from October 2020 up to the end of August 2021. The samples were examined using routine microscopic examination techniques, hematological techniques, and ELISA for parasitic and viral identification. Eimeria rajasthani, Isospora orlovi were recorded for the first time in Iraqi camels with clinical signs of diarrhea, dehydration, and emaciation. The study recorded four types of protozoa: Eimeria spp., Isospora, Cryptosporidium and Balantidium coli. The recorded types of Eimeria were E. dromedarii, E. cameli, and E. rajasthani. There was a significant effect of age on infection rates with Eimeria spp. as the highest Eimeria ratio was in ages of less than two years animals. The infection rates were also affected with months which reached the highest ratios of Eimeria in October while the lowest ratio of Eimeria was recorded in July. BVDV infection rate was found in camels that suffered from diarrhea. There is no significant effect of sex on the onset of the viral disease in camels. For hematological parameters, there were significant differences in RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and PCV values in protozoal and BVDV infections. In conclusion, different kinds of protozoal and viral infections were recorded. Some of the recorded infections were associated with acute clinical signs and have zoonotic importance.

Unravelling the sexual developmental biology of Cystoisospora suis, a model for comparative coccidian parasite studies.

Introduction: The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis has global significance as an enteropathogen of suckling piglets. Its intricate life cycle entails a transition from an asexual phase to sexual development, ultimately leading to the formation of transmissible oocysts. Methods: To advance our understanding of the parasite's cellular development, we complemented previous transcriptome studies by delving into the proteome profiles at five distinct time points of in vitro cultivation through LC/MS-MS analysis. Results: A total of 1,324 proteins were identified in the in vitro developmental stages of C. suis, and 1,082 proteins were identified as significantly differentially expressed. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD045050. We performed BLAST, GO enrichment, and KEGG pathway analyses on the up- and downregulated proteins to elucidate correlated events in the C. suis life cycle. Our analyses revealed intriguing metabolic patterns in macromolecule metabolism, DNA- and RNA-related processes, proteins associated with sexual stages, and those involved in cell invasion, reflecting the adaptation of sexual stages to a nutrient-poor and potentially stressful extracellular environment, with a focus on enzymes involved in metabolism and energy production. Discussion: These findings have important implications for understanding the developmental biology of C. suis as well as other, related coccidian parasites, such as Eimeria spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. They also support the role of C. suis as a new model for the comparative biology of coccidian tissue cyst stages.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora elliotae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1801) (Passeriformes: Artamidae) in Western Australia.

A new coccidian species, Isospora elliotae n. sp., from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1801) in Western Australia, is described and characterized morphologically and molecularly. Microscopic analysis of a faecal sample identified subspheroidal oocysts (n = 20), 20-22 × 18-20 (20.7 × 18.7); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.05-1.14 (1.10). Wall bi-layered, 1.0-1.3 (1.2) thick, outer layer smooth, c. 2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 28) ovoidal, 12-13 × 9-11 (12.6 × 9.7); L/W ratio 1.22-1.35 (1.30). Stieda body present, flattened to half-moon-shaped, c. 0.5 deep × 2.0 wide; sub-Stieda indistinct or barely discernible, c. 1.0 deep × 2.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, composed of granules dispersed among the sporozoites. Sporozoites vermiform, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies and nucleus. Segments of three gene loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and COI) were sequenced and I. elliotae n. sp. exhibited 99.8% genetic similarity to Isospora sp. MAH-2013a (KF648870) followed by 99.7% genetic similarity to Isospora neochmiae (Yang, Brice & Ryan, 2016) (KT224380) at the 18S rRNA gene locus. It shared 97.0% genetic similarity with an unnamed Isospora sp. (AY283852) at the 28S rRNA gene locus and it also shared the highest genetic similarity of 99.8% with the unnamed Isospora sp. from an American crow (OL999120) at the COI gene locus. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species named as I. elliotae n. sp.

Mate choice is affected by parasite infestation rate of the choosing individual as well as of potential mating partners.

Parasites are known to be a key driving force in mate choice and are important for the expression and evolution of ornaments and behavioral traits being used. However, there is little experimental evidence on how the parasite's burden of the choosing individual is integrated into the mate-choice process and how it affects decision-making, especially in relation to parasite infestation of potential mates. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine whether female house sparrows Passer domesticus adjust their mate preference according to their own as well as the parasite load of prospective partners. To do this, we experimentally manipulated female parasite load and determined their mate preferences prior to and after parasite treatment. We manipulated the chronic coccidian parasite burden of females either by initiating the acute infection phase via re-infecting them with coccidian or by temporally reducing the parasite load of coccidia. We then measured the effect of this manipulation on mate preference by presenting females with a choice of four stimuli: three males with similar ornaments, but unmanipulated, naturally varying chronic coccidiosis levels, and an unmanipulated control female. Additionally, we recorded some males' behavior in relation to their infection status pointing toward an increased or reduced interest in mating. We found that females preferred highly infested males prior to manipulation, regardless of their own infestation level. However, after manipulation, infested females avoided highly infested males probably in response to the deterioration of their health condition by parasites. Our study suggests that mate-choice decisions are more complex when they are mediated by parasites. The implications of parasites for evolutionary theories of sexual signaling and mate choice are discussed.

Diagnosis of visceral form of Isospora infection (atoxoplasma) in black spot syndrome in canaries, in Iran.

The gastrointestinal form of Isospora is well described in Passeriformes, but there are few reports of the visceral form of Isospora. Therefore, to evaluate the visceral form of Isospora in canaries with "black spot" syndrome, gastrointestinal contents were prepared from 50 canaries that were lost and appeared with black spot under the skin of the abdomen. At the same time, tissue samples were collected from visceral tissues. After preparing the samples, the oocysts were counted in the digestive contents. A total of 7 canaries out of 50 canaries showed oocysts in their feces. Following the identification of infected birds, histopathological sections were prepared from their visceral tissues. Visceral tissues included the heart, liver, and intestine. Inflammation and hyperemia were seen in the microscopic view of the heart, but no developing stage of parasites was seen. The liver showed inflammation as well as the asexual reproductive stage of the parasite. The asexual reproductive stage of the parasite was also observed in the intestine. Therefore, Isospora seems to be involved in the syndrome of black spot in canaries by causing gastrointestinal and visceral lesions.

Epidemiology of protozoan and helminthic parasites in wild passerine birds of Britain and Ireland.

Avian endoparasites play important roles in conservation, biodiversity and host evolution. Currently, little is known about the epidemiology of intestinal helminths and protozoans infecting wild birds of Britain and Ireland. This study aimed to determine the rates of parasite prevalence, abundance and infection intensity in wild passerines. Fecal samples (n = 755) from 18 bird families were collected from 13 sites across England, Wales and Ireland from March 2020 to June 2021. A conventional sodium nitrate flotation method allowed morphological identification and abundance estimation of eggs/oocysts. Associations with host family and age were examined alongside spatiotemporal and ecological factors using Bayesian phylogenetically controlled models. Parasites were detected in 20.0% of samples, with corvids and finches having the highest prevalences and intensities, respectively. Syngamus (33%) and Isospora (32%) were the most prevalent genera observed. Parasite prevalence and abundance differed amongst avian families and seasons, while infection intensity varied between families and regions. Prevalence was affected by diet diversity, while abundance differed by host age and habitat diversity. Infection intensity was higher in birds using a wider range of habitats, and doubled in areas with feeders present. The elucidation of these patterns will increase the understanding of parasite fauna in British and Irish birds.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Dark-Eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis (L.) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), in West-Central Arkansas, USA.

PURPOSE: Many passeriform birds are excellent hosts of coccidian parasites but little is known of the coccidians infecting members of the family Passerellidae, particularly from the dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Here, we report from morphometric and mensural data a new species of Isospora from J. hyemalis in Arkansas, USA. METHODS: During November 2020, seven adult J. hyemalis were taken with a mist net from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and their faecal samples examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. RESULTS: A single J. hyemalis (14%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora pittmani n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 24.8 × 23.8 µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.04; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.0 × 10.0 µm, L/W 1.5; a flattened Stieda body was present as well as a barely discernible sub-Stieda body but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules dispersed between and across the sporozoites. A spheroidal to ellipsoidal posterior refractile body and spheroidal anterior refractile body occasionally seen, but a nucleus was not observed. Only two previous isosporans have been reported from passerellid birds and the new species can readily be distinguished from them. CONCLUSION: This is the first coccidian reported from J. hyemalis and, more importantly, the first isosporan known from any member of the family Passerellidae in North America.

Inhibition of sexual stage-specific proteins results in reduced numbers of sexual stages and oocysts of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) in vitro.

Parasites of the order Coccidia (phylum: Alveolata, subphylum: Apicomplexa) have sophisticated life cycles that include a switch from asexual to sexual development, characterised by distinct cell types. During the development of gametes (gamogony), substantial changes occur at the cellular and subcellular levels, leading to cell fusion of micro- and microgametes, and the development of a zygote that forms a protective outer layer for environmental survival as an oocyst, the transmissible stage. Studies on the porcine coccidian Cystoisospora suis already identified changes in transcription profiles during different time points in the parasite's development and identified proteins with potential roles in the sexual development of this parasite. Here, we focus on three proteins that are possibly involved in the sexual development of C. suis. Enkurin and hapless protein 2 (HAP2) play important roles in signal transduction and gamete fusion during the fertilisation process, and oocyst wall forming protein 1 (OWP1) is a homologue of oocyst wall forming proteins of related parasites. We evaluated their locations in the different life cycle stages of C. suis and their inhibition by specific antibodies in vitro. Immunolocalization detected enkurin in merozoites and sporulated oocysts, HAP2 in merozoites and microgamonts, and OWP2 in merozoites, macrogamonts, oocysts and sporozoites. Up to 100% inhibition of the development of sexual stages and oocyst formation with purified chicken immunoglobulin IgY sera against recombinant enkurin, HAP2, and especially OWP1, were demonstrated. We conclude that the three investigated sexual stage-specific proteins constitute targets for in vivo intervention strategies to interrupt parasite development and transmission to susceptible hosts.

A new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (L.) (Passeriformes: Parulidae: Parulinae), in Oklahoma, USA.

Isospora fitzpatricki n. sp. is described from a yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (L.), from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA. Oöcysts of the new species are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 24.2 × 20.4 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measure 14.5 × 9.2 µm, L/W ratio of 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body is present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite. The oöcysts of I. fitzpatricki n. sp. can be differentiated from five other congeners reported from members of the New World warbler family Parulidae from either Mexico, Costa Rica, or Brazil, by being larger on average as well as by possessing a prominent rounded sub-Stieda body, sporozoite striations, and an posterior refractile body. Information is also presented on an Isospora sp. being passed by S. petechia that we choose not to describe as a putative novel species of Isospora at this time. These two isosporans represent the first coccidians reported from S. petechia and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the Parulidae in the USA.

Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds.

Isospora infections are common in both wild and captive passerine species. Many bird species have been shown to have co-evolved with a particular species of Isospora. Disease can range from subclinical to severe and fatal, making infection and transmission of this parasite a concern for birds under managed care, particularly in institutions housing endangered species for breeding and reintroduction purposes. Whether birds in mixed-species enclosures represent a risk factor for severe isosporiasis due to infection with non-host-adapted strains is of concern for institutions managing these populations. To begin answering this question, we sought to characterize the host-specificity of Isospora spp. in a large number of passerine birds via retrospective sequencing of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Despite outliers, Isospora sequences largely grouped by host species and/or host family. Additional research is warranted into the degree of interspecies transmission and host-switching of Isospora parasites, and risk factors for the development of severe disease in passerine birds.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Passeriformes: Certhioidea: Troglodytidae), in Southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

PURPOSE: Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790). Here, we report a new species of Isospora from T. l. ludovicianus from Oklahoma, USA. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected between September and December 2021 from five adult T. l. ludovicianus taken with a mist net from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Tissue samples from the intestine of a single positive bird were removed and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for examination of coccidian endogenous stages. RESULTS: A single Carolina wren (20%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora edwardwilsoni n. sp. were subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 23.8 × 20.3 µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.3 × 9.7 µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body was present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite, or a combination of both within the same sporocyst. Information is also presented on the endogenous development of this coccidian. CONCLUSION: This is the first coccidian reported from T. l. ludovicianus and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the family Troglodytidae in North America.

The First Isospora Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) Described from the Northern Yellow-Shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus) in Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE: Members of the genus Isospora commonly infect a wide variety of wild birds. By combining morphometric and genetic data, we are able to differentiate and describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora picoflavae n. sp., from the Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus) in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Unsporulated oocysts were observed in intestinal contents obtained during necropsy; these oocysts completed exogenous sporulation within 7 days at room temperature. Complete nuclear 18S rDNA and complete mitochondrial genome sequences were obtained from this previously undescribed Isospora sp. to compare with related coccidia. RESULTS: Sporulated oocysts were subspherical in shape measuring an average of 22.7 × 21.7 µm (n = 53; mean shape index 1.05) containing a near-spherical polar granule. Sporocysts were ovoidal to ellipsoidal in shape, measuring an average size of 17.0 × 10.5 µm (n = 9; mean shape index 1.62). Sporocyst residuum was concentrated in an irregular, spherical mass in the middle of each sporocyst. The isolated oocysts differed morphologically from other Isospora species reported to infect members of the family Picidae. Based on phylogenetic analyses using either combined nuclear 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences or complete mitochondrial genome sequences, this Isospora sp. n. isolated from the Northern Flicker grouped within a clade containing Isospora species described from various passeriform hosts. CONCLUSION: Based on combined morphological and molecular data, the oocysts found in the gastrointestinal contents of Colaptes auratus luteus represent a new species of Isospora named herein as Isospora picoflavae n. sp.

Unique Isospora-associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus).

Twenty-one white-rumped shamas (19 necropsied, 2 biopsied) (Copsychus malabaricus) housed at the San Diego Zoo between 1992 and 2020 were diagnosed with Isospora infection based on evaluation of histologic sections. Review of these cases revealed a consistent histologic lesion characterized by nodular aggregates of atypical epithelioid macrophages containing few intracytoplasmic protozoa, with or without lymphocytic infiltrates. Of the 19 necropsied cases, 16 (84%) had systemic lesions variably affecting the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, lung, pancreas, connective tissues, or bone marrow, while all 21 diagnosed cases had skin involvement. The findings suggest that white-rumped shamas have a unique inflammatory response to isosporosis with a predilection for the skin. Skin may be a diagnostically sensitive sampling site for histologic diagnosis of Isospora in this species.

Isospora basileuterusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the golden-crowned warbler Basileuterus culicivorus (Deppe) (Passeriformes: Parulidae) in South America.

Isospora basileuterusi Mello & Berto n. sp. is described based on material from the golden-crowned warbler Basileuterus culicivorus (Deppe) captured in the Itatiaia National Park (Parque Nacional do Itatiaia), a conservation unit in south-eastern Brazil. Oöcysts of the new species are ellipsoidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 25.2 × 21.1 µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.6 µm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to lemon-shaped, measuring on average 15.3 × 9.5 µm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a trapezoidal sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a body of membrane-bound granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies. Four of the 19 warblers captured (21%) were infected with the new species. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene revealed a similarity of 99.5% between the new species and Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot & Ryan, 2015 from island canaries Serinus canaria (L.) in Western Australia. The oöcysts of I. basileuterusi n. sp. can be distinguished from the four other Isospora spp. recorded in hosts of the Parulidae, and from the molecularly most closely related species, by the typical ellipsoidal to lemon-shaped sporocysts, with small sub-Stieda body and a membrane-bound sporocyst residuum. Therefore, based on the morphological and molecular features, I. basileuterusi n. sp. is the fifth species described in a host of the family Parulidae and the first molecularly characterized via sequencing the cox1 gene.

Meta-transcriptomic analysis of the virome and microbiome of the invasive Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Australia.

Invasive species exert a serious impact on native fauna and flora and have become the target of eradication and management efforts worldwide. Invasive avian species can also be important pathogen reservoirs, although their viromes and microbiomes have rarely been studied. As one of the top 100 invasive pest species globally, the expansion of Indian mynas (Acridotheres tristis) into peri-urban and rural environments, in conjunction with increasing free-ranging avian agricultural practices, may increase the risk of microbial pathogens jumping species boundaries. Herein, we used a meta-transcriptomic approach to explore the microbes present in brain, liver and large intestine of 16 invasive Indian myna birds in Sydney, Australia. From this, we discovered seven novel viruses from the families Adenoviridae, Caliciviridae, Flaviviridae, Parvoviridae and Picornaviridae. Interestingly, each of the novel viruses identified shared less than 80% genomic similarity with their closest relatives from other avian species, indicative of a lack of detectable virus transmission between invasive mynas to native or domestic species. Of note, we also identified two coccidian protozoa, Isospora superbusi and Isospora greineri, from the liver and gut tissues of mynas. Overall, these data demonstrate that invasive mynas can harbor a diversity of viruses and other microorganisms such that ongoing pathogen surveillance in this species is warranted.