Impact of ultrastructural and molecular identified Babesiosoma spp. in both Egyptian freshwater fishes (common carp and African catfish): Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological findings.

Background: Babesiosomes are apicomplexan parasites of both marine and freshwater fish species. Aim: In this study, we recorded the prevalence of Babesiosoma spp in two Egyptian freshwater fish species; the common carp and the African catfish with full pathological evaluation of the diseased condition, hematological and biochemical analysis of some parameters with exact recognition of the parasite with different methods. Methods: Two hundred and forty fish blood samples from Al-Sharqiya and Al-Ismailia governorates from August 2022 to January 2023 followed by blood film examinations, performing electron microscopy and molecular detection of the parasite via polymerase chain reaction. Results: The total infection prevalence was 63.75% with a higher prevalence observed among African catfish (42.5%) than Common carp (21.25%). Regarding hematologic parameters, the obtained results showed a significant decrease in the hematocrit values and a significant increase in the total leukocyte and lymphocyte values in both infected fish species. The serum ferritin, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were also significantly increased. However, the total iron binding capacity was significantly decreased. There was also a significant increase in the total serum bilirubin in the examined fish, all at (p < 0.001). Histopathologically, the lesions were more intense in the African catfish than the common carp but generally, the infected fish showed many changes with the gills being severely affected with pronounced hyperplasia of secondary lamellae with fusion and telangiectasis. The spleen, heart, and kidney are also affected. Conclusion: Serious adverse effects on the health status of previously examined fishes infected with Babesia spp. were observed and detected by several diagnostic and descriptive tools. Histopathological, hematological, and biochemical studies give an idea of the extent of these changes which are largely fatal affecting the economic system depending on the fish industry.

High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Eurasian jays.

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.

Finding a needle in a haystack: DNA Haemoproteus columbae enrichment using percoll density gradient and flow cytometry.

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.

The fully automated Sysmex XN-31 hematology analyzer can detect bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei.

BACKGROUND: For fully automated detection and quantification of Plasmodium parasites, Sysmex developed the XN-31 hemocytometer. This study investigated whether the XN-31 can also detect and quantify bloodstream form trypanosomes (trypomastigotes). METHODS: Axenic cultures of Trypanosoma brucei brucei were used to prepare two dilution series of trypomastigotes in the whole blood of a healthy donor, which were subsequently examined by the XN-31 as well as by microscopic examination of thin and thick blood films. Trypomastigote intactness during the procedures was evaluated by microscopy. RESULTS: The XN-31 hemocytometer detected trypomastigotes with a detection limit of 26 trypomastigotes/µL. Scattergram patterns of Trypanosoma and Plasmodium parasites were clearly distinct, but current interpretation settings do not allow the identification of trypomastigotes yet, and therefore, need future refinement. CONCLUSION: Proof of concept was provided for an automated fluorescent flow cytometry method that can detect and quantify Plasmodium spp., as well as Trypanosoma brucei trypomastigotes.

Molecular investigation on infection by haemosporidians in three Western Palearctic species of swift (Apodidae) and their ectoparasitic louse flies.

Swifts (Apodidae) are an unusual group of birds that spend most of their lives in flight, landing only when breeding. Although this aerial lifestyle greatly reduces their likelihood of being bitten by vectors and infected by vector-born parasites, swifts can still be heavily infested during breeding by nest-based vectors such as louse flies (Hippoboscidae). Here, we investigated host, vector, and vector-borne parasite relationships in the three most widespread swift species in the Western Palearctic (WP): common swifts (Apus apus), pallid swifts (A. pallidus), and alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba), their nest-based louse flies (Crataerina pallida and C. melbae) and avian haemosporidians (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon). Studies of haemosporidian infections in Apodidae remain limited, with clear evidence of infection found to date in just four Neotropical and one Australasian species. The possible role of louse flies in transmitting haemosporidian infections has never been tested in swifts. We assessed the occurrence of haemosporidian infection by PCR screenings of DNA from blood samples from 34 common swifts and 44 pallid swifts from Italy, and 45 alpine swifts from Switzerland. We also screened 20 ectoparasitic louse flies present on 20 birds and identified them by both morphological features and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcodes. Our results provide no evidence of haemosporidian infection in the 123 swifts tested or in the two louse fly species we identified. Our findings are consistent with available knowledge showing no haemosporidian occurrence in WP swift species and that the most likely infection route for these highly aerial species (via louse fly ectoparasites during nesting) is unlikely.

First evidence for development of Plasmodium relictum (Grassi and Feletti, 1891) sporozoites in the salivary glands of Culex modestus Ficalbi, 1889.

The competence of insect vectors to transmit diseases plays a key role in host-parasite interactions and in the dynamics of avian malaria and other haemosporidian infections (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida). However, the presence of parasite DNA in the body of blood-sucking insects does not always constitute evidence for their competence as vectors. In this study, we investigate the susceptibility of wild-caught mosquitoes (Culex spp.) to complete sporogony of Plasmodium relictum (cyt b lineage SGS1) isolated from great tits (Parus major L., 1758). Adult female mosquitoes were collected with a CO2 bait trap overnight. A set of 50 mosquitoes was allowed to feed for 3 h at night on a single great tit infected with P. relictum. This trial was repeated on 6 different birds. The bloodfed mosquitoes that survived (n = 68) were dissected within 1-2 days (for ookinetes, n = 10) and 10-33 days post infection (for oocysts and sporozoites, n = 58) in order to confirm the respective parasite stages in their organs. The experiment confirmed the successful development of P. relictum (cyt b lineage SGS1) to the stage of sporozoites in Culex pipiens L., 1758 (n = 27) and in Culex modestus (n = 2). Our study provides the first evidence that C. modestus is a competent vector of P. relictum isolated from great tits, suggesting that this mosquito species could also play a role in the natural transmission of avian malaria.

Vector-Borne Pathogens in Guard Dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Canine vector-borne diseases are of great relevance not only regarding animal welfare but also in relation to the One Health concept. Knowledge concerning the most relevant vector-borne pathogens in dogs is scarce and limited to stray dogs in most western African regions, and there is virtually no information about the situation in kept dogs presenting (regularly) to vets. Therefore, the blood samples of 150 owned guard dogs in the Ibadan area-in the southwest of Nigeria-were collected and analyzed for the DNA of Piroplasmida (Babesia, Hepatozoon, Theileria), Filarioidea (e.g., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens), Anaplasmataceae (e.g., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), Trypanosomatidae (e.g., Leishmania, Trypanosoma), Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia and hemotropic Mycoplasma using molecular methods. Overall, samples from 18 dogs (12%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (6%) was the most prevalent blood parasite, followed by Babesia rossi (4%). There was a single positive sample each for Babesia vogeli (0.6%) and Anaplasma platys (0.6%). Moreover, one mixed infection with Trypanosoma brucei/evansi and Trypanosoma congolense kilifi was confirmed (0.67%). Generally, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in this sample group of owned dogs in southwest Nigeria was lower than in prior studies from the country and in other parts of Africa in total. This leads to the assumption that, firstly, the exact geographical location has a major influence on the incidence of vector-borne diseases, and, secondly, it seems to make a difference if the dogs are owned and, therefore, regularly checked at a veterinary clinic. This study should raise awareness of the importance of routine health check-ups, tick and mosquito prophylaxis, and a well-managed infectious disease control program to prevent vector-borne diseases in canines.

Surveillance of avian malaria and related haemoparasites in common terns (Sterna hirundo) on the Atlantic coast of South America.

Haemosporidia (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are protozoa that infect vertebrate blood cells and are transmitted by vectors. Among vertebrates, birds possess the greatest diversity of haemosporidia, historically placed in 3 genera: Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium, the causative agent of avian malaria. In South America, existing data on haemosporidia are spatially and temporally dispersed, so increased surveillance is needed to improve the determination and diagnosis of these parasites. During the non-breeding season in 2020 and 2021, 60 common terns (Sterna hirundo) were captured and bled as part of ongoing research on the population health of migratory birds on the Argentinian Atlantic coast. Blood samples and blood smears were obtained. Fifty-eight samples were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, as well as for Babesia parasites by nested polymerase chain reaction and by microscopic examination of smears. Two positive samples for Plasmodium were found. The cytochrome b lineages detected in the present study are found for the first time, and are close to Plasmodium lineages found in other bird orders. The low prevalence (3.6%) of haemoparasites found in this research was similar to those reported for previous studies on seabirds, including Charadriiformes. Our findings provide new information about the distribution and prevalence of haemosporidian parasites from charadriiforms in the southernmost part of South America, which remains understudied.

A Four-Year Survey of Hemoparasites from Nocturnal Raptors (Strigiformes) Confirms a Relation between Leucocytozoon and Low Hematocrit and Body Condition Scores of Parasitized Birds.

Most hemoparasites hosted by wild birds appear to be harmless, but most of the blood parasite studies in avian wildlife are mainly focused on passerines or migratory species. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of blood parasites in nocturnal raptors (Strigiformes order) and their effect on hematological parameters. A total of 134 blood samples were collected during a four-year period for hematological analysis and hemoparasite detection and quantification by microscopical examination of the samples. Overall, the occurrence of hemoparasites was 35.1%, with Leucocytozoon being the most frequently detected (32.1%), followed by Haemoproteus (11.2%), Trypanosoma and Plasmodium (2.2% each). Among the different bird species, the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) showed the highest blood parasite positivity (94.7%). In barn owls, the positive birds displayed a lower hematocrit measurement and body condition score than the non-parasitized ones (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively), especially those parasitized by Leucocytozoon. Moreover, the analysis of the magnitude of this association revealed that the presence of hemoparasites is five times more frequent in barn owls with a 2/5 body condition score. Despite the host-parasite coevolution in Strigiformes, our results show a correlation between the presence of hemoparasites and some health parameters, including blood parameters.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan / Estudos de prevalência parasítica em pássaros de estimação de Punjab, Paquistão

During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird's houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

Durante este estudo de um ano, amostras de sangue e fezes de pombos (Zenaida asiatica), patos (Anas platyrhynchos), pombos (Columba livia), perdizes (Alectoris chukar), perus (Meleagris gallopavo) e ganso (Chen caerulescens) foram coletados para avaliar a prevalência de parasitas nessas aves. As aves foram mantidas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore. Todas essas espécies de aves foram mantidas em gaiolas separadas e todo o seu corpo foi inspecionado regularmente para registrar parasitas externos. Para parasitas internos, foram analisadas 100 amostras de sangue e 100 amostras fecais de cada espécie. Durante o presente estudo, duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, carrapatos de aves (Args persicus) e ácaros (Dermanyssus gallinae), enquanto 17 espécies de endoparasitas, três de sangue e 14 de amostras fecais, foram identificadas. Os parasitas sanguíneos prevalentes foram Plasmodium juxtanucleare, 29,3%, Aegyptinella pullorum, 15%, e Leucoctoyzoon simond, 13%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 50%, Capillaria anatis, 40%, Capillaria annulata, 37,5%, Heterakis gallinarum, 28,3%, Ascardia galli, 24% e Allodpa suctoria, 2%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 12,1% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis, 9,1%, também foram registrados nas amostras fecais das aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 27% e 3 espécies de protozoários, ou seja, Eimeria maxima tendo prevalência de 20,1%, Histomonas meleagridis, 8%, e Giardia lamblia, 5,3%, foram registradas. Em nossa recomendação, são indicados medicação adequada e saneamento das casas e gaiolas dos pássaros para evitar parasitas.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the birds houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

Resumo Durante este estudo de um ano, amostras de sangue e fezes de pombos (Zenaida asiatica), patos (Anas platyrhynchos), pombos (Columba livia), perdizes (Alectoris chukar), perus (Meleagris gallopavo) e ganso (Chen caerulescens) foram coletados para avaliar a prevalência de parasitas nessas aves. As aves foram mantidas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore. Todas essas espécies de aves foram mantidas em gaiolas separadas e todo o seu corpo foi inspecionado regularmente para registrar parasitas externos. Para parasitas internos, foram analisadas 100 amostras de sangue e 100 amostras fecais de cada espécie. Durante o presente estudo, duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, carrapatos de aves (Args persicus) e ácaros (Dermanyssus gallinae), enquanto 17 espécies de endoparasitas, três de sangue e 14 de amostras fecais, foram identificadas. Os parasitas sanguíneos prevalentes foram Plasmodium juxtanucleare, 29,3%, Aegyptinella pullorum, 15%, e Leucoctoyzoon simond, 13%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 50%, Capillaria anatis, 40%, Capillaria annulata, 37,5%, Heterakis gallinarum, 28,3%, Ascardia galli, 24% e Allodpa suctoria, 2%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 12,1% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis, 9,1%, também foram registrados nas amostras fecais das aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 27% e 3 espécies de protozoários, ou seja, Eimeria maxima tendo prevalência de 20,1%, Histomonas meleagridis, 8%, e Giardia lamblia, 5,3%, foram registradas. Em nossa recomendação, são indicados medicação adequada e saneamento das casas e gaiolas dos pássaros para evitar parasitas.

Hemolytic parasites affect survival in migrating red-tailed hawks.

Migrating birds face a myriad of hazards, including higher exposure to parasites and numerous competing energy demands. It follows that migration may act as a selective filter and limit population growth. Understanding how individual-level physiological condition and disease status scale up to population dynamics through differential survival of individuals is necessary to identify threats and management interventions for migratory populations, many of which face increasing conservation challenges. However, linking individual physiological condition, parasite infection status and survival can be difficult. We examined the relationship among two measures of physiological condition [scaled-mass index and heterophil/leukocyte (H/L) ratio], hematozoa (i.e. hemoparasites) presence and abundance, and constitutive immunity in 353 autumn migrating red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis calurus) from 2004 to 2018. Hematazoa (i.e. Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) were in the blood smears from 139 red-tailed hawks (39.4%). H/L ratio decreased with scaled-mass index. Adults had a significantly higher H/L ratio than juveniles. Our two measures of immune defences, hemolytic-complement activity and bacteria-killing ability, were highly positively correlated. Our most notable finding was a negative relationship between Haemoproteus parasitemia and survival (i.e. documented individual mortality), indicating that haemosporidian parasites influence survival during a challenging life stage. The effect of haemosporidian parasites on individuals is often debated, and we provide evidence that parasitemia can affect individual survival. In contrast, we did not find evidence of trade-offs between survival and immune defences.

First Report of Blood Parasites in Black-Capped Sparrow (Arremon abeillei) from Neotropical Dry Deciduous Forest.

Avian haemosporidian parasites (Order: Haemosporida) are a diverse group of microorganisms that spend part of their life cycle in the erythrocytes of avian hosts. Parasite presence has been confirmed in all Ecuadorian regions, but some ecosystems, such as the deciduous dry forest of the Coastal region, have not been evaluated for parasite presence. Data on presence or absence, and prevalence, of haemosporidian blood parasites were obtained from avian blood samples collected in two different dry deciduous forests in Guayaquil, Ecuador: Bosque Protector Prosperina and Área Nacional de Recreación Parque Lago. Mist netting was performed between December 2018 and September 2019; blood smears were prepared from blood taken from 35 individuals of 20 bird species and all samples were analyzed by optical microscope observation. Most species showed no evidence of parasite infection, but haemosporidia were found on a blood smear obtained from a Black-capped Sparrow, Arremon abeillei (Passerelleidae), confirming this species as a newly discovered host of blood parasites.

Detection and molecular identification of blood parasites in rodents captured from urban areas of southern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.

BACKGROUND: Rodent species are well known for their potential as hosts and reservoirs for various zoonotic diseases. Studies on blood parasite infection in small mammals focused on urban cities in Peninsular Malaysia and have been conducted over the years. In contrast, there are information gaps related to molecular detection of blood parasites in urban areas of Sarawak that are associated with veterinary importance and zoonotic spillover potential. Increasing prevalence and transmission of blood parasite diseases is the most crucial public health issue, particularly in developing urban areas of Sarawak. Therefore, molecular identification studies were performed to determine and identify the blood parasites infecting rodents. METHODS: A total of 40 rodent blood samples were analysed for blood parasite infection and a combined approach using polymerase chain reaction-based technique, and traditional microscopic examination (blood smear test) was conducted. 18s rRNA (Plasmodium spp.) and cytochrome b (Hepatocystis spp.) gene marker were used to identify the blood parasites. RESULTS: Note that 67.5% (n = 27) blood samples were tested negative for blood parasites, while 32.5% (n = 13) blood samples collected were infected with at least one protozoan parasite. Out of 13 samples, 69.2% (n = 9) were detected with Hepatocystis sp., while 15.4% (n = 2) were positive with Hepatozoon ophisauri. Two individuals had multiple infections from both species. No Plasmodium spp. have been detected throughout this study using universal primer (targeted Plasmodium spp.); however, different parasite species which were H. ophisauri were detected. CONCLUSION: Although there is no evidence of human infection from H. ophisauri and Hepatocystis sp. detected from the study, the data show the host species are heavily infected, and the information is essential for future prevention of zoonotic outbreaks and surveillance programmes. Therefore, it is suggested that the surveillance programmes should be incorporated in targeted areas with a high risk of disease emergence.

Parasitemia and elevation as predictors of hemoglobin concentration and antioxidant capacity in two sympatric lizards.

Studies which quantify the influence of abiotic factors on physiological variation are paramount to comprehend organismal responses to diverse environments. We studied three physiological aspects of metabolism in two sympatric and ecologically similar European lizard species, Podarcis muralis and Iberolacerta horvathi, across an 830-m elevational gradient. We collected blood samples and tail tips from adult lizards, which were analyzed for parasitemia, hemoglobin concentration, potential metabolic activity and catalase activity. Hemoglobin concentration was higher in males than females and it increased across elevation in one of the studied species - P. muralis. Parasitemia was not an important predictor of the variation in hemoglobin concentration, which suggests that blood parasites do not constraint the aerobic capacity of the lizards. On the other hand, catalase activity reflected increased antioxidant activity in the presence of higher parasitemia, possibly acting as an adaptive mechanism to reduce oxidative stress during immune activation. Potential metabolic activity, as a proxy for maximum respiratory enzymatic capacity, did not differ between species or sexes nor was it affected by elevation or levels of parasitemia. The results provide insight into the relationships between physiological, biotic, and environmental traits in sympatric lizards.

Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning to Turkey with a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic

Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to.

Double trouble: untangling mixed sequence signals in bird samples with avian haemosporidian co-infections.

Blood parasites comprise some of the most prevalent pathogens in nature, and their detection and identification are major objectives in varied fields such as ecology and biomedicine. Two approaches were compared, one based on Sanger sequencing and the other next-generation sequencing (NGS) based, in terms of their performance in detecting avian blood parasites across tropical Southeast Asian birds. Across a panel of 528 bird individuals, 43 birds were ascertained to be infected with avian haemosporidians using a polymerase chain reaction-based detection method. Among these samples, NGS-based barcoding confirmed co-infections by multiple blood parasites in all eight cases where Sanger sequencing produced double peaks. Importantly however, the NGS-based method produced another five diagnoses of co-infections (62.5%) in which Sanger-based barcoding remained equivocal. In contrast to Sanger sequencing, the NGS-based method was able to identify co-infecting haemosporidian lineages via their barcodes. The accuracy of avian haemosporidian lineage identification was not compromised by the shorter length of NGS sequences, with ~94% of NGS barcodes producing matches identical to those of the Sanger barcodes. The application of NGS-based barcoding methods promises to enhance parasite identification and reduce erroneous inferences based on artefacts.

Haemosporidia of grey crowned cranes in Rwanda.

Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have been facing significant and long-term population declines in East Africa. Studies of Haemosporidian infections are essential to gain insight into pathogenic threats and help infer vector-host relationships, resolve parasite relationships, and support conservation efforts. As part of a program to reintroduce captive cranes in Rwanda back to their natural habitats, through health checks and initial microscopic examination, 120 grey crowned cranes were selected under suspicion of harboring Haemosporidian infections following initial peripheral blood smear examinations. Of these, 104 were infected with Haemoproteus and 3 were coinfected with Leucocytozoon as detected by PCR and microscopy. Sequencing allowed us to identify 2 distinct unreported lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis and one lineage of Leucocytozoon in the subspecies of Grey Crowned Cranes endemic to East Africa, B. r. gibbericeps. Molecularly, our two lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis differ by 32 base pairs and matched with about 95 percent identity to previously reported sequences of H. antigonis found in other species of cranes. No visible morphologic differences were found when compared to images of H. antigonis from previous studies. Our work demonstrates not only a need for increased testing within the family Gruidae, but also to investigate the possibility of cryptic speciation within the morphospecies Haemoproteus antigonis.

The prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. in nestlings of three wild raptor species including implications on haematological and blood chemistry values.

Leucocytozoonosis is a vector-borne infection of birds, caused by members of the haemosporidian genus Leucocytozoon. The clinical presentation may range from asymptomatic to severe disease. Consequences of Leucocytozoon infection on blood profiles remain to be described, especially for different host species in the wild. In the current study, the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection was determined in wild nestlings of three European raptor species, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 464), red kite (Milvus milvus, n = 46) and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis, n = 18). Among 528 nestlings, 51.9% (n = 274) were infected with Leucocytozoon spp., whereby the highest prevalence was found in common buzzards (54.9%), followed by red kites (32.6%) and northern goshawks (22.2%). For a subset of 87 individuals (50 common buzzards, 29 red kites, 8 northern goshawks), a detailed analysis of differential leukocyte counts and several blood chemistry parameters in response to infection was conducted: AP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GLDH (glutamate dehydrogenase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase), CK (creatine kinase), BuChE (butyrylcholinesterase), BA (bile acids), ALB (albumin) and TP (total protein). Even though in the physiological range, infected nestlings displayed significantly increased levels of heterophils, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bile acids and butyrylcholinesterase, but decreased lymphocyte and monocyte values compared to uninfected ones. Furthermore, significant species differences with regard to blood parameters, but no sex differences were found. Overall, obtained results show a high prevalence, but a low pathogenicity of Leucocytozoon spp. in wild raptor chicks, presumably resulting from coevolutionary adaptation, but show signatures of infection in the haematological and blood chemistry profiles.

Characterization of serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Canine tick-borne diseases are important diseases with a worldwide distribution. In Thailand, the most important canine tick-borne diseases are ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and hepatozoonosis. This study aimed to determine the serum protein electrophoresis patterns (SPEPs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with Ehrlichia canis , Babesia canis, or Hepatozoon canis single infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 650 canine blood samples were collected from animal hospitals and clinics in Bangkok and its vicinity to examine health status and blood parasite infection. Suspected blood parasite infections were examined by buffy coat thin blood smear and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Normal dog and positive E. canis , B. canis, and H. canis single infections and serum protein profiles were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. CRP concentration was measured by fluorescent immunoassay. RESULTS: In dogs infected with E. canis, B. canis, and H. canis single infections, albumin levels and A/G ratios significantly decreased, whereas ß2-globulin levels increased (p<0.05). The γ-globulin level significantly increased in E. canis and H. canis infections (p<0.05). A monoclonal gammopathy pattern wasi observed in E. canis and B. canis sngle infections, whereas ß-γ bridging patterns and increased ß- and γ-globulin fractions were found in H. canis single infections. The CRP level increased in dogs with blood parasite single infections and may be related to the pathogenesis of the infection. CONCLUSION: SPEPs and CRP levels can be used to monitor health status and blood parasite problems in infected dogs.