scholarly journals Blood parasites infecting the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), a unique neotropical folivorous bird

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6361 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Andreína Pacheco ◽  
M. Alexandra García-Amado ◽  
Jaime Manzano ◽  
Nubia E. Matta ◽  
Ananias A. Escalante
Keyword(s):  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
South American ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Mycteria Americana ◽  
Vegetation Characteristic ◽  
Social Units

The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is the only extant member of the order Opisthocomiformes. This unique South American bird lives in the riparian lowland vegetation characteristic of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Hoatzins nest in communal social units close to water bodies; they are strictly folivores being the only bird with pregastric fermentation in the crop. Because of the complex logistics involved in capturing this bird, there is a knowledge gap on its parasites. This study documents two distant lineages of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium spp.) in a juvenile and two adults sampled in the Cojedes state, Venezuela. Although negative by microscopy, the parasite identification was possible by using molecular methods. We estimated the phylogenetic relationships on the parasite cytochrome b (cytb, 480 bp) gene and the mitochondrial DNA. We found one of the parasites lineages in two individuals (nestling and adult), and the corresponding fragment of cytb was identical to a one found in Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) from Brazil. The other lineage, found in an adult, has an identity of 469 out of 478 bp (98%) with Plasmodium sp. GAL-2012 (isolate THAMB08) from Brazil. Although a morphological description of these parasites was not possible, this is the first molecular study focusing on Hoatzin haemosporidian parasites and the first documentation of Plasmodium infections in the Hoatzin from Venezuela. Furthermore, we reported microfilaria in two adults as well as hematological parameters for six individuals. Information on hematological parameters could contribute to establishing the necessary baseline to detect underlying conditions, such as infections, in this bird species.

scholarly journals Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne R. Schumm ◽  
Dimitris Bakaloudis ◽  
Christos Barboutis ◽  
Jacopo G. Cecere ◽  
Cyril Eraud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
And Migration

AbstractDiseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.

scholarly journals Diversity and host assemblage of avian haemosporidians in different terrestrial ecoregions of Peru

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luz Garcia-Longoria ◽  
Jaime Muriel ◽  
Sergio Magallanes ◽  
Zaira Hellen Villa-Galarce ◽  
Leonila Ricopa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
New Host ◽  
Parasite Richness ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Avian Haemosporidians ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Characterizing the diversity and structure of host-parasite communities is crucial to understanding their eco-evolutionary dynamics. Malaria and related haemosporidian parasites are responsible for fitness loss and mortality in bird species worldwide. However, despite exhibiting the greatest ornithological biodiversity, avian haemosporidians from Neotropical regions are quite unexplored. Here, we analyse the genetic diversity of bird haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in 1,336 individuals belonging to 206 bird species to explore for differences in diversity of parasite lineages and bird species across five well-differentiated Peruvian ecoregions. We detected 70 different haemosporidian lineages infecting 74 bird species. We showed that 25 out of the 70 haplotypes had not been previously recorded. Moreover, we also identified 81 new host – parasite interactions representing new host records for these haemosporidian parasites. Our outcomes revealed that the effective diversity (as well as the richness, abundance, and Shannon-Weaver index) for both birds and parasite lineages was higher in Amazon basin ecoregions. Furthermore, we also showed that ecoregions with greater diversity of bird species also had high parasite richness, hence suggesting that host community is crucial in explaining parasite richness. Generalist parasites were found in ecoregions with lower bird diversity, implying that the abundance and richness of hosts may shape the exploitation strategy followed by haemosporidian parasites. These outcomes reveal that Neotropical region is a major reservoir of unidentified haemosporidian lineages. Further studies analysing host distribution and specificity of these parasites in the tropics will provide important knowledge about phylogenetic relationships, phylogeography, and patterns of evolution and distribution of haemosporidian parasites.

Low diversity and high intra-island variation in prevalence of avian Haemoproteus parasites on Barbados, Lesser Antilles

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (10) ◽  
pp. 1121-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. MARIA ◽  
E. SVENSSON ◽  
ROBERT E. RICKLEFS
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Genetic Differences ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Limited Sampling ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Free Region ◽  
Host Genetic ◽  
Coereba Flaveola

SUMMARYCommon bird species were screened during May and June 2007 on Barbados for haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida) of the genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium to determine whether the low parasite diversity reported in previous studies might have reflected limited sampling. PCR screening and DNA sequencing revealed a single predominant lineage of Haemoproteus identified as H. coatneyi. Sixty-two out of 257 birds were infected with Haemoproteus spp. on Barbados in 2007. Fifty-nine of the infections were identified as H. coatneyi (lineage HC), the only lineage recovered in the previous study in 1993. Two of the infections recovered from the bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) were identified as Haemoproteus spp. (lineage HD), which is the prevalent haemosporidian parasite in C. flaveola on Grenada. We discuss the possibility of infrequent colonization events and absence of vectors as explanations for Barbados's low avian haemosporidian diversity. In our study, the parasites were absent from the southeast of the island, whereas they were abundant in several host species in the northwest. Accordingly, environmental and host population genetic differences were also investigated between the areas with and without parasites. No host genetic differences were found between the parasite-free and the parasite-afflicted regions. However, the parasite-free region is slightly warmer and drier, and it supports less vegetation than the parasite-afflicted region. The influence that this harsher environment may have on vector survival is discussed.

scholarly journals Blood parasites in passerine birds from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiane Sebaio ◽  
Érika Martins Braga ◽  
Felipe Branquinho ◽  
Alan Fecchio ◽  
Miguel Ângelo Marini
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Blood Parasite ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Low Prevalence

Parasites may lead bird species to extinction, affect host temporal and spatial population dynamics, alter community structure and alter individuals’ social status. We evaluated blood parasite prevalence and intensity according to bird families and species, among 925 birds that were caught in 2000 and 2001, in the Atlantic Forest in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We applied Giemsa staining to thin blood smears, to detect blood parasites. The birds (n = 15.8%) in 11 families, were infected by at least one parasite genus, especially Muscicapidae (28.3%) and Conopophagidae (25%). Among the 146 infected birds, Plasmodium was detected in all bird families and had the highest prevalence (54.8%). Trypanosoma, Haemoproteus and microfilaria had lower prevalence rates (23.3, 23.3 and 2.1%, respectively). Birds caught during the rainy season were more infected than birds caught during the dry season. The overall low prevalence of blood parasites in birds is similar to the patterns found elsewhere in the Neotropical region.

scholarly journals Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayden Chakarov ◽  
Helge Kampen ◽  
Anja Wiegmann ◽  
Doreen Werner ◽  
Staffan Bensch
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Avian Host ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Host Group ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Background: The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. Methods: In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. Results: We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups. Conclusions: The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.

scholarly journals Description of New American Carduelis/Spinus Bird Species in La Paz (Bolivia): C./S. lapazensis.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-33
Author(s):  
Antonio Arnaiz-Villena ◽  
Valentín Ruiz-del-Valle ◽  
Fabio Suarez-Trujillo ◽  
Adrian Lopez-Nares ◽  
Alvaro Callado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
North America ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
South American ◽  
Cyt B ◽  
Species Definition ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Evolutionary Radiation ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
A New Species

Introduction: South American siskins (Genus Carduelis/Spinus) are the outcome of regional evolutionary radiation from an extant (or other extinct) species: C. notata, a North America siskin, which thrives in Mexico subtropical areas and is parental of one of the three described North American siskin radiations. Methods: Speciation and/or subspeciation of this South American siskin radiation have probably occurred during Pleistocene Epoch. In the present paper, a new species/subspecies akin to C./S. atrata is described by genetic and phenotypic parameters: this new species/subspecies was previously considered a subspecies of C./S. xanthogastra, which thrives further North and is separated about 1,762 km, 1,094 miles, from this described subspecies, Carduelis/ Spinus xanthogastra stejnegeri. Results: Our genetic study using mt cyt b, phenotypic and behavior observations show that this putative C./S. xanthogastra subspecies is either a different species or a C./S. atrata subspecies; we have proposed a provisional name for this finch, C./S. lapazensis, instead of C./S. x. stejnegeri. Conclusion: Species definition is movable and controversial, and it is uncertain in South American siskins, which all show a close genetic and phenotypical relationship, which may be still immersed in speciation processes since Pleistocene Epoch.

scholarly journals Valores hematológicos do gavião carijó Buteo magnirostris (GMELIN, 1788) (AVE, FALCONIFORME)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54
Author(s):  
Antenor A. Santos ◽  
Adriana A. Joper ◽  
Mizue I. Egami
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cells ◽  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Total Count ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Differential Leukocyte Count ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Green Area ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Spherical Core

RESUMO: Os animais utilizados neste trabalho foram fornecidos pelo Departamento de Parque de Área Verde (SP). As amostras de sangue foram colhidas entre agosto de 1999 a novembro de 2001 e determinados os seguintes parâmetros hematológicos: contagem total de eritrócitos (Er), hematócrito (Ht), taxa de hemoglobina (Hb), contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, índices hematimétricos absolutos VCM e CHCM. Foi realizada também a descrição morfológica das células sanguíneas em extensões sanguíneas após aplicação do método de Leishman. Os valores referentes à série eritrocítica apresentaram as seguintes médias: Er= 2,62 ± 0.48 x 106/µL; Ht=43,16 ± 11,19%; Hb= 14,59 ± 3,38g/dl; VCM=166,33 fL; CHCM= 33,84 ± 2,55g/dl e àqueles referentes a contagem de leucócitos apresentaram média: Lc= 3,95 ± 2,06 x 103/µL; Ht=45,33 ± 9,48%; Eo=17,66 ± 10,40%; B=7,3 ± 3,05%; L= 27,33 ± 11,53% e M= 2 ± 2,30%. Foram observados eritrócitos elípticos, com núcleo heterocromático alongado e citoplasma acidófilo; trombócitos elípticos com núcleo basófilo, cromatina condensada e citoplasma hialino; heterófilos esféricos, com núcleo lobulado e presença de grânulos acidófilos fusiformes; eosinófilos esféricos com núcleo lobulado apresentando grânulos eosinófilos esféricos; basófilos com núcleo volumoso e grânulos basófilos; linfócitos de aspecto irregular, com núcleo esférico e grânulos azurófilos; monócitos esféricos, com núcleo reniforme, cromatina frouxa, nucléolo visível e grânulos azurófilos finos.Palavras-chave: Gavião Carijó; Buteo magnirostris; Hematologia. ABSTRACT: The animals used in this study were provided by the Green Area Park Department (SP). Blood samples were collected from August 1999 to November 2001 and determined the following hematological parameters: total count of erythrocytes (Er), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), total count and differential leukocyte count, erythrocyte indices absolute MCV and MCHC. It also performed the morphological description of the blood cells in blood smears after application of Leishman method. The figures for the erythrocyte series presented the following averages: Er = 2.62 ± 0:48 x 106 / µL; Ht = 43.16 ± 11.19%; Hb = 14.59 ± 3,38g / dl; VCM = 166.33 fL; MCHC = 33.84 ± 2.55g / dl and those related to leukocyte count showed average: Lc = 3.95 ± 2.06 x 103 / µL; Ht = 45.33 ± 9.48%; And = 17.66 ± 10.40%; B = 7.3 ± 3.05%; L = 27.33 ± 11.53% and M = 2 ± 2.30%. erythrocytes were observed elliptical, with elongated heterochromatic nucleus and cytoplasm acidophilus; thrombocytes Elliptical with basophil nucleus, condensed chromatin and hyaline cytoplasm; Spherical heterophile with lobed nucleus and presence of acidophilic spindle granules; eosinophil-lobed spherical core having eosinophils spherical granules; basophils with large nuclei and basophil granules; irregular aspect of lymphocytes, with spherical core and azurophilic granules; Spherical monocyte, a kidney-shaped core, loose chromatin and nucleoli visible fine azurophilic granules.Keywords: Sparrowhawk Carijó; Buteo magnirostris; Hematology.

Taxonomic revision and morphological delimitation of Oxalis sect. Ripariae (Oxalidaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 529 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-159
Author(s):  
ANELISE NUERNBERG-SILVA ◽  
PEDRO FIASCHI
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
South American ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Phylogenetic Studies ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Near Threatened

Phylogenetic studies indicate that several infrageneric taxa in Oxalis require taxonomic updates to attain monophyly. In this contribution, we update the morphological delimitation of the South American Oxalis sect. Ripariae and provide a taxonomic revision of the currently accepted species. The sectional delimitation was carried out by comparing micro- and macromorphological features of Oxalis sect. Ripariae, O. sect. Corniculatae, and O. sect. Myriophyllum. These sections share yellow flowers and aerial stems. Glandular hairs and larger seeds with the surface longitudinally crested and with projections are exclusive to Oxalis sect. Ripariae. We accept 11 species in the section, including three previously placed in Oxalis sect. Corniculatae (i.e., O. eriocarpa, O. niederleinii, and O. refracta), but excluding O. serpens and O. subvillosa, which are moved to O. sect. Corniculatae. We also describe a new species (Oxalis lourteiginana), propose a new name and status for O. bifrons subsp. littoralis (now O. pampeana), the synonymization of O. irreperta with O. riparia, six second-step lectotypifications, and one epitypification. For each accepted species we provide a morphological description, illustrations, ecological and taxonomic information, conservation status following IUCN, and a geographic distribution map. Most species occur in southern Brazil, but the section is widespread also in Argentina, Uruguay, and eastern Paraguay. Six species are categorized as threatened and further three as near threatened. Besides, we provide an identification key for the taxa of the section.

Hysterionica chamomilloides (Asteraceae: Astereae) a new species from the grassland ecosystem of Río de La Plata

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 482 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-44
Author(s):  
LEONARDO PAZ DEBLE
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
South American ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
South American Species ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
A New Species

Hysterionica s.l. (including Neja) comprises ca. 15 species distributed mainly in the grasslands of southern Brazil, Uruguay, central and northern Argentina and Southern Paraguay. Based on field surveys, study of nomenclatural types and other specimens, and review of literature, a new species is proposed here, Hysterionica chamomilloides, endemic of mountainous regions of northern Uruguay, and southwestern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. This work provides a detailed morphological description of the new species, information on its geographic distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status, and discusses the main differences between H. chamomilloides and the morphologically most similar species. Illustrations, images and a key to the South American species of Hysterionica are also supplied.

No evidence for Galapagos Plasmodium lineage arriving via Humboldt Current seabirds.

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris I Levin ◽  
Michael J Adkesson ◽  
Maranda Evans ◽  
Cindee K Rettke ◽  
Patricia G Parker
Keyword(s):  
South American ◽  
Wildlife Diseases ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Humboldt Current ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Contact Rates ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Genus Plasmodium ◽  
Current Flows

Avian malaria, caused by parasites in the genus Plasmodium, has recently been detected in the endangered Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus). Understanding possible routes of parasite and pathogen introduction is important for management of small and isolated populations, because island populations can be at higher risk of adverse effects due to lower immunity. One possible means of introduction could be through contact with pelagic birds from coastal South America. In order to better understand the origins of Plasmodium in Galapagos penguins, we used a PCR protocol to test for haemosporidian parasites in Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), the sister species of Galapagos penguins, and two other Humboldt Current endemics, the guanay cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) and the Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus). None of these seabirds, all sampled at Punta San Juan, Peru, tested positive for haemosporidian parasites. Although the strong Humboldt Current flows from Antarctica up the South American coast and towards Galapagos at the equator, contact rates between these Humboldt endemics and Galapagos birds might still be rare. Despite negative results, this information is important for furthering our knowledge of Plasmodium in Galapagos and in our efforts to effectively manage wildlife diseases.

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