Blood parasites in passerine birds from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Fabiane Sebaio,Érika Martins Braga,Miguel Ângelo Marini,Alan Fecchio,Felipe Branquinho

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612012000100003

Abstract

Parasites may lead bird species to extinction, affect host temporal and spatial population dynamics, alter community structure and alter individual' 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.

Highlights

Haematozoa, or blood parasites, may lead bird species to extinction (VAN RIPER III et al, 1986), and alter sexual selection and the evolution of plumage color (HAMILTON; ZUK, 1982; PRUETT-JONES et al, 1990; KIRKPATRICK; RYAN, 1991)
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

Summary

Introduction

Haematozoa, or blood parasites, may lead bird species to extinction (VAN RIPER III et al, 1986), and alter sexual selection and the evolution of plumage color (HAMILTON; ZUK, 1982; PRUETT-JONES et al, 1990; KIRKPATRICK; RYAN, 1991). Infected individuals may be more susceptible to predators and less able to establish territories (ANDERSON; MAY, 1979). Parasite infections may determine avian death, but the cause of mortality. Several studies focusing on occurrence, prevalence or incidence of blood parasites in birds have been conducted (YOUNG et al, 1993; GILARDI et al, 1995). Within the Apicomplexa phylum, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Lankesterella are the most prevalent genera infecting birds (BENNETT; BORRERO, 1976; ATKINSON; VAN RIPER III, 1991).

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Conclusion