Immune responses to parasitic infections in mourning doves (Zenaida macroura)

Abstract

Wild mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) captured during the summer of 2011 in Tempe, AZ were found to have an increased prevalence of parasitic worms (trematodes) within the mesenteric veins. In humans, trematode infections begin as mild cercarial dermatitis and, if left untreated, lead to significant inflammation and organ damage. It is not widely known what effects these parasites have on birds. We hypothesized that doves carrying trematodes would exhibit weight loss and have increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) 60 and 70 as indicators of immune system activation. Effects of the parasites on body condition were assessed by weighing the infected birds and comparing body mass to healthy animals. Using western blots, levels of HSPs were examined in erythrocytes and plasma homogenates from doves. The results did not support the hypothesis and indicated that differences in expression of HSP 60 and 70 proteins were insignificant (HSP60 p=0.328, HSP70 p=0.783). There were also no significant effects on body mass (p=0.072). Preliminary examination of blood smears created from these animals show increased leukocytes demonstrative of heightened immune system activity. Ongoing analyses of liver, spleen and intestinal segments along with blood samples will further characterize immune responses to the infection.