Abstract
Birds may be involved in the epidemiology of infectious and/or parasitic diseases which affect mammals, including humans. Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is an important zoonosis causing economic losses mainly due to pathologies induced in ruminants. Even though birds are known to be potential reservoirs of C. burnetii, their role in the epidemiological cycle of the pathogen is not completely verified. In recent years, new bacteria identified as Coxiella-like agents, have been detected in birds affected by different pathologies; the potential role of these bacteria as pathogens for mammals is not currently known. Hepatozoon spp. are haemoprotozoa, causing arthropod borne affections within several vertebrate classes. The infection of vertebrate host develops after ingestion of the arthropod final hosts containing oocysts; different tissues and blood cells are then colonized by other parasite stages, such as merozoites and gamonts. In avian hosts, there are several recognized Hepatozoon species; however, their life cycle and pathogenicity have not been fully elucidated. Referring to a carrier role by avian species and their ticks in the epidemiology of canine hepatozoonosis, the only clinically relevant affection caused by this parasite genus, they would act as carriers of infected ticks and, when Hepatozoon americanum is involved, as paratenic hosts, as well.
Highlights
Domestic and wild birds can be affected by microorganisms that represent a threat exclusively for their health status, as well as by pathogens transmissible to mammals, including humans
Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of Q fever, a worldwide zoonosis transmitted by ticks of several species, which release a large number of coxiellae with feces and saliva
The observed prevalence was low, but the detection of C. burnetii in these avian species was in agreement with other investigations [18,19], in which the authors supposed a relevant role of birds, such as vultures and black kites, in the epidemiology of Q fever because they are often pecking and scraping animal waste or decaying flesh of animal carcasses
Summary
Domestic and wild birds can be affected by microorganisms that represent a threat exclusively for their health status, as well as by pathogens transmissible to mammals, including humans. Climate changes have influenced the epidemiology of several pathogens and contributed to spreading of ticks Ticks expanded their geographical distribution and introduced viral, bacterial and parasite agents into new areas [1,2]. Migratory birds fly for long distances and usually arrive in stopover areas where several other animals are present. Pathogens from these zones can successively travel to settlements, such as farms, where domestic mammals occur. The review focused on reports of infections due to Coxiella-like agents, new bacterial strains able to cause avian disease, and to Hepatozoon spp. in birds, reporting described parasite species and discussing the potential role of birds in spreading of these pathogens
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