Parasite Diversity Research Articles

High prevalence of <em>Trypanosoma</em> infection in Iberian green frogs (<em>Pelophylax perezi</em>) and evidence of a negative relationship between blood parasites and two indices of frog body condition

Trypanosoma commonly parasitizes anuran hosts but very few studies have investigated ecological relationships in multiparasitized amphibians. We analysed a sample of 29 adult Iberian green frogs (Pelophylax perezi) from a monitored population in central Spain and found that 28 of these individuals (96.5%) were infected with blood parasites. The protozoa genera Lankesterella (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) (72.4%) and Trypanosoma (Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatida) (69%) had the highest prevalence, followed by an intraerythrocytic bacteria of the genus Aegyptianella (Pseudomonadota: Rickettsiales) (31.0%). We also report an infection by hematic microfilariae (Nematoda: Spirurida) (6.8%), which to our knowledge represents the first documented case in Iberian amphibians. Infections with more than one parasite type occurred in 62.1% of the frogs. A multimodel inference approach indicated that the infection intensities of Trypanosoma and Aegyptianella were the most important predictors, both negatively affecting the body condition of the frogs. Furthermore, the number of leeches that frogs had when captured showed a strong positive association with Trypanosoma infection intensity. This suggests that leeches act as primary vectors for Trypanosoma. Our results revealed a high taxonomic diversity of blood parasites in green frogs, thus contributing to expand our knowledge of the biodiversity of Mediterranean wetlands and highlighted the potential negative effects of certain infections on the fitness of these amphibian hosts.

Expanding the known haemosporidian parasite diversity in Eurasian Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) subspecies through amplicon sequencing

Monitoring haemosporidian parasites in birds is essential to comprehend the dynamics of avian malaria, a disease that significantly affects bird populations worldwide. This study concentrated on the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in 198 specimens from two subspecies of the Eurasian bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), aiming to explore the genetic diversity and species richness of haemosporidian fauna across the host populations. By utilizing next-generation amplicon high-throughput sequencing (NGS), we observed a marked increase in the detection of haemosporidian diversity, revealing cryptic variants and species previously unidentified by Sanger sequencing. A high prevalence of Plasmodium was seen in all studied sites, accompanied by a less frequent Leucocytozoon infection in the red-spotted subspecies and minimal occurrence of Haemoproteus. Both previously known and new, low prevalence cryptic variants were detected, underscoring the complexity of haemosporidian infections in avian hosts. The use of species delimitation tools provided a detailed understanding of haemosporidian species diversity, their coexistence within hosts, and their phylogenetic relationships. Despite the varying ecological characteristics of the study sites, no significant difference in haemosporidian alpha diversity among populations was found. However, significant differences in beta diversity were identified, suggesting that habitat characteristics and geographic distance influence parasite distribution. These findings highlight the importance of advanced molecular techniques in revealing the hidden diversity of parasites, offering valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of haemosporidian infections. Given the threatened status of one of the host’s populations, knowledge on local diversity of haemosporidian parasites also has implications for possible conservation strategies.

Evidence for the importance of trophically transmitted parasites and predation at the lower latitudes of species ranges.

The lack of information concerning how parasitism maps onto host geographical distributions represents a striking gap in ecological knowledge. This knowledge gap limits our understanding of a wide range of phenomena, including the consequences of climate change-induced range shifts of both hosts and parasites. To help solve this problem, we created a predictive theoretical framework and quantified latitudinal variation in parasitism by animal and protozoan parasites throughout the entire contiguous geographical ranges of four estuarine fish species. To circumvent frequent limitations in data and to permit revealing of novel biogeographical patterns, we (i) quantified parasitism at the individual host level, (ii) quantified parasite species diversity and biomass load, and (iii) tracked functionally distinct parasitic consumer strategies. Parasite diversity always increased at lower latitudes, and this pattern was largely driven by parasites using trophic transmission. Furthermore, in three of four cases, the role of fish as predator- versus prey-host for trophically transmitted parasite (TTP) species increased at lower latitudes. Parasite diversity patterns followed predictions more consistently than did biomass load, indicating that increased predation at lower latitudes may decrease observed parasite biomass load. These findings suggest a particularly strong role for TTPs and predation in community structure and dynamics at lower latitudes.

Helminths Parasite Communities in Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Sô River (Benin, West Africa) : A Prelimanary Study

Heterotis niloticus, the african bonytongue, is a fish species living in shallow waters. Its feeding ecology makes it an omnivorous species capable of reaching large sizes. It is a rare species in the catches except from well-known areas and seasons. A total of 39 H. niloticus individuals from Sô river were subjected to parasitological examination in order to identify the diversity of parasites. Physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (O2), Nitrite (NO2), Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded. The sex and the size of any fish were reported. Indices characterizing the parasitic infracommunity and the component community were determined. Total prevalence was 97.43%, with five parasite species identified, comprising 3 heterogenous parasites and 2 monoxenous parasites and a community of 529 individuals. Male fish were more infested than females (P < .05) while the mean abundance and intensity were largely in favor of acanthocephalans (P < .05). There was no significant correlation (P > .05) between the physicochemical parameters and the parasite prevalence. The physico-chemical profile revealed therefore an acceptable living ecosystem for fish. However, the high presence of heterogenous parasites suggests that further investigations over a longer sampling period could highlight the biotic or abiotic factors favorable to this multiplication of each recorded parasite group.

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax field isolates from the Nowshera district of Pakistan

BackgroundThe genetic diversity of malaria parasites contributes to their ability to adapt to environmental changes, develop drug resistance and circumvent the host immune system. This study aimed to analyse the genetic diversity of the Pfmsp1 and Pfmsp2 genes in Plasmodium falciparum and the Pvmsp-3α gene in Plasmodium vivax isolates from District Nowshera in Pakistan.MethodsBlood samples from 124 consenting patients with uncomplicated malaria presenting to different hospitals from the Nowshera district were collected between March and August 2019, representing 28 P. falciparum and 96 P. vivax isolates. The genomic DNA extracted from the isolates were subjected to nested PCR and allele-specific analysis. Pvmsp-3α amplified fragments were further treated with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based Hha1 restriction enzyme.ResultsOf the analyzed P. falciparum, 21 distinct alleles were detected, including 14 alleles for Pfmsp-1 and 7 alleles for Pfmsp-2. The sub-allelic families MAD20 (50%) of Pfmsp-1and FC27 (75%) of Pfmsp-2 were predominant. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was calculated as 1.4 and 1.2 for Pfmsp-1 and Pfmsp-2, respectively, with an overall mean MOI of 1.34. In P. vivax, 4 allelic variants, Pvmsp-3α types A, B, C and D, were detected, while RFLP digestion of amplicons, detected 9 sub-allelic variants (A1-A4, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D1) at the Pvmsp-3α locus.ConclusionThis first ever report of molecular characterization of P. falciparum and P. vivax genotypes from District Nowshera, Pakistan reveals moderate to high allelic diversity in parasite population from District Nowshera, Pakistan.

Bat ectoparasites (Diptera: Streblidae and Acari: Spinturnicidae) from an urban area in the Amazon-Cerrado transition

Parasites significantly influence ecosystems by controlling host populations and spreading diseases, thereby impacting ecological balances. In the Neotropics, hematophagous bat flies and mites are common ectoparasites of bats. The state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, hosts a diverse bat fauna across its Amazon Forest, Cerrado, and Pantanal habitats. We described bat flies and wing mites associated with bats in an urban area in the Amazon-Cerrado transition. Despite the expected diversity of bat in the study area, we expect to find a low number of ectoparasites species, as urban areas are typically associated with reduced parasite diversity. Bats were captured using mist nets, and ectoparasites collected manually or with tweezers and identified under the stereomicroscope. We found 10 species of ectoparasites (seven bat flies and three wingmites) from 181 bats across 22 species. The study found low ectoparasite diversity, possibly due to the small number of bats captured or the constraints found in the urban environment. Most observed bat-ectoparasite associations were consistent with previous studies, but some unexpected associations suggested possible contamination or transient relationships. This research fills a gap in the knowledge of bat ectoparasites in Mato Grosso, contributing to understanding bat-ectoparasite dynamics in diverse habitats.

Gastrointestinal parasite diversity of South American camelids and its relationship with ancient Andean human populations from early Holocene to historical times in Southern Puna, Argentina

Gastrointestinal parasite diversity of South American camelids and its relationship with ancient Andean human populations from early Holocene to historical times in Southern Puna, Argentina

Diversity of Fish Parasites in Rivers and Lakes of Southern Western Siberia

Diversity of Fish Parasites in Rivers and Lakes of Southern Western Siberia

Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Non-Human Primates at Gabon’s Primatology Center: Implications for Zoonotic Diseases

Parasites and infectious diseases pose significant threats to primate populations, especially in captive non-human primates (NHPs). This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of intestinal parasites in NHPs at the CIRMF Primatology Center. A total of 97 fecal samples were analyzed using parasitological techniques, including sodium chloride flotation and modified Baermann sedimentation methods. An overall parasite prevalence of 93.81% (91/97) was observed. Sixteen groups of parasites with zoonotic potential were identified, comprising ten genera of nematodes (Trichuris, Enterobius, Hookworm, Trichostrongylus, Mammomonogamus, Spirure, Oesophagostomum, Schistosoma, Ascaris, and Strongyloides), three genera of protists (Eimeria, Balantioides coli/Buxtonella, and Entamoeba), one genus of cestodes (Hymenolepis), and two genera of trematodes (Dicrocoelium and Paramphistomum). High prevalences were noted for Oesophagostomum spp. (83.5%), Strongyloides spp. (52.58%), and Trichostrongylus spp. (50.52%). These findings underscore the potential role of the CIRMF Primatology Center in maintaining and facilitating the transmission of intestinal parasites with high zoonotic potential. The co-existence of human and NHP parasites in shared environments, such as zoos and research facilities, emphasizes the need for a holistic, One Health approach that addresses the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. This study highlights the urgent need for collaborative strategies to mitigate the risks of zoonotic parasite transmission between NHPs and humans in captive settings.

Occurrence of Chiorchis fabaceus (Trematoda: Cladorchiidae) in a wild Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus): New parasitological data for this imperilled sirenian

Parasites impact wildlife populations and ecosystem health, thereby demanding regular monitoring. As part of the national conservation effort to preserve the free-ranging sirenians in Colombia, a parasitological survey was conducted between 2011 and 2023 on naturally deceased Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus). A total of 17 stranded carcasses were analysed for the occurrence of parasites. Herein, trematode adult stages were recovered from the stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon of an adult male manatee and microscopically analysed. Additionally, molecular analysis was conducted based on an almost complete coding sequence of the ITS1–5.8S-ITS2, partial sequence of 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the trematode sequences within Chiorchis fabaceus species, thus constituting the first adult-based sequences isolated for the species. Presented data contribute to a better understanding of the sirenian parasite diversity.

Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection among asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria-infected individuals in Uganda

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) remains a significant public health challenge globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it accounts for 99% of all malaria infections. The outcomes of P. falciparum infection vary, ranging from asymptomatic to severe, and are associated with factors such as host immunity, parasite genetic diversity, and multiplicity of infection (MOI). Using seven neutral microsatellite markers, the current study investigated P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI in both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria individuals in Uganda.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed 225 P. falciparum isolates from both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria patients, ranging in age from 6 months to ≥ 18 years. P. falciparum genetic diversity, MOI, and multi-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed through genotyping of seven neutral microsatellite markers: Poly-α, TA1, TA109, PfPK2, 2490, C2M34–313, and C3M69–383. Genetic data analysis was performed using appropriate genetic analysis software.ResultsP. falciparum infections exhibited high genetic diversity in both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. The mean expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.79 in symptomatic uncomplicated malaria cases to 0.81 in asymptomatic individuals. There was no significant difference (p = 0.33) in MOI between individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, with the mean MOI ranging from 1.92 in symptomatic complicated cases to 2.10 in asymptomatic individuals. Polyclonal infections were prevalent, varying from 58.5% in symptomatic complicated malaria to 63% in symptomatic uncomplicated malaria cases. A significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed between asymptomatic and symptomatic uncomplicated/complicated infections (p < 0.01). Genetic differentiation was low, with FST values ranging from 0.0034 to 0.0105 among P. falciparum parasite populations in asymptomatic and symptomatic uncomplicated/complicated infections.ConclusionThere is a high level of P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI among both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Uganda. Asymptomatic carriers harbor a diverse range of parasites, which poses challenges for malaria control and necessitates targeted interventions to develop effective strategies.

Gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, diversity and association in free-ranging Chacma baboon troops in a semi-arid savanna ecosystem of Zimbabwe

Free-ranging Chacma baboon species are known to harbour a wide range of zoonotic parasites, and their frequent close interactions with humans pose a risk of transmission of zoonotic parasites between the two species. This research study focused on understanding parasite dynamics in free-ranging baboon populations that inhabit human-wildlife interface areas, a case of Gwanda State University's Epoch Mine campus in Filabusi at Insiza district. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design was used to investigate the prevalence, diversity and association of gastrointestinal parasites among three baboon troops found at the Epoch Mine campus. One hundred and twenty (120) fresh faecal samples were collected from the three troops between February and September 2023. The centrifugal floatation technique was used to process and analyse faecal samples, and parasite ova and cysts were identified using morphological features like shape and size. The prevalence of the parasite taxa and a chi-squared multiple comparison test was computed. Results showed significant differences among most parasite taxa except Coccidia spp and Entamoeba spp among the three troops. The Shannon–Wiener (H′) index was used to calculate diversity and graphs were utilized to present the association. The Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no significant difference in parasite diversity among the three troops. Although troop-parasite association showed different parasite species for each troop, helminths Strongylid spp. and Schistosoma spp. were highly common across all three troops. Troop 1 and 3 were associated with four parasite taxa, whereas Troop 2 had only three. The study reveals the presence of gastro-intestinal parasites of public health concern, as they are capable of causing diseases in humans and domestic animals. The study, therefore, underscores the importance of understanding parasite-host dynamics in mitigating zoonotic disease transmission and suggests the need to generate baseline data for mitigating zoonotic diseases and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Chytrid fungi infecting Arctic microphytobenthic communities under varying salinity conditions

This study aimed to investigate the presence and diversity of fungal parasites in Arctic coastal microphytobenthic communities. These communities represent a key component in the functioning of Arctic trophic food webs. Fungal parasites, particularly Chytridiomycota (chytrids), play significant roles by controlling microalgal bloom events, impacting genetic diversity, modifying microbial interactions, and accelerating nutrient and energy transfer to higher trophic levels. In the context of rapid Arctic warming and increased glacier meltwater, which significantly affects these communities, we used high-throughput sequencing to explore fungal community composition. Our results show that chytrids dominate fungal communities in Arctic benthic habitats and that the overall fungal diversity is primarily influenced by the salinity gradient. Chytrid representation is positively correlated with the presence of potential benthic diatom (Surirella, Nitzschia, Navicula) and green algae (Ulvophyceae) hosts, while microscopic observations provide further evidence for the presence of active chytrid infections.

Host and habitat shape ectoparasite diversity on Mastomys natalensis and Mastomys coucha (Muridae).

Mastomys natalensis and M. coucha are commensal rodent species endemic to Africa. A recent taxonomic revision within Mastomys leaves the parasite–host list of M. natalensis questionable and that of M. coucha incomplete. The current study aimed to develop a better understanding of the ectoparasite diversity associated with the 2 distinct but closely related rodent species and to explore the influence of host and habitat type on ectoparasite infestations. Between 2014 and 2020, 590 rodents were trapped in 3 habitat types (village, agriculture and natural) across a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface. In total 48 epifaunistic species (45 ectoparasitic and 3 predatory) represented by 29 genera from 4 taxonomic groups (fleas, lice, mites and ticks) were recorded. Only 50% of the epifauna were shared between the 2 rodent species, with mites the most speciose taxon in both host species. The abundance of epifaunistic individuals, and also those of mites and fleas, were significantly higher on male M. natalensis, while ticks were significantly higher on reproductively active M. natalensis. For both rodent species, infestations by most epifaunistic taxa (on M. natalensis) and some taxa (on M. coucha) were significantly lower in the village as opposed to the less disturbed agricultural and natural habitat types. The study highlights the importance of host life history, even in closely related rodent species, in shaping parasite profiles and a loss of parasite diversity in more extreme anthropogenic habitats.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Roman Britain: Integrating New Evidence from Roman London

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to estimate the minimum prevalence of intestinal parasites in the population of Roman London through analysis of pelvic sediment from 29 third- to fourth-century burials from the 1989 excavations of the western cemetery at 24–30 West Smithfield, 18–20 Cock Lane and 1–4 Giltspur Street (WES89). Microscopy was used to identify roundworm eggs in 10.3 per cent of burials. We integrate these results with past palaeoparasitological work in the province of Britannia to explore disease, hygiene and diet. The most commonly found parasites (whipworm and roundworm) were spread by poor sanitation, but other species caught from animals were also present (fish tapeworm, beef/pork tapeworm and liver flukes). Parasite diversity was highest in urban sites. The health impacts of these infections range from asymptomatic to severe.

Peptide-Based Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs): A Case Study on the Interaction Between SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (hACE2).

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to many critical biological processes and are crucial in mediating essential cellular functions across diverse organisms, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses. A notable example is the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), which initiates a series of events leading to viral replication. Interrupting this interaction offers a promising strategy for blocking or significantly reducing infection, highlighting its potential as a target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies. This review focuses on the hACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction, exemplifying the latest advancements in peptide-based strategies for developing PPI inhibitors. We discuss various approaches for creating peptide-based inhibitors that target this critical interaction, aiming to provide potential treatments for COVID-19.

Application of a new highly multiplexed amplicon sequencing tool to evaluate Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial resistance and relatedness in individual and pooled samples from Dschang, Cameroon.

Resistance to antimalarial drugs remains a major obstacle to malaria elimination. Multiplexed, targeted amplicon sequencing is being adopted for surveilling resistance and dissecting the genetics of complex malaria infections. Moreover, genotyping of parasites and detection of molecular markers drug resistance in resource-limited regions requires open-source protocols for processing samples, using accessible reagents, and rapid methods for processing numerous samples including pooled sequencing. P lasmodium f alciparum Streamlined Multiplex Antimalarial Resistance and Relatedness Testing (Pf-SMARRT) is a PCR-based amplicon panel consisting of 15 amplicons targeting antimalarial resistance mutations and 9 amplicons targeting hypervariable regions. This assay uses oligonucleotide primers in two pools and a non-proprietary library and barcoding approach. We evaluated Pf-SMARRT using control mocked dried blood spots (DBS) at varying levels of parasitemia and a mixture of 3D7 and Dd2 strains at known frequencies, showing the ability to genotype at low parasite density and recall within-sample allele frequencies. We then piloted Pf-SMARRT to genotype 100 parasite isolates collected from uncomplicated malaria cases at three health facilities in Dschang, Western Cameroon. Antimalarial resistance genotyping showed high levels of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance mutations, including 31% prevalence of the DHPS A613S mutation. No K13 candidate or validated artemisinin partial resistance mutations were detected, but one low-level non-synonymous change was observed. Pf-SMARRT's hypervariable targets, used to assess complexity of infections and parasite diversity and relatedness, showed similar levels and patterns compared to molecular inversion probe (MIP) sequencing. While there was strong concordance of antimalarial resistance mutations between individual samples and pools, low-frequency variants in the pooled samples were often missed. Overall, Pf-SMARRT is a robust tool for assessing parasite relatedness and antimalarial drug resistance markers from both individual and pooled samples. Control samples support that accurate genotyping as low as 1 parasite per microliter is routinely possible.

Diversity and Host Specificity of Avian Haemosporidians in an Afrotropical Conservation Region.

Afrotropical regions have high bird diversity, yet few studies have attempted to unravel the prevalence of avian haemosporidia in conservation areas. The diversity and host specificity of parasites in biodiversity hotspots is crucial to understanding parasite distribution and potential disease emergence. We test the hypothesis that biodiverse regions are associated with highly diverse parasites. By targeting the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene, we molecularly screened 1035 blood samples from 55 bird species for avian haemosporidia infections to determine its prevalence and diversity on sites inside and adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Overall infection prevalence was 28.41%. Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium presented prevalences of 17.39%, 9.24%, and 4.64%, respectively. One hundred distinct parasite lineages were detected, of which 56 were new lineages. Haemoproteus also presented the highest diversity compared to Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium with varying levels of specificity. Haemoproteus lineages were found to be specialists while Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon lineages were generalists. We also found a positive relationship between avian host diversity and parasite diversity, supporting an amplification effect. These findings provide insight data for host-parasite and co-evolutionary relationship models.

Avian malaria in a feral-pet pigeon: a case report

BackgroundAvian malaria is caused by diverse parasite species of the genus Plasmodium, and it affects various bird species. The occurrence of this disease in some wild bird species is sparsely documented due to the scarce availability of samples. Hence the pathogenicity in some hosts is not completely known. In addition, feral birds may act as reservoirs bridging the transmission cycle from wild migratory birds to domestic and zoo-kept bird species.Case presentationAn owner of pigeons adopted a feral pigeon (Columba livia forma domestica) and housed it together with his other pet-pigeons. The bird died unexpectedly a few weeks after a surgical procedure and necropsy revealed a severely anaemic carcass, with pale organs and hydropericardium. Histopathologic analysis revealed inflammatory infiltrates in the lung and liver, and monocytes and Kupffer cells contained haemozoin pigment indicative of phagocytosis of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. A high erythrocytic infection rate of 18% was evident in tissues and blood vessels in various organs. Furthermore, the thyroid had masses classified as thyroid carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry with anti- Plasmodium falciparum HSP70 antibody revealed positive signals in erythrocytes and intravascular leucocytes. Further microscopy analysis using a Hemacolor-stained impression smear revealed a high parasitaemia with an asynchronous infection showing all erythrocytic stages. Molecular diagnosis by PCR identified Plasmodium relictum, lineage GRW11 as the aetiological agent. The bird presented died most likely due to an acute infection as evidenced by the high blood parasitaemia, leading to major erythrocyte destruction. Further analyses of feral pigeons (n = 22) did not reveal any additional cases of Plasmodium infections.ConclusionThis study reports the first mortality associated with P. relictum lineage GRW11. The study supports previous studies, suggesting that Plasmodium infections are not frequent in pigeons. Host conditions like immunosuppression due to the tumour may have influenced the infection outcome in this fatal case. Use of anti-P. falciparum HSP70 antibody for detection of P. relictum antigens for immune assays in blood and tissue samples will be a useful tool for future studies.

First record and molecular diversity of haemosporidian parasites in Sula leucogaster (Boddaert, 1783) from the southeastern Brazilian coast.

Avian haemosporidian parasites are protozoans transmitted by vectors, belonging to the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, capable of infecting various bird species. The prevalence of these parasites varies depending on factors such as the habitat and geographical location of the host and vector, as well as across different bird groups. Seabirds typically exhibit low infection rates due to the absence of vectors in marine environments. This study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular diversity of Haemosporida parasites in a population of Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) (n = 37) from the Santana Archipelago in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro state. We utilized PCR-based detection methods to confirm the presence of haemosporidian parasites and sequencing (ctyb gene) to delineate the lineages. The results uncovered a notable prevalence (48.6%) of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus), comprising 12 novel lineages and four previously documented lineages (establishing new host records). Our findings suggest that transmission and infection by these hemoparasites can occur both on and off the island. Overall, this study yields valuable insights into the genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in Brown Boobies, enriching our understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of these parasites in seabirds.