Prevalence Of Blood Parasites Research Articles

Sympatry in a nightingale contact zone has no effect on host-specific blood parasite prevalence and lineage diversity

Parasites are a key driving force behind many ecological and evolutionary processes. Prevalence and diversity of parasites, as well as their effects on hosts, are not uniform across host species. As such, the potential parasite spillover between species can significantly influence outcomes of interspecific interactions. We screened two species of Luscinia nightingales for haemosporidian blood parasites (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus) along an approximately 3000 km transect in Europe, incorporating areas of host distant allopatry, close allopatry and sympatry. We found significant differences in infection rates between the two host species, with common nightingales having much lower parasite prevalence than thrush nightingales (36.7% versus 83.8%). This disparity was mostly driven by Haemoproteus prevalence, which was significantly higher in thrush nightingales while common nightingales had a small, but significantly higher, Plasmodium prevalence. Furthermore, we found no effect of proximity to the contact zone on infection rate in either host species. Despite having lower infection prevalence, common nightingales were infected with a significantly higher diversity of parasite lineages than thrush nightingales, and lineage assemblages differed considerably between the two species, even in sympatry. This pattern was mostly driven by the large diversity of comparatively rare lineages, while the most abundant lineages were shared between the two host species. This suggests that, despite the close evolutionary relationships between the two nightingales, there are significant differences in parasite prevalence and diversity, regardless of the distance from the contact zone. This suggests that spillover of haemosporidian blood parasites is unlikely to contribute towards interspecific interactions in this system.

Urbanization correlates with the prevalence and richness of blood parasites in Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula)

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, producing severe environmental impacts. Biodiversity is affected by the expansion of cities, with many species being unable to cope with the different human-induced stressors present in these landscapes. However, this knowledge is mainly based on research from taxa such as plants or vertebrates, while other organisms like protozoa have been less studied in this context. The impact of urbanization on the transmission of vector-borne pathogens in wildlife is still unclear despite its relevance for animal and human health. Here, we investigated whether cities are associated with changes in the prevalence and richness of lineages of three vector-borne protozoans (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) from multiple urban and forest areas in Europe. Our results show important species-specific differences between these two habitat types. We found a significant lower prevalence of Leucocytozoon in urban birds compared to forest birds, but no differences for Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Furthermore, the richness of parasite lineages in European cities was higher for Plasmodium but lower for Leucocytozoon than in forests. We also found one Plasmodium lineage exclusively from cities while another of Leucocytozoon was only found in forests suggesting a certain level of habitat specialization for these protozoan vectors. Overall, our findings show that cities provide contrasting opportunities for the transmission of different vector-borne pathogens and generate new scenarios for the interactions between hosts, vectors and parasites.

The impacts of host traits on parasite infection of montane birds in southwestern China

Parasitic infections have the potential to impact the hosts’ body condition, elevate physiological responses, and ultimately lead to increased mortality. Host-parasite interactions are tied to the ecological and life-history traits of the hosts. While montane birds are susceptible to avian blood parasites, few studies have simultaneously assessed how inter- and intra-specific traits of hosts influence their probability of parasite infection. In this study, we screened for avian blood parasites across 214 individuals from 51 species at two sites, including a lowland farmland at 700 m and a highland forest at 2,500 m, in the Gaoligong Mountains in southwestern China. Overall blood parasite prevalence was 53.74%, with divergent species-specific prevalence ranging from 6.25% to 66.67%. We also measured traits indicative of body condition and physiological responses of each sampled individual. Using Bayesian phylogenetic logistic models, we assessed whether parasite infection probability is associated with ecological and life history traits of host species. Larger bird species were more likely to be infected than smaller bird species, and omnivore species showed lower susceptibility than those with other diets such as insectivores and herbivores. In contrast, foraging strata, nest type, and participation in mixed-species flocks of host species did not affect infection probability. We then used a reduced sample of eight species with more than five individuals, to assess the associations between intra-specific infection probability and host body condition, represented by fat and muscle reserves, and acute stress responses measured through breath rate. While infected individuals were likely to have more fat reserves than non-infected individuals, we did not find any association between infection probability and muscle reserve and body mass, nor with breath rate. Our results revealed that at the species level, specific traits (body mass and diet) of host species predict infection probability and implied a potential link at the individual level between enhanced body condition and increased resilience to parasite infection.

Lizard host abundances and climatic factors explain phylogenetic diversity and prevalence of blood parasites on anoceanic island.

Host abundance might favour the maintenance of a high phylogenetic diversity of some parasites via rapid transmission rates. Blood parasites of insular lizards represent a good model to test this hypothesis because these parasites can be particularly prevalent in islands and host lizards highly abundant. We applied deep amplicon sequencing and analysed environmental predictors of blood parasite prevalence and phylogenetic diversity in the endemic lizard Gallotia galloti across 24 localities on Tenerife, an island in the Canary archipelago that has experienced increasing warming and drought in recent years. Parasite prevalence assessed by microscopy was over 94%, and a higher proportion of infected lizards was found in warmer and drier locations. A total of 33 different 18s rRNA parasite haplotypes were identified, and the phylogenetic analyses indicated that they belong to two genera of Adeleorina (Apicomplexa: Coccidia), with Karyolysus as the dominant genus. The most important predictor of between-locality variation in parasite phylogenetic diversity was the abundance of lizard hosts. We conclude that a combination of climatic and host demographic factors associated with an insular syndrome may be favouring a rapid transmission of blood parasites among lizards on Tenerife, which may favour the maintenance of a high phylogenetic diversity of parasites.

Genetic variation of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites in birds of Iran

Background: Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are common parasites transferred to birds by Culicidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Hippoboscidae vectors. These parasites are of particular concern to healthcare researchers and veterinarians due to their impact on avian malaria, association with other animals and humans, and phylogenetic link with human Plasmodium species. Methods: This bibliographic review article was designed to deliver a report on the avian malaria infections of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. in birds in Iran. Published reports in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were used for this revision until April 2023. Results: The highest number of recorded infections with Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp. was found in Passeridae, as revealed by genetic analysis of Cytb DNA sequences. In this revision, following preceding investigations, the overall prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. was greater than that of Plasmodium spp. discovered by molecular techniques in Iran. Besides, the frequency of published genetic variants (lineages) of Haemoproteus is higher than that of Plasmodium. Our result indicated that the frequency of novel genetic variants Haemoproteus and Plasmodium in published reports was 38% and 12.5% of diagnosed lineages, respectively. Conclusion: The region needs more studies to detect parasites in unexplored hosts and vectors, as there is a lack of research. Understanding the prevalence, epidemiology, transmission approach, and vectors of avian blood parasites is crucial for pet health care, zoos, parks, aviaries, and rehabilitation facilities.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites, including Leptospira infections in stray dogs from Palakkad, Kerala: A study with relevance to public health

Prevalence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites, including Leptospira infections in stray dogs from Palakkad, Kerala: A study with relevance to public health

Haemosporidian parasite infections of Malagasy Philepittidae and Nectariniidae are driven by phylogeny rather than ecology.

The nectarivorous common sunbird asity (Neodrepanis coruscans) is phylogenetically closely related to the frugivorous velvet asity (Philepitta castanea), yet it shares similar habitat and foraging behaviour as the Malagasy sunbirds (Cinnyris spp.). As ecological factors have been shown to influence blood parasite prevalence, it should be tested whether parasite abundance, prevalence and diversity of N. coruscans are more similar to the sunbirds than to its relative. Therefore, blood samples (n = 156) and smears (n = 60) were tested for different blood parasites (Haemosporida, trypanosomes, filarioid nematodes) using molecular and microscopic methods. High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was observed in all bird taxa, with rates ranging from 23% in N. coruscans to 84.6% in C. notatus. The Malagasy Cinnyris spp. exhibited a high occurrence of mixed haemosporidian infections (>76%) with various specialized lineages. Within the Philepittidae family, no Haemoproteus infection was detected and just a few cases of mixed infections. Nectariniidae species predominantly had specialized haemosporidian lineages, while Philepittidae had infections mainly caused by generalist lineages. These findings emphasize the diverse range of blood parasites in Nectariniidae, while additionally highlighting the high diversity of trypanosomes and filarioid nematodes in Philepittidae. Additionally, several newly discovered haemosporidian lineages, Trypanosoma isolates and filarioid nematode isolates were identified. Notably, Philepittidae exhibited a lower prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites compared to Nectariniidae, possibly due to potential resistance mechanisms. Despite N. coruscans sharing similar habitat and behavioural ecology with both Cinnyris spp., it closely resembles its relative, P. castanea, in all aspects of haemosporidian parasitism.

Sexual differences in blood parasite infections, circulating carotenoids and body condition in free‐living red‐legged partridges

AbstractA central issue in avian ecology deals with the trade‐off between investment life‐history components, such as reproductive effort, and parasite and disease resistance. During reproduction, differences in the particular needs of males and females may further affect the outcome of such trade‐off. However, most studies performed to date on avian species have focused on males, while less is known about this subject in females. We investigated haemoparasite infections (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon) in relation to sex, year, body condition and plasma concentrations of carotenoids in wild‐breeding Red‐legged partridges (Alectoris rufa). Our aim was to examine whether there are differences in infections between sexes and how parasite infections relate to carotenoid levels, physical condition and breeding parameters in non‐passerine wild birds. Males captured early in the breeding season were in better body condition than females, indicating a marked sexual difference in this trait in wild Red‐legged partridges. The prevalence of blood parasites in males was higher than in females. However, we found that females infected by blood parasites had lower plasma carotenoid concentrations than uninfected females, whereas no association between infection and carotenoid levels was found in males. This suggests sex‐related differences in the use of carotenoids to fight infections or for parasite resistance. A possible explanation of this contrasting pattern between sexes is that reproduction may not have to involve the same costs for males and females. We suggest that males would be under strong sexual selection and would trade health for signalling, which could simultaneously explain highest parasite prevalence being found in males and the contrasting patterns in blood carotenoid levels between males and females. Females in contrast, that were in worst body condition during early breeding season, were more sensitive to infections, diverting carotenoids to immune function more than males.

Half of a forest bird community infected with haemosporidian parasites

IntroductionParasites play important roles in ecosystems. Through their interactions with host and vector species, they are capable of changing the behavior and population dynamics of their host species, and the shape of entire communities. Over the past years, many studies have acknowledged the role of parasitism for host populations and communities and discovered their important regulatory functions for many vertebrate populations. Although birds are a well-studied group of vertebrates, the infection patterns of endoparasites at the community level are not fully understood. Some bird species and families are known to have a higher susceptibility to certain endoparasites than others, which may be driven by their abundance in the community.MethodsOver the course of four consecutive breeding seasons (2019–2022), we monitored the patterns of endoparasite infections in a bird community of a temperate forest ecosystem. We sampled 483 birds belonging to 29 Palearctic species and investigated the prevalence of blood parasites (haemosporidian parasites) andTrichomonasspp. using molecular methods.ResultsWe found an overall prevalence of 48.1% of haemosporidians belonging to 53 genetic lineages of the three generaHaemoproteus,Leucocytozoon, andPlasmodiumspp. While the bird families Turdidae (94%) and Paridae (76%) showed a high prevalence of haemosporidians, Certhiidae, and Picidae were not infected (0%). Host–parasite network analysis detected high variability in interactions. Infections withTrichomonasspp. were not observed in the forest bird community.DiscussionWe found that the prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian parasites differed between avian families and that the parasite prevalence of a family could not serve as a predictor of lineage diversity. To further assess the consequences of these host–parasite interactions for bird communities, future research should aim to disentangle the infection pathways in different ecosystems while also considering the vector community and environmental factors.

Sex-biased, but not plumage color-based, prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in free-range chickens.

Previous studies found a relationship between blood parasite infection and bird gender, with higher prevalence in males. Some studies also found a relationship between host plumage color and parasitic infection, while others did not. Here, we investigated the blood parasite prevalence in correlation with sex and plumage color in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in China. We analyzed a total of 297 blood samples, out of which 234 chickens tested positive for haemosporidian parasites, with 78.5% parasite prevalence. Out of 139 males, 118 tested positive with 84.8% parasite prevalence while 116 of 158 female samples tested positive (73.4%). Leucocytotozoon was the most frequent genus isolated (193 infected individuals /234 birds), followed by Plasmodium (41 infected individuals/234 birds), with no Haemoproteus parasites being detected. There were no significant differences in the body parameters and chicken color plumages with regards to the infection status. Our study indicated that blood parasite infection was significantly different between male and female chickens, with infection prevalent in males.

Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan.

During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird's houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.

Habitat fragmentation matters more than habitat loss: The case of host-parasite interactions.

While ecologists agree that habitat loss has a substantial negative effect on biodiversity it is still very much a matter of debate whether habitat fragmentation has a lesser effect and whether this effect is positive or negative for biodiversity. Here, we assess the relative influence of tropical forest loss and fragmentation on the prevalence of vector-borne blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in six forest bird species. We also determine whether habitat loss and fragmentation are associated with a rise or fall in prevalence. We sample more than 4000 individual birds from 58 forest sites in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Considering 34 host-parasite combinations independently and a fine characterization of the amount and spatial configuration of habitat, we use partial least square regressions to disentangle the relative effects of forest loss, forest fragmentation, landscape heterogeneity, and local weather conditions on spatial variability of parasite prevalence. Then we test for the magnitude and the sign of the effect of each environmental descriptor. Strikingly, we show that forest fragmentation explains twice as much of the variance in prevalence as habitat loss or landscape heterogeneity. In addition, habitat fragmentation leads to an overall rise in prevalence in Guadeloupe, but its effect is variable in Martinique. Both habitat loss and landscape heterogeneity exhibit taxon-specific effects. Our results suggest that habitat loss and fragmentation may have contrasting effects between tropical and temperate regions and that inter-specific interactions may not respond in the same way as more commonly used biodiversity metrics such as abundance and diversity.

Blood Parasites of Vangas and Other Corvoidea on Madagascar

Madagascar hosts a great diversity of bird species. This study focuses on the description of the diversity and prevalence of blood parasites (Haemosporida, trypanosomes and filarioid nematodes) in 131 blood samples of 14 species of Corvoidea, namely vangas (Vangidae), Coracina cinerea (Campephagidae), Dicrurus forficatus (Dicruridae) and Terpsiphone mutata (Monarchidae) found in primary rainforests on Madagascar. Blood parasites were detected using both molecular and microscopic methods. Multiplex PCR was used to detect mixed haemosporidian infections and nested PCR was used to describe a 479 bp fragment of the haemosporidian cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Furthermore, a 770 bp SSU rRNA fragment of trypanosomes, and, for microfilariae, a 690 bp fragment of 28S rRNA, as well as a 770 bp fragment of 28S rRNA, were amplified for identification using nested PCRs. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out for all sequences obtained from all blood parasite taxa. Over half of the samples (54.2%; n = 71) were infected with Haemosporida, whereas only 21.4% (n = 28) were infected with Trypanosoma and 5.3% (n = 7) contained filarioid nematode DNA. Fourteen of 56 blood smears contained some of the above-mentioned parasite taxa. The results corroborate the great diversity of blood parasites in the different bird species studied, especially in vangas. Vangas had the greatest diversity of parasites found, as well as the highest number of multiple infections, which may be due to their morphological diversity and resulting habitat use. Fifteen haemosporidian lineages, seven Trypanosoma and five filarioid nematode isolates were newly discovered in the avian species studied, particularly in the vangas. Members of the other Corvoidea families on Madagascar showed a lower susceptibility for avian haemosporidian parasites than vangas, which could be attributed to possible resistance against those parasites. The study confirmed the host specificity of some Haemosporida and microfilariae; however, it demonstrated that this was not the case for Trypanosoma.

Prevalence of co-infection and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in two rehabilitation facilities in Iran: implications for the conservation of captive raptors

BackgroundVarious haemosporidian parasites infect raptors, especially captive hosts who may be more exposed. Diagnosis of threatening factors such as infectious diseases indirectly has a significant role in protecting endangered or threatened species that may boost the mortality or extinction resulting from declined reproduction. Few investigations have been performed in captive hosts to detect the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites and define genetic diversity in west Asia. For the first time, the current study was designed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in captive raptors by molecular methods in two rehabilitation facilities in North and North-east Iran and to define phylogenetic relationships of detected lineages circulating in raptors.ResultsMolecular characterization of the haemosporidian parasite was accomplished by PCR-based method and DNA sequencing in 62 captive raptors. The overall prevalence was ~ 36% with higher infection of Haemoproteus spp. than Leucocytozoon spp. Plasmodium infection was not detected in any host. Results showed that 22 individuals (of 10 species) were infected with unique lineages. Genus Haemoproteus was detected in 26.66% of examined individuals (of eight species) and Leucocytozoon was found in 10% of individuals (of four species). The molecular analysis could detect ten lineages (nine Haemoproteus spp. and one Leucocytozoon spp.) which were categorizes as new and six lineages which have been previously detected in the other investigations.ConclusionsThe Bayesian phylogenetic analysis derived from obtained data in the present study and published lineages in previous investigations indicated the probable host specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites in several sub-clades at hosts’ order and genus level. As monitoring the parasite loads of captive birds when admitted reduce the risk of infecting hosts in captivity at those locations, we designed this study to determine infection prevalence and genetic diversity of blood parasites in raptors examined in Iran. These results allow mapping of haemosporidian distribution and shed light on the depth of their diversity in Iran to protect species by identification of risk in rehabilitation facilities.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Blood Parasites Among Blood Donors in Two Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

A six months' study was conducted to determine the occurrence of blood parasites in blood donors in Eku and Abraka, Delta State. Random sampling was adopted for blood samples collection alongside socio-demographic characteristics. Laboratory analysis using thick and thin films were carried out on samples. The result showed that 59(29.5%) were positive for blood parasites; 46(23.0%) for Plasmodium, 5(5.0%) for Trypanosoma, and 8(4.0%) for microfilaria. Parasite prevalence was highest in the age-group 45-49 years. Female showed relatively higher prevalence (30.6%) compared to male (29.3%). There was no significant difference in blood parasites prevalence based on gender of the subjects. Blood group B had the dominant prevalence (51.7%). With respect to occupation, self-employed donors had higher prevalence (38.9%). In addition, the rural-urban prevalence was skewed towards rural blood donors (39.7%) with no statistical difference, in respect to residence. PCV of donors showed no clear patterns and there was no association between PCV and prevalence of blood parasites (p>0.05). The results therefore indicate that there is relatively high prevalence of blood parasites among the blood donors which call for the attention of the authority concerned.

Blood and urinary parasites and associated risk factors in a rural community in Abia State, Nigeria

The environment, climate, social behaviour, and economic factors make developing countries vulnerable to parasitic infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted (Dec 2017-May 2018) to determine the prevalence of blood and urine parasites in Obizi, Amakama-Olokoro, a rural community in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. Blood and urine samples were collected from 284 respondents. Sample analyses were done using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and microscopy for blood and centrifugal sedimentation method for urine. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were collected with structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using the Pearson’s Chi-square, with the PAST Statistical package. The results showed an overall blood parasitic prevalence of 32.4%. Plasmodium falciparum recorded the highest prevalence of 28.17% by RDT and 30.6% by microscopy. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense occurred as a mixed infection (1.8%). Schistosoma haematobium had a prevalence of 3.9%. Socio-demographic data showed there were more females (67.3%); more persons in the age group 61-70 years (31.0%) and more farmers (38.0%) in the studied population. More females were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (34.6%) while more males were infected with Schistosoma haematobium (8.6%) P. falciparum occurred in all the age groups. S. haematobium occurred only in three age groups with the highest prevalence found in the age group (11-20) years (26.9%). Malaria infection was higher in those who did not use ITNs (37.1%). Some reasons given for the non-usage of ITNs were high cost/non-availability and discomfort. Farming activities and swimming have been recognized as risk factors to the acquisition of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium still pose a serious health threat to the community. Eliminating vector breeding sites, the use of ITNs and changes in social behaviours will help reduce blood and urinary parasites and ensure a healthier and economically viable community.

ASSESSMENT OF VARIATION IN THE DETECTION AND PREVALENCE OF BLOOD PARASITES AMONG SYMPATRICALLY BREEDING GEESE IN WESTERN ALASKA, USA.

Haemosporidian parasites may impact avian health and are subject to shifts in distribution and abundance with changing ecologic conditions. Therefore, understanding variation in parasite prevalence is important for evaluating biologically meaningful changes in infection patterns and associated population level impacts. Previous research in western Alaska, US, indicated a possible increase in Leucocytozoon spp. infection between Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) sampled in 1996 (<1%, n=134) and during 2011-12 (19.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-36.8%, n=77); however, different detection methods were used for these estimates. Prior research in this same region identified a lack of Leucocytozoon spp. parasites (0%, n=117) in sympatrically breeding Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima) in 2011. We molecularly screened blood samples collected from sympatrically breeding Emperor and Cackling Geese in western Alaska during additional breeding seasons to better assess temporal and species-specific variation in the prevalence of blood parasites. We found similar prevalence estimates for Leucocytozoon spp. parasites in Emperor Goose blood samples collected in 1998 and 2014, suggesting consistent infection of Emperor Geese with blood parasites at these time points. Using samples from sympatric geese sampled during 2014, we found evidence for a higher incidence of parasites among Emperor Geese (20.3%, 95% CI: 11.8-32.7%) compared to Cackling Geese (3.6%, 95% CI: 1.1-11.0%), reinforcing the previous finding of species-specific differences in infection. Furthermore, we detected Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium spp. blood parasites in unflighted goslings of both species, supporting the possible transmission of these parasites at western Alaska breeding grounds. Our results help to clarify that prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. parasites have probably remained consistent among Emperor Geese breeding in western Alaska since the late 1990s and that this species may disproportionally harbor Leucocytozoon spp. compared to sympatrically breeding Cackling Geese.

An alternative combination therapy with metronidazole and doxycycline for babesiosis and theileriosis in stray dogs

In Egypt, scare data explored blood protozoan parasites of stray dogs. Therefore, blood sample from 50 dogs were collected and microscopically examined for blood protozoan parasites by Giemsa-stained thin smear technique. Positive blood parasites cases (Babesiosis and Theileriosis) were blind randomly allocated into two groups to receive a combination of drugs. Group 1: Metronidazole (15mg/kg PO q 12h) with Doxycycline (5mg/kg PO q 12h) Group 2: Quinine (30mg/kg PO q 12H) with Clindamycin (25mg/kg PO q 12h) .The treatment period was seven days, but the first dose administration was given a double for each group. The hematological parameter (RBC; WBC; HCT; MCV; MCH; MCHC and platelets); liver enzyme and kidney function test of each sample were also assessed to follow up the effects of therapies. An overall prevalence of protozoan blood parasites was (33/50) 66%, the revealed species was Babesia spp. (25/33) 75.7% and Theileria spp. (8/33) 24.3%. Babesia gibsoni were the predominant Babesia spp. Physical examination revealed that all measured medical parameters of infected dogs were statistically significant compared to uninfected dogs except body weight and oral CRT (Capillary refill time) was statistically insignificant. The cured rate for group (1) was 56.2% and group (2) was 37.5% with statistically insignificant difference (x2=1.129, p=0.288). Still, the ROC curve values were higher among group (1) than group (2). Its values were (0.594 and 0.406, respectively). So, the combination of Metronidazole with Doxycycline is more suitable due to the area under curve nearest 0.6 while the value of area under curve for the combination of clindamycin with quinine in group (2) less than 0.5. Metronidazole combination therapy with doxycycline is more effective in improving blood parameters such as decreased liver enzymes, increased blood platelets and cure rate than combination therapy of quinine with clindamycin.

Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in free-ranging wild ungulates in central Austria

Free-ranging wild ungulates are widespread in Austria, and act as hosts (i.e. feeding hosts) for ticks, including Ixodes ricinus, and as reservoir hosts for pathogens transmitted by I. ricinus. Due to climate change, the abundance of I. ricinus might be increasing, which could potentially lead to higher prevalences of tick-borne pathogens, such as Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, some known for their zoonotic potential. Human babesiosis is classified as an emerging zoonosis, but sufficient data of these parasites in central Austria is lacking. In order to assess the abundance of vector-borne pathogens, blood of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; n = 137), red deer (Cervus elaphus; n = 37), mouflons (Ovis gmelini; n = 2) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra; n = 1), was collected and tested for pathogen DNA in two different sampling sites in central Austria. DNA of tick-borne pathogens was detected in 15.5 % (n = 27) of these animals. Babesia capreoli (n = 22 in roe deer; n = 1 in mouflon), Babesia divergens (n = 1, in red deer), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (n = 4, in roe deer) were detected. DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of two C. capreolus samples from Upper Austria featured another new genotype of Babesia, which differs in one nucleotide position to B. divergens and B. capreoli, and is intermediate between the main genotypes of B. capreoli and B. divergens within the partial gene sequence analyzed. This study thus confirms that B. capreoli, B. divergens, and A. phagocytophilum are present in free-ranging ungulates in central Austria. Further testing over a longer period is recommended in order to assess the impact of climate change on the prevalence of blood parasites in central Austria.

Sex and nest type influence avian blood parasite prevalence in a high-elevation bird community

BackgroundThe prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites and the factors influencing infection in the Colorado Rocky Mountains are largely unknown. With climate change expected to promote the expansion of vector and avian blood parasite distributions, baseline knowledge and continued monitoring of the prevalence and diversity of these parasites is needed.MethodsUsing an occupancy modeling framework, we conducted a survey of haemosporidian parasite species infecting an avian community in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in order to estimate the prevalence and diversity of blood parasites and to investigate species-level and individual-level characteristics that may influence infection.ResultsWe estimated the prevalence and diversity of avian Haemosporidia across 24 bird species, detecting 39 parasite haplotypes. We found that open-cup nesters have higher Haemoproteus prevalence than cavity or ground nesters. Additionally, we found that male Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned Sparrows, and Wilson’s Warblers have higher Haemoproteus prevalence compared to other host species. Plasmodium prevalence was relatively low (5%), consistent with the idea that competent vectors may be rare at high altitudes.ConclusionsOur study presents baseline knowledge of haemosporidian parasite presence, prevalence, and diversity among avian species in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and adds to our knowledge of host–parasite relationships of blood parasites and their avian hosts.Graphical