Apparent Absence of Avian Malaria and Malaria-Like Parasites in Northern Blue-Footed Boobies Breeding On Isla Isabel

Abstract Haemosporidian parasites are common in birds, but often are not in seabirds. The absence of vectors/genetic resistance to infection have been proposed to explain this pattern. Examination of different host populations is required to confirm the absence of blood parasites in widespread host species, which could be differently exposed to blood parasites across their geographic range. Moreover, screening of blood parasites in many seabirds has been done only by visual inspection of blood smears, which can miss low-intensity infections. Screening of blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, combining inspection of blood smears and PCR-based detection methods, revealed that a highly philopatric colony of blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) in the Tropical North Pacific is likely free of these parasites. Earlier detection of Haemoproteus parasites in frigatebirds cohabiting with boobies in our study site and blue-footed boobies breeding on the Galapagos Islands suggests that absence of blood parasites in this northern booby colony could not be attributable to the absence of vectors or genetic resistance to infection. High host specificity or fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in the abundance of insect vectors could explain our negative results, but these hypotheses remain to be tested. We emphasize the relevance of assessing the occurrence of blood parasites in different populations of widespread host species, such as blue-footed boobies.

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Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes

Parasitology Research ◽

10.1007/s00436-021-07053-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yvonne R. Schumm ◽

Dimitris Bakaloudis ◽

Christos Barboutis ◽

Jacopo G. Cecere ◽

Cyril Eraud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Host Species ◽

Large Scale ◽

Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽

Bird Species ◽

Avian Species ◽

Blood Parasites ◽

Migration Strategy ◽

Haemosporidian Parasites ◽

Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽

And Migration

AbstractDiseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.

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Blood parasites in passerine birds from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612012000100003 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 7-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Fabiane Sebaio ◽

Érika Martins Braga ◽

Felipe Branquinho ◽

Alan Fecchio ◽

Miguel Ângelo Marini

Keyword(s):

Atlantic Forest ◽

Bird Species ◽

Parasite Prevalence ◽

Neotropical Region ◽

Blood Parasite ◽

Blood Parasites ◽

Passerine Birds ◽

Blood Smears ◽

Temporal And Spatial ◽

Low Prevalence

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

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Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy

10.21203/rs.2.22636/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nayden Chakarov ◽

Helge Kampen ◽

Anja Wiegmann ◽

Doreen Werner ◽

Staffan Bensch

Keyword(s):

Forest Canopy ◽

Habitat Preferences ◽

Blood Parasites ◽

Avian Host ◽

Haemosporidian Parasite ◽

Host Group ◽

Haemosporidian Parasites ◽

Blood Sucking ◽

In The Wild ◽

Host Parasite

Abstract Background: The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. Methods: In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. Results: We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups. Conclusions: The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.

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Clinico – Hemato and Biochemical Study of Anemia in Cachectic Cattle in Baghdad

Baghdad Science Journal ◽

10.21123/bsj.8.4.877-886 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 877-886

Author(s):

Baghdad Science Journal

Keyword(s):

Foreign Body ◽

Muscular Atrophy ◽

Biochemical Study ◽

Hypochromic Anemia ◽

Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽

Blood Parasites ◽

Blood Smears ◽

Wbc Count ◽

Clinical Cases

The study was carried out in order to evaluate clinically and laboratory cachectic animals suffering from anemia. Animal examined were 50 cow and calf. The study include clinical, hemato and biochemical test for accurate diagnosis of cachexia in cows and calves . Blood smears were conducted for detection of blood parasites , fecal examination for gastrointestinal parasites and Different parameters were applied for classification of cachexia , depending on bony projection specially ribs and pelvic and generalized muscular atrophy. However , The study revealed an incidence of cachexia and anemia of blood parasites was including Theileria, Anaplasma, gastrointestinal parasites, ten cases were shown foreign body syndrome while other tens were diagnosed as other clinical cases. A significant decrease ( P < 0.05) of RBCS, Hb, PCV and WBC count in debility animals were observed . However , a significant lymphocytosis were seen in blood parasites infection and other clinical cases , Neutrophilia in foreign body syndrome and other clinical cases , Esenophilia in gastrointestinal parasites infestation ,Monocytosis in all clinical cases were detected . Different parameters were applied for classification of anemia mainly morphological classification including macrocytic hypochromic anemia mainly recorded in blood parasites infection and other clinical cases while Normocytic hypochromic anemia appeared in gastrointestinal parasites infestation, and foreign body Syndrome.Fecal examination of cachectic animal indicate the identification of (7) species of gastrointestinal parasites including: Cooperia onchophora, Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebtomum, Ostertagia spp., Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichostrongylus axei and Strongyloides papillosus. However , a mixed infestation parasite was dominant and recorded in Animal.Biochemical changes revealed a. Hypoprotenemia appears in all cachectic animal except in foreign body syndrome cases .

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Emerging approaches for detection of methylation sites in RNA

Open Biology ◽

10.1098/rsob.180121 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 180121 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Anna Ovcharenko ◽

Andrea Rentmeister

Keyword(s):

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

De Novo ◽

Direct Detection ◽

False Negative ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Rna Modifications ◽

Negative Results ◽

Third Generation Sequencing ◽

False Negative Results ◽

Generation Sequencing

RNA methylations play a significant regulatory role in diverse biological processes. Although the transcriptome-wide discovery of unknown RNA methylation sites is essential to elucidate their function, the development of a bigger variety of detection approaches is desirable for multiple reasons. Many established detection methods for RNA modifications heavily rely on the specificity of the respective antibodies. Thus, the development of antibody-independent transcriptome-wide methods is beneficial. Even the antibody-independent high-throughput sequencing-based methods are liable to produce false-positive or false-negative results. The development of an independent method for each modification could help validate the detected modification sites. Apart from the transcriptome-wide methods for methylation detection de novo , methods for monitoring the presence of a single methylation at a determined site are also needed. In contrast to the transcriptome-wide detection methods, the techniques used for monitoring purposes need to be cheap, fast and easy to perform. This review considers modern approaches for site-specific detection of methylated nucleotides in RNA. We also discuss the potential of third-generation sequencing methods for direct detection of RNA methylations.

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No evidence for Galapagos Plasmodium lineage arriving via Humboldt Current seabirds.

Pacific Conservation Biology ◽

10.1071/pc140037 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 37 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Iris I Levin ◽

Michael J Adkesson ◽

Maranda Evans ◽

Cindee K Rettke ◽

Patricia G Parker

Keyword(s):

South American ◽

Wildlife Diseases ◽

Isolated Populations ◽

Humboldt Current ◽

Island Populations ◽

Negative Results ◽

Contact Rates ◽

Haemosporidian Parasites ◽

Genus Plasmodium ◽

Current Flows

Avian malaria, caused by parasites in the genus Plasmodium, has recently been detected in the endangered Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus). Understanding possible routes of parasite and pathogen introduction is important for management of small and isolated populations, because island populations can be at higher risk of adverse effects due to lower immunity. One possible means of introduction could be through contact with pelagic birds from coastal South America. In order to better understand the origins of Plasmodium in Galapagos penguins, we used a PCR protocol to test for haemosporidian parasites in Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), the sister species of Galapagos penguins, and two other Humboldt Current endemics, the guanay cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) and the Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus). None of these seabirds, all sampled at Punta San Juan, Peru, tested positive for haemosporidian parasites. Although the strong Humboldt Current flows from Antarctica up the South American coast and towards Galapagos at the equator, contact rates between these Humboldt endemics and Galapagos birds might still be rare. Despite negative results, this information is important for furthering our knowledge of Plasmodium in Galapagos and in our efforts to effectively manage wildlife diseases.

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Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms in Foods by Protein- and DNA-Based Techniques: Bridging the Methods

Journal of AOAC International ◽

10.1093/jaoac/85.3.787 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 85 (3) ◽

pp. 787-791 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Gert van Duijn ◽

Ria van Biert ◽

Henriette Bleeker-Marcelis ◽

Ineke van Boeijen ◽

Abdi Jama Adan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetically Modified Organisms ◽

Matrix Effects ◽

Polyclonal Antibodies ◽

Genetically Modified ◽

False Negative ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Food Ingredients ◽

Negative Results ◽

Maize Varieties

Abstract According to European Commission (EC) Regulation 1139/98, foods and food ingredients that are to be delivered to the final consumer in which either protein or DNA resulting from genetic modification is present, shall be subject to additional specific labeling requirements. Since 1994, genetically altered tomatoes, squash, potatoes, canola, cotton, and soy have been on the market. Recently, insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant maize varieties have been introduced. Soy and maize are 2 of the most important vegetable crops in the world. During the past 4 years, both protein- and DNA-based methods have been developed and applied for detection of transgenic soy and maize, and their derivatives. For protein-based detection, specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have been developed; for immunochemical detection, Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are the most prominent examples. For detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) at the level of DNA, polymerase chain reaction-based methods are mainly used. For these reactions, highly specific primer sets are needed. This study compares the principally different methods. Specificity of methods and the possible risks of false-positive or false-negative results are considered in relation to sampling, matrix effects, and food processing procedures. In addition, quantitative aspects of protein- and DNA-based GM detection methods are presented and discussed. This is especially relevant as EC regulation 49/2000, which defines a threshold for an unintentional comingling of 1%, came into force on April 10, 2000.

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PAH RIS® Soil Test—A Rapid, On-Site Screening Test for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil

Journal of AOAC International ◽

10.1093/jaoac/77.2.466 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 77 (2) ◽

pp. 466-472 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Patricia P McDonald ◽

Richard E Almond ◽

James P Mapes ◽

Stephen B Friedman

Keyword(s):

Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽

Matrix Effects ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Sample Treatment ◽

Negative Results ◽

Cost Effective Method ◽

Test Kit

Abstract Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals of concern when they contaminate the environment. Current detection methods (gas chromatography and liquid chromatography) are laborious, time consuming, and expensive. As an alternative, we developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit that can be used on site for the detection of PAHs at 1 ppm in soil. The immunoassay kit includes all the components necessary to conduct the analysis in the field. The test consists of 3 major steps: (1) sample treatment; (2) immunoassay, in which the target compound is bound by a specific antibody followed by the development of an indicator color; and (3) interpretation of results. A sample that develops less color than the standard is interpreted as positive (soil sample contaminated with PAHs at ≥1 ppm). Validation studies demonstrated that the assay is sensitive and specific. The assay detects PAH contamination in soil at 1 ppm or greater and specifically detects the 3- and 4-ringed aromatics and most of the 5-and 6-ringed aromatics. PAH-free soil samples gave negative results in the assay at a confidence level of >95%. Matrix effects, interperson, and interlot variations were minimal. The test requires <25 min to complete. The test kit is field compatible and provides a cost effective method for screening soils at risk for PAH contamination.

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Are Multiple Infections More Severe for Purple Martins (Progne Subis) Than Single Infections?

The Auk ◽

10.1093/auk/123.1.141 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 123 (1) ◽

pp. 141-147 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Priya Davidar ◽

Eugene S. Morton

Keyword(s):

Filarial Nematode ◽

Blood Parasites ◽

Multiple Infections ◽

Breeding Colony ◽

Return Rates ◽

Blood Smears ◽

Progne Subis ◽

Second Year

Abstract Between 1986 and 1993, we studied a breeding colony of Purple Martins (Progne subis) in Maryland that were chronically infected with two blood parasites: Haemoproteus prognei, a haematozoan, and an unidentified filarial nematode. We assessed whether cross-infections are more severe than single infections by comparing the return rates of birds infected with either or both parasites and the return rates of uninfected controls. Birds were captured every year and banded, and blood smears were taken for parasite screening. Average prevalence of filaria among the 400 birds screened during this period was 22%. Birds usually became infected by their second year (SY), and infected SY birds had significantly lower return rates than older birds. Cross-infections were rare (8%) and were fatal in 90% of cases. With one exception, birds infected with H. prognei acquired filaria as a second infection, which suggests that although both blood parasites are relatively benign for older Purple Martins, co-infection with a second parasite (in this case, H. prognei) almost always results in death. Est-ce que les Infections Multiples Sont Plus Sévères que les Infections Simples chez Progne subis?

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Genetic Resistance of Mice to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Is Influenced by Slc11a1 at the Early but Not at the Late Stage of Infection

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.01137-07 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 76 (5) ◽

pp. 2099-2105 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Virginie Roupie ◽

Valérie Rosseels ◽

Virginie Piersoel ◽

Denise K. Zinniel ◽

Raúl G. Barletta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vibrio Harveyi ◽

Inbred Mouse ◽

Genetic Resistance ◽

Mouse Strains ◽

Inbred Mouse Strains ◽

Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis ◽

Susceptible Mouse ◽

Resistance To Infection ◽

Bacterial Replication ◽

Interferon Responses

ABSTRACT We have recently described the development of a luminescent Mycobacterium paratuberculosis strain of bovine origin expressing the luxAB genes of Vibrio harveyi. With this luminescent isolate, fastidious and costly enumeration of CFU by plating them on agar can be replaced by easy and rapid luminometry. Here, we have reevaluated the effect of Slc11a1 (formerly Nramp1) polymorphism on susceptibility to M. paratuberculosis, using this luminometric method. A series of inbred mouse strains were infected intravenously with luminescent M. paratuberculosis S-23 and monitored for bacterial replication in spleen, liver, and lungs for 12 weeks. The results indicate that, as for Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium, innate resistance to infection is genetically controlled by Slc11a1. In BALB/c, congenic BALB.B10-H2b (BALB/c background; H-2 b ), C57BL/6, and beige C57BL/6 bg/ bg mice (all Slc11a1 s ), bacterial numbers in spleen and liver remained unchanged during the first 4 weeks of infection, whereas in DBA/2 and congenic BALB/c.DBA/2 (C.D2) mice (both Slc11a1 r ) and in (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F1 mice (Slc11a1 s/r ), the bacterial numbers had decreased more than 10-fold at 4 weeks postinfection in both male and female mice. At later time points, additional differences in bacterial replication were observed between the susceptible mouse strains, particularly in the liver. Whereas bacterial numbers in the liver gradually decreased more than 100-fold in C57BL/6 mice between week 4 and week 12, bacterial numbers were stable in livers from BALB/c and beige C57BL/6 bg/ bg mice during this period. Mycobacterium-specific gamma interferon responses developed earlier and to a higher magnitude in C57BL/6 mice than in BALB/c mice and were lowest in resistant C.D2 mice.

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