Hematozoa of the avian family Brachypteraciidae (the ground-rollers)

The Brachypteraciidae is an avian family endemic to Madagascar. Members of this family were mist-netted in Madagascar, and blood smears were made to screen for the presence of hematozoa. Smears were stained with Giemsa and examined at x100, x160, and x1000 for hematozoa. Three new species of avian hematozoa from wild-caught ground-rollers in Madagascar are described. Haemoproteus goodmani n. sp. is found in the pitta-like ground-roller (Atelornis pittoides), whereas Haemoproteus forresteri n. sp. and Leucocytozoon frascai n. sp. are from the rufous-headed ground-roller (Atelornis crossleyi). These represent the first hematozoa described from this family.     

Haemoproteids of the avian family Dicruridae (the drongos)

Dicrurids are a widespread avian family in Africa and Asia. Earlier surveys of this family in these areas have reported the presence of hematozoa and 1 species of Haemoproteus, i.e., Haemoproteus dicruri (De Mello, 1935). One species of drongo occurs in Madagascar and has not been examined previously. Blood smears collected from wild-caught crested drongos, Dicrurus forficatus, in Madagascar were examined using a compound microscope for the presence of hematozoa. A new species, Haemoproteus khani, is described in this study. This new species has circumnuclear gametocytes, in contrast to the halteridial H. dicruri. In addition, H. dicruri is reported for the first time from the crested drongo and is redescribed. This is the first report of hematozoa in drongos of Madagascar.     

Paucity of hematozoa in Colombian birds

Sixty-four birds of 43 species were caught at six localities in Colombia during the dry season in March 1998 and investigated for hematozoa by microscopic examination of stained blood films. Haemoproteus coatneyi, Plasmodium vaughani, Leucocytozoon sp., and microfilariae were identified. The overall prevalence of infection was 8%. Prevalences of infection for Haemoproteus spp., Plasmodium spp., Leucocytozoon spp., and microfilariae were 3%, 2%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. All hemosporidian infections encountered were of low intensity (< 1% of infected erythrocytes). The low prevalences and intensities of hemosporidian parasites in this study are in accord with other records from the Neotropics.     

Four New Species of the Feather Mite Genus Vanginyssus Mironov, 2001 (Astigmata: Pteronyssidae) from the Vangas (Passeriformes: Vangidae) in Madagascar

Four new feather mite species of Vanginyssus Mironov, 2001 are described from vangas (Passeriformes: Vangidae), an endemic passerine family from Madagascar: Vanginyssus euryceros n. sp. from the helmet vanga Euryceros prevostii Lesson, V. madagascarinus n. sp. from the blue vanga Cyanolanius madagascarinus (Linnaeus), V. mystacornis n. sp. from the Crossley’s babbler Mystacornis crossleyi (Grandidier) and V.␣orioliae n. sp. from the Bernier’s vanga Oriolia bernieri Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. A key to the five known species of Vanginyssus is provided.     

Hematozoa from the spotted owl

One hundred five spotted owls (Strix occidentalis) from seven populations and three subspecies were examined for hematozoa. Haemoproteus noctuae, H. syrnii, Leucocytozoon ziemanni, Trypanosoma avium, Atoxoplasma sp. and unidentified microfilariae were recorded. All northern (S. occidentalis caurina), California (S. occidentalis occidentalis) and Mexican (S. occidentalis lucida) spotted owls were infected with at least one hematozoan; 79% had multiple infections. Twenty-two percent of the owls were infected with as many as four species of parasites. There were significant differences in the prevalence of these species of parasites occurring among the five populations of northern and California spotted owls sampled in California. Haemoproteus noctuae, H. syrnii and Atoxoplasma sp. represented new host records for this host species.     

Hematozoa from Southern African vultures, with a description of Haemoproteus janovyi sp. n.

This study represents the first major survey of avian hematozoa from southern Africa and the only one dealing with blood parasites of vultures. Blood smears from 506 Rhodesian, Botswanan and South African vultures (Hooded, White-headed, Lappetfaced, Cape Griffon and Whitebacked Vultures) were examined for hematozoa. Haemoproteus janovyi sp. n. was observed in 35.2% of the vultures, Leucocytozoon toddi in 0.8%, Plasmodium fallax in 0.6%, Atoxoplasma sp. in 1.4% and microfilariae in 0.2%. Hematozoan prevalence increased with age of the vultures. Only 2 of 133 nestlings sampled during the dry season had patent parasitemias (L. toddi). Haemoproteid prevalence in immature vultures was depressed during the dry season, whereas it was stable throughout the year in adults. The only species which nests on cliffs (the Cape Griffon Vulture) did not harbor hematozoa whereas the other species which nest and roost in trees were infected with at least one hematozoan species.     

Incidence and Seasonal Variations in Blood and Tissue Parasites of Yellow-Billed Magpies

SYNOPSIS. Blood and tissue smears from 156 yellow-billed magpies showed infection with hematozoa in 154 (99%). Leucocytozoon berestneffi was found in 149 (96%), Haemoproteus picae in 40 (26%), Plasmodium relictum , in 32 (21%), Trypanosoma sp. in 3 (2%), and microfilariae in 42 (27%). Fifty-two birds were infected with two genera of parasites, 27 with 3, and 4 with 4. Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium and microfilariae showed a higher incidence in tissue than in blood smears.     

Further observations on the blood parasites of birds in Uganda

Birds from three National Parks (Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth) in western Uganda were surveyed during the dry season in July 2003 and investigated for hematozoa by microscopic examination of stained blood films. Of 307 birds examined, representing 68 species of 15 families and four orders, 61.9% were found to be infected with blood parasites. Species of Haemoproteus (15.3% prevalence), Plasmodium (20.5%), Leucocytozoon (40.1%), Trypanosoma (11.4%), Hepatozoon (2.6%), Atoxoplasma (0.3%), and microfilariae (3.9%) were recorded. Except for Haemoproteus spp. infections, the overall prevalence of hematozoa belonging to all genera was significantly higher in this study than was previously reported in Uganda. Thirty-six species of birds were examined for blood parasites for the first time and 112 new host-parasite associations were identified. Eighty-one were at the generic and 31 at the specific level of the hematozoa. Hepatozoon and Atoxoplasma spp. were detected for the first time in Uganda.     

Hematozoa of hatch-year common mergansers from Michigan

Fifty-five hatch-year common mergansers (Mergus merganser) were sampled for hematozoa from Douglas Lake (Michigan, USA) on 17 July 1995. Forty-one (75%) were infected with hematozoa. Haemoproteus greineri and Leucocytozoon simondi were common, infecting 28 (51%) and 26 (47%) common mergansers, respectively. Plasmodium circumflexum infected two (4%) birds. The common merganser is a new host record for H. greineri and P. circumflexum. Intensity data indicate possible negative interspecific interaction between H. greineri and L. simondi.     

A comparison of the blood parasites in three subspecies of the yellow wagtail Motacilla flava

One-hundred and eighty yellow wagtails Motacilla flava belonging to 3 subspecies (Motacilla flava feldegg, Motacilla flava flava, Motacilla flava thunbergi) were caught during the spring migration in south Kazakhstan and investigated by microscopic examination of stained blood smears. Haemoproteus anthi, Haemoproteus motacillae, Leucocytozoon fringillinarum, Leucocytozoon majoris, Plasmodium relictum, Plasmodium polare, Atoxoplasma sp., Trypanosoma sp., and microfilariae were identified. The overall prevalence of infection was 47.8%. Prevalences of Haemoproteus spp. (27.2%), Plasmodium spp. (25.0%), Leucocytozoon spp. (8.9%), Atoxoplasma spp. (4.4%), Trypanosoma spp. (1.1%), and microfilariae (0.6%) were recorded. No differences were discernible in parasite fauna or intensities of infection between males and females or between different subspecies. However, prevalence of infection of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium spp. was different in different host subspecies. These differences can be explained by differences in geographical location of breeding areas of these birds.     

Blood parasites of some birds from Ghana

A total of 135 birds of 26 species in 13 families was examined for blood parasites; 43 birds (31.9%) of 13 species were infected; species of the Ploceidae were the most heavily infected. Species of Haemoproteus occurred most commonly 29 birds) while Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium species were virtually absent. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hematozoa in birds from the mature rainforest and those in a savannah-urban setting.     

Haematozoa infections in a Great Tit Parus major population in Central Portugal: relationships with breeding effort and health

Blood parasites may act as modulators of their hosts' ecology, life histories and fitness. We studied the prevalence of Plasmodium sp., Haemoproteus sp. and Leucocytozoon sp. and their effects on morphological, biochemical and haematological variables and on breeding effort of Great Tits Parus major . Total prevalence (percentage of individuals infected by any parasite) ranged from 7.7% to 61.1%. There was an overall positive association in prevalence between the three haematozoan parasites. No effect of sex or age on infection status was observed. Negative impacts of infection on physiological condition depended largely on year and/or season and included effects on body condition index, plasma protein and haemoglobin index. There were also indications that parasite infection increased immune response and stress levels and activated antioxidant defence mechanisms. Males with higher fledging success had a higher probability of Haemoproteus infection, and females laying heavier eggs had a higher probability of Plasmodium infection. However, clutch size was negatively associated with the probability of infection by Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus . Surprisingly, males raising second broods had a lower prevalence of both Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon . Only 5.7% of first-brood nestlings were infected, but those in infected nestboxes had a lower heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. This study confirms the pathogenicity of blood parasites to the host by demonstrating negative effects of infection on both physiology and breeding performance.     

Leucocytozoon atkinsoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Leucocytozoidae) from the avian family Timaliidae

Investigators of haematozoa of the Timaliidae have reported the presence of two species of Leucocytozoon Berestneff, 1904, i.e. L. liothricis Laveran & Marullaz, 1914 and L. timaliae Bennett, Earlé & Pierce, 1993. Blood films collected from 42 wild-caught babblers in Madagascar were stained and examined for the presence of haematozoa using a compound microscope. To date, no species of avian haematozoa have been reported from babblers in Madagascar, although haematozoa have been observed. In the present study, we report a new species of Leucocytozoon, L. atkinsoni n. sp., whose morphometrics fall between those reported for the two previously described species from timaliids. The parasite is capped by the host cell nucleus covering 38% of its perimeter. L. atkinsoni n. sp. was found to have a marked, intensely staining, nucleolus as well as vacuoles in the parasite cytoplasm, in contrast to both L. liothricis and L. timaliae. Remnants of the host cell cytoplasm are commonly observed in cells infected with L. atkinsoni, a characteristic not reported in association with either of the previously described species from these hosts.     

Survey of blood parasites in two forest owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls and Flammulated Owls, of western North America

Except for a few studies in the eastern United States, little has been published on hemoparasites in owls. We surveyed the blood parasites of 108 Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) and 24 Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) in Idaho during autumn migration in 1999 and 2000. We also surveyed 15 Flammulated Owls (FLOW) during breeding season in Utah from 2000. Leucocytozoon ziemanni, Haemoproteus syrnii, Haemoproteus noctuae, and Trypanosoma avium were identified. The overall prevalence of infection was 53% (78/147) and for the combined species, prevalences of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma species were 20%, 39%, and 4%, respectively. Northern Saw-whet Owls (NSWO) had an overall prevalence of 51% (55/108), with prevalences of 6%, 47%, and 4% by hemoparasite genus, respectively. Flammulated Owls had an overall prevalence of 59% (23/39), with prevalences of 56%, 18%, and 5% by genus, respectively. This study provides baseline hematozoa information for two boreal owl species.     

Blood parasites of some birds from Colombia

Blood films from 421 birds of 142 species, representing 29 avian families, from the environs of Cali, Colombia, were examined for blood parsites. Only 30 (7.1%) birds of 26 species harbored hematozoa. Species of Haemoproteus (3.1%) and microfilaria (2.3%) were the most commonly encountered blood parasites; species of Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium, Akiba and Lankesterella were found in a few birds. Mixed infections with more than one genus of blood parasite were rare; most infections encountered were of low intensity.     

Prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites and their host fidelity in the central Philippine islands

We examined the prevalence and host fidelity of avian haemosporidian parasites belonging to the genera Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium in the central Philippine islands by sampling 23 bird families (42 species). Using species-specific PCR assays of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (471base pairs, bp), we detected infections in 91 of the 215 screened individuals (42%). We also discriminated between single and multiple infections. Thirty-one infected individuals harbored a single Haemoproteus lineage (14%), 18 a single Leucocytozoon lineage (8%) and 12 a single Plasmodium lineage (6%). Of the 215 screened birds, 30 (14%) presented different types of multiple infections. Intrageneric mixed infections were generally more common (18 Haemoproteus/Haemoproteus, 3 Leucocytozoon/Leucocytozoon, and 1 Plasmodium/Plasmodium) than intergeneric mixed infections (7 Haemoproteus/Leucocytozoon and 1 Haemoproteus/Leucocytozoon/Plasmodium). We recovered 81 unique haemosporidian mitochondrial haplotypes. These clustered in three strongly supported monophyletic clades that correspond to the three haemosporidian genera. Related lineages of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were more likely to derive from the same host family than predicted by chance; however, this was not the case for Plasmodium. These results indicate that switches between host families are more likely to occur in Plasmodium. We conclude that Haemoproteus has undergone a recent diversification across well-supported host-family specific clades, while Leucocytozoon shows a longer association with its host(s). This study supports previous evidence of a higher prevalence and stronger host-family specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon compared to Plasmodium.     

Blood parasites in wood storks (Mycteria americana) from the southeastern United States

Wood storks (Mycteria americana) are endangered throughout their breeding range in the United States. Because of this, researchers have had little opportunity to thoroughly examine the continental wood stork population for endoparasites. The blood protozoan Haemoproteus crumenium has been identified from several populations of wood storks in North America. However, there have been no reports of wood storks being infected with species of Plasmodium or Leucocytozoon. During 2003, 42 nestling wood storks were captured at sites in Georgia and 27 free-ranging wood storks were captured at postbreeding dispersal sites in Mississippi and Louisiana. Two thin blood smears were made from each bird, and they were examined for parasites. Haemoproteus crumenium was found in 5 wood storks (7.2%), whereas Leucocytozoon sp., Plasmodium sp., and microfilariae were not observed. Mean intensity of H. crumenium was 4.4 +/- 0.7 (SE) per 2,000 erythrocytes counted. All infected wood storks were subadult or adult and were from postbreeding dispersal sites in Mississippi.     

Blood parasites of blue grouse (Dendragapus Obscurus) in western North America

Three hundred thirty-three blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were examined for blood parasites from 11 sites: southern Yukon Territory, southeast coastal Alaska, northern and central interior British Columbia, south coastal British Columbia, northcentral Washington, southcentral Oregon, northwestern California, eastcentral Nevada, northwestern Colorado, and westcentral Montana. Three species of protozoan parasites (Leucocytozoon lovati, Haemoproteus mansoni, Trypanosoma avium) and a splendidofilariid nematode (Microfilaria sp. B) were found in nearly all locations. Prevalence levels were consistently high for L. lovati (92%). The other hematozoa were found less frequently (H. mansoni 29%; T. avium 46%; and microfilaria 29%). The range of these parasites in blue grouse was extended to a more northern (Yukon Territory) and more southern distribution (Nevada than previously reported. Ranges were also extended to blue grouse populations in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.     

Hematozoa from montane forest birds in Papua New Guinea

Blood smears were examined from 141 montane forest birds of 45 species in southeastern Papua New Guinea. Haemoproteus spp. occurred in 46 (32.6%), Leucocytozoon fringillinarum Woodcock, 1910 in five, Trypanosoma sp. in one and Haemogregarina sp. in one. Intensity of infection by Haemoproteus was highest in those avian species and families with the highest prevalence; increasing altitude had no demonstrable effect on the prevalence of Haemoproteus spp.