Article
Ecology
Daniela de Angeli Dutra, Antoine Filion, Alan Fecchio, Erika Martins Braga, Robert Poulin
Summary: Migration plays a significant role in the transmission of parasites, with migratory birds potentially introducing new parasite strains to new areas and hosts. The presence of migrants may negatively impact local parasite richness, but is not associated with local prevalence, demonstrating their potential role in enhancing pathogen spread and influencing parasite community transmission.
Article
Parasitology
Daniela de Angeli Dutra, Alan Fecchio, Erika Martins Braga, Robert Poulin
Summary: Research shows that fully migratory species have higher parasite prevalence and greater richness of parasite lineages. However, there is no significant difference in parasite prevalence between migratory and non-migratory species when looking at Plasmodium and Haemoproteus separately.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Seraina L. Meister, Fabia Wyss, Christian Wenker, Stefan Hoby, Walter U. Basso
Summary: Avian haemosporidian parasites were found in captive and free-ranging birds in Switzerland, causing a range of clinical signs and pathomorphological lesions. The study used PCR to test 475 bird blood samples, identifying 42 positive samples with haemosporidian DNA, with Plasmodium relictum SGS1 being the most commonly detected lineage. Only a small number of individuals showed clinical and pathomorphological evidence of infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katrina D. Keith, John P. Pistone, Tyler A. Campbell, Gary A. Voelker
Summary: Avian haemosporidian parasites in Texas, specifically Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium, have been relatively understudied despite the large geographic area and diverse ecoregions. This study conducted in south Texas found different infection patterns and parasite community composition between adjacent ecoregions. The findings provide important insights into the prevalence and disease ecology of avian malaria in this area.
Article
Microbiology
Carolina C. Anjos, Carolina R. F. Chagas, Alan Fecchio, Fabio Schunck, Maria J. Costa-Nascimento, Eliana F. Monteiro, Bruno S. Mathias, Jeffrey A. Bell, Lilian O. Guimaraes, Kiba J. M. Comiche, Gediminas Valkiunas, Karin Kirchgatter
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and distribution of avian haemosporidian parasites among resident and migratory birds in Serra do Mar, Brazil. The results showed that migratory species may harbor a higher diversity and prevalence of parasites than resident species, but transportation of some parasites by migratory hosts may not always affect local transmission. Additionally, a new species of Haemoproteus was described in this study.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raquel A. Rodrigues, Gabriel M. F. Felix, Mauro Pichorim, Patricia A. Moreira, Erika M. Braga
Summary: The study investigated avian haemosporidian parasites in a protected area in northeastern Brazil, showing that migration and temperature may predict parasite prevalence. Individual-level traits and other species-specific factors were not related to infection probability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela de Angeli Dutra, Nayara Belo, Erika M. Braga
Summary: South America provides an ideal location to study the influence of habitat on vector-borne parasites. Through analyzing wild bird data from the Brazilian Savanna and the Venezuelan Arid Zone, researchers found that different habitats affect the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites. Factors such as host diversity and environmental conditions contribute to the variation in parasite composition and prevalence.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Gediminas Valkiunas, Tatjana A. Iezhova
Summary: This study aimed to develop comprehensive keys for the identification of described avian Haemoproteus species using morphological features of their blood stages. It analyzed and compared the morphological diagnostic features of gametocytes of all described Haemoproteus species and developed illustrated keys for their identification. The study also provided information about the molecular characterization of Haemoproteus parasites. The results showed that 177 described avian Haemoproteus species can be distinguished and identified in blood films using morphological characters of their gametocytes and host cells.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Manuela Iurescia, Federico Romiti, Cristiano Cocumelli, Elena Lavinia Diaconu, Fiorentino Stravino, Roberta Onorati, Patricia Alba, Klaus Gunther Friedrich, Flavio Maggi, Adele Magliano, Arianna Ermenegildi, Virginia Carfora, Andrea Caprioli, Claudio De Liberato, Antonio Battisti
Summary: This study investigated deaths due to avian malaria in eight African penguins in two Italian zoos between 2015 and 2019, with Plasmodium matutinum identified as the causative agent and Culex pipiens as the probable vector. The findings emphasize the need for zoos in Europe to be aware of the risks of avian malaria, particularly during periods of increased mosquito activity.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Marina D. Rodriguez, Paul F. Doherty, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Kathryn P. Huyvaert
Summary: This study provides baseline knowledge of avian haemosporidian parasites in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, estimating prevalence and diversity across 24 bird species. It also highlights differences in prevalence among nesting habits and host species, suggesting potential impacts of climate change on parasite distributions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Daniela Doussang, Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira, Gustavo S. Cabanne, Dario A. Lijtmaer, Daniel Gonzalez-Acuna, Juliana A. Vianna
Summary: The study found that Haemoproteus has higher prevalence and diversity compared to Plasmodium, largely influenced by their avian hosts and environmental factors. Additionally, the prevalences of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium are positively correlated with host diversity, suggesting a possible amplification effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tanja Himmel, Josef Harl, Julia Matt, Herbert Weissenboeck
Summary: The study investigated avian mortality in Austria and found a 31% infection rate of haemosporidian parasites in birds, with finches and tits being the most affected species. Most infected birds showed low parasite burdens in the blood and tissues, ruling out a significant contribution of haemosporidian infections to morbidity or death of the examined birds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Martina Ferraguti, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Ramon C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: This study monitored the infection status of bird blood parasites in different regions of southern Spain, revealing different infection patterns possibly related to the composition and density of vector communities. The specific reproductive environmental requirements of different vector groups involved in transmission may be affected by climatic conditions and landscape features.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Daniela de Angeli Dutra, Asmat U. Khan, Francisco C. Ferreira, Marina V. Beirao, Mauro Pichorim, Patricia A. Moreira, Erika M. Braga
Summary: This study examined the relationship between the prevalence of avian haemosporidians and seasonality and host functional traits in the Brazilian Caatinga. The results showed that parasite prevalence was correlated with phylogenetic relatedness among avian species and varied greatly among different species. Seasonality was found to be the main factor associated with infections, but the influence of this factor varied depending on the host-parasite system. The study also revealed that even in dry regions, a high prevalence and diversity of vector-borne parasites can exist.
Article
Microbiology
Vajiheh Ghaemitalab, Omid Mirshamsi, Gediminas Valkiunas, Mansour Aliabadian
Summary: This study in South and Southeast Iran during the bird breeding seasons of 2017 and 2018 found that avian haemosporidians, including Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon, were prevalent with Haemoproteus lineages being the most common. The study also identified 19 new host records and 13 co-infections of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites, indicating active local transmission in resident bird species.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Caio Filipe da Motta Lima, Irys Hany Lima Gonzalez, Paula Andrea Borges Salgado, Caue Monticelli, Patricia Locosque Ramos
Summary: The brown-throated sloth, Bradypus variegatus, is a common species endemic to South and Central America. This study aimed to establish hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for a population of wild B variegatus living in the largest remnant of Atlantic rainforest in Sao Paulo city, Brazil. The results provide important baseline numbers for the management and treatment of both captive and wild B variegatus sloths.
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dennis Minoru Fujita, Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali, Giselle Pacifico Sartori, Andres Jimenez Galisteo, Heitor Franco de Andrade Jr, Expedito Jose de Albuquerque Luna
Summary: This study conducted a survey in Sao Paulo, Brazil during two different periods of 2020 to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public behavior. The findings showed a decrease in the perceived importance of preventive measures, even among individuals with higher education. Therefore, it is urgent to reinforce preventive measures and emphasize the importance of vaccination.
Article
Ecology
Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels, Carolina Clares dos Anjos, Hassan Jerdy Leandro, Andrea de Moraes Carvalho, Allan Poltronieri Santos, Leandro Egert, Renata Hurtado, Eulogio Carlos Queiroz de Carvalho, Erika Martins Braga, Karin Kirchgatter
Summary: This study describes a new species of Haemoproteus found in a Red-legged Seriema, which is closely related to Haemoproteus catharti from Turkey Vulture and other unidentified haemosporidian lineages. These parasites represent an evolutionary lineage distinct from other Haemoproteus species and are more closely related to Haemocystidium spp., Plasmodium spp., and other mammal-infecting haemosporidians. Further research is needed to understand their taxonomy, life cycle, vectors, hosts, geographic distribution, and host health effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Karin Kirchgatter, Lilian de Oliveira Guimaraes, Eliana Ferreira Monteiro, Vanessa Christe Helfstein, Juliana Telles-de-Deus, Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes, Simone Liuchetta Reginato, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves
Summary: This study aimed to provide genetic data of Mansonia, a mosquito species that is an important vector of viruses and other parasites. The morphological identification of this species is difficult, and the DNA sequences obtained in this study can be used for molecular identification. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA barcode region is considered a valuable and reliable tool for mosquito species recognition. This research provides tools for the genetic identification of species that play a significant role in pathogen transmission.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Carolina Hernandez-Lara, Melanie Duc, Kristina Valaviciute-Pociene, Rasa Bernotiene
Summary: This study investigated wild biting midges naturally infected with Haemoproteus parasites in Europe and found that C. kibunensis and C. segnis are important vectors for Haemoproteus.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luis G. Fernandes, Katia E. S. Avelar, Eliete C. Romero, Marcos B. Heinemann, Karin Kirchgatter, Ana L. T. O. Nascimento
Summary: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a high number of human cases and deaths. The current diagnostic method has reduced sensitivity, so researchers are developing a new recombinant antigen for rapid and specific serodiagnosis. Preliminary results show that this method has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Melanie Duc, German Alfredo Gutierrez-Liberato, Gediminas Valkiunas
Summary: This study aimed to determine the host cells inhabited by Leucocytozoon gametocytes in different bird species and to test if this feature has a phylogenetic importance. The results showed that parasites infecting different host cells were placed in different clades, indicating a potential phylogenetic importance of host cell determination. Phylogenetic analysis could be used to predict the host cells that parasite lineages might inhabit.
Article
Parasitology
Carolina C. Anjos, Thiago Bicudo, Alan Fecchio, Marina Anciaes, Bruno S. Mathias, Carolina R. F. Chagas, Jeffrey A. Bell, Lilian O. Guimaraes, Eliana F. Monteiro, Karin Kirchgatter
Summary: The construction of hydroelectric dams in the Brazilian Amazon can lead to biodiversity loss and disrupt the dynamics of bird communities. This study aims to assess the prevalence and molecular diversity of haemosporidian parasites in bird communities inhabiting artificial islands created by the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam. The results reveal a low overall prevalence of avian malaria in the studied bird species, with the discovery of new lineages and the potential impact of artificial islands on the parasites.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Paula da Costa Machado, Caio Filipe da Motta Lima, Patricia Locosque Ramos, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Paula Andrea Borges Salgado
Summary: This study aimed to establish reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical measurands for captive Lear's macaw in Sao Paulo Zoo, Brazil. The results can aid veterinarians in interpreting laboratory test results and assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases of this endangered species.
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kanpapat Boonchuay, Thotsapol Thomrongsuwannakij, Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Pornchai Pornpanom
Summary: This study investigated the presence of multiple blood parasites in backyard chickens in Southern Thailand and found a high prevalence of Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon infections. The diversity and morphology of the parasites were identified using PCR-based detection and microscopic methods. The results showed that nested PCR and buffy coat smears can be used as valuable diagnostic tools, and the findings contribute to the understanding of parasite infections in the study area.
Article
Ecology
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Melanie Duc, Tanja Himmel, Vytautas Eigirdas, Herbert Weissenboeck, Gediminas Valkiunas
Summary: Leucocytozoon parasites, a type of avian parasitic haemosporidians, have been poorly studied in terms of their exo-erythrocytic development and pathogenicity. This study investigated the presence of Leucocytozoon species in song thrushes and confirmed the transmission of several parasite lineages in Europe.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Caio Medeiros Fernandes, Shirley L. Dias, Maira C. Ferreira, Expedito J. A. Luna
Summary: This study aimed to describe the COVID-19 cases in healthcare workers at a large tertiary hospital after vaccination, and analyze the impact and effectiveness of vaccination in relation to symptomatic infection and hospitalization. The results showed that vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic cases and hospitalizations.