Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Free-Ranging Introduced Monk Parakeets from Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are medium-sized parrots that due to international pet trade currently exist as invasive species in 19 countries globally. Such is the case of Chile, where Monk Parakeets have thrived in the city of Santiago. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are worldwide distributed gastrointestinal parasites whose potential hosts include birds and humans. The present study sought to determine the presence of these pathogens in Monk Parakeets from Santiago. During the austral summers of 2017 and 2018, 207 Monk Parakeet nestlings were captured, and fecal samples were studied via microscopical analyses. Environmental data related to the trees in which the nestlings were captured were analyzed to establish the existence of infection clusters. Associations between spatial clusters, environmental variables, and the presence or absence of these pathogens were explored. In total, 33 samples were positive to the presence of one or both protozoa. Of the 33, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 10 nestlings (30%) while Giardia spp. cysts were detected in 25 (76%). Two nestlings presented poly-parasitism (6%). Statistical analyses established pruned trees as a potential protective factor against infection with these parasites. The present study corresponds to the second report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Monk Parakeets in Chile and the first worldwide report of Giardia spp. in these birds, emphasizing Monk Parakeet’s potential role as a reservoir and pathogen disseminator, especially in urban environments.

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis in urban invasive monk parakeets

“…This finding confirms the presence of a zoonotic parasite in an abundant invasive synanthropic bird widely distributed in Santiago (Briceño et al, 2022;Sandoval-Rodríguez et al, 2021).…”

“…This finding confirms the presence of a zoonotic parasite in an abundant invasive synanthropic bird widely distributed in Santiago (Briceño et al, 2022; Sandoval‐Rodríguez et al, 2021). In this study, four different and new sequences were identified, not previously available in GenBank.…”

“…In regard to Cryptosporidium meleagridis , this parasite represents a considerable risk to human health (Tzipori & Ward, 2002) affecting immunocompetent humans and even producing severe cases when present with concomitant disease or immunosuppression (Chappell et al, 2011). Children and older people are in risk of developing severe cases of cryptosporidiosis with C. meleagridis , and these age groups are also regular visitors of public parks, where taller trees are common and monk parakeet and their nests are abundant (Briceño et al, 2022; Sandoval‐Rodríguez et al, 2021). Moreover, contamination with infected faeces in parks is relevant for a parasite that is acquired orally and may be viable for up to 12 weeks (Olson et al, 1999).…”

“…Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in faeces from invasive adults (19.10%; n = 89) and nestlings (4.83%; n = 207) monk parakeets from Santiago Chile in a wide area of the metropolis, encompassing seven municipalities (Briceño et al, 2017; Sandoval‐Rodríguez et al, 2021).…”

The Role of Monk Parakeets as Nest-Site Facilitators in Their Native and Invaded Areas

“…These microclimate conditions in monk parakeet nests, combined with the colonial life and the reuse of chambers, can also promote a high parasite load that may negatively affect the breeding success of birds [47]. Moreover, in the invaded range, monk parakeets can acquire parasites from the recipient community and, in turn, can potentially introduce novel parasites and diseases into the recipient community [33,[48][49][50][51][52][53]. However, monk parakeets seem to be more resistant to infection by local parasites than native species [33], thus this transference of parasites could be strongly weighted towards native species.…”