Description of Novel Babesia Species and Associated Lesions from Common Murres (Uria aalge) from California

Yabsley, Michael J.; Greiner, Ellis C.; Tseng, Florina S.; Garner, Michael M.; Nordhausen, Robert W.; Ziccardi, Michael H.; Borjesson, Dori L.; Zabolotzky, Shanon M.

doi:10.1645/ge-1955.1

Cited by 31 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Babesia was found in different unrelated seabird species, suggesting the possibility that these infections result from several independent colonization events [e.g. [41]].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds - a review

et al. 2011

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IntroductionWhile blood parasites are common in many birds in the wild, some groups seem to be much less affected. Seabirds, in particular, have often been reported free from blood parasites, even in the presence of potential vectors.ResultsFrom a literature review of hemosporidian prevalence in seabirds, we collated a dataset of 60 species, in which at least 15 individuals had been examined. These data were included in phylogenetically controlled statistical analyses of hemosporidian prevalence in relation to ecological and life-history parameters. Haemoproteus parasites were common in frigatebirds and gulls, while Hepatozoon occurred in albatrosses and storm petrels, and Plasmodium mainly in penguins. The prevalence of Haemoproteus showed a geographical signal, being lower in species with distribution towards polar environments. Interspecific differences in Plasmodium prevalence were explained by variables that relate to the exposure to parasites, suggesting that prevalence is higher in burrow nesters with long fledgling periods. Measures of Plasmodium, but not Haemoproteus prevalences were influenced by the method, with PCR-based data resulting in higher prevalence estimates.ConclusionsOur analyses suggest that, as in other avian taxa, phylogenetic, ecological and life-history parameters determine the prevalence of hemosporidian parasites in seabirds. We discuss how these relationships should be further explored in future studies.

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“…Babesia was found in different unrelated seabird species, suggesting the possibility that these infections result from several independent colonization events [e.g. [41]].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds - a review

et al. 2011

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“…For additional characterization and to confirm results of the 18S rRNA gene sequencing for Babesia spp., a PCR protocol that amplifies the entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-2 rRNA region was conducted on selected samples (Shock et al 2012). For two samples that were positive for a Babesia species similar to Babesia lengau, the near full-length 18S rRNA was amplified as described (Yabsley et al 2009). …”

Section: Molecular Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and diversity of Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from Zambia, Africa

et al. 2013

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A molecular survey was conducted for several hemoparasites of domestic dogs and three species of wild carnivores from two sites in Zambia. Three Babesia spp. were detected including Babesia felis and Babesia leo in lions (Panthera leo) and a Babesia sp. (similar to Babesia lengau) in spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) and a single lion. All wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and domestic dogs were negative for Babesia . High prevalences for Hepatozoon were noted in all three wild carnivores (38-61 %) and in domestic dogs (13 %). Significantly higher prevalences were noted in hyenas and wild dogs compared with domestic dogs and lions. All carnivores were PCR negative for Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichia ewingii, and Bartonella spp. Overall, high prevalences and diversity of Babesia and Hepatozoon were noted in wild carnivores from Zambia. This study is the first molecular characterization of Babesia from any hyena species and is the first report of a Babesia sp. closely related to B. lengau, a parasite previously only reported from cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus ), in lions and hyenas. Although usually benign in wild carnivores, these hemoparasites can be pathogenic under certain circumstances. Importantly, data on vectors for these parasites are lacking, so studies are needed to identify vectors as well as determine transmission routes, infection dynamics, and host specificity of these hemoparasites in wildlife in Africa and also the risk of transmission between domestic animals and wildlife.

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“…Of 14-18 Babesia species recognized in birds (Jefferies et al 2008;Votýpka, 2011;Peirce and Parsons, 2012), five infect different seabird groups: B. poelea (boobies), Babesia peircei (2 penguin species), B. bennetti (1 gull species), Babesia uriae (1 auk species) and Babesia ugwidiensis (5 cormorant species). While the majority of species infecting domestic mammals cause disease, only two avian species, Babesia shortti and B. uriae, are known to be pathogenic (Samour and Peirce, 1996;Yabsley et al 2009;Votýpka, 2011).…”

Section: Boobies As Hosts Of B Poeleamentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood parasites in noddies and boobies from Brazilian offshore islands – differences between species and influence of nesting habitat

et al. 2013

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S U M M A R YSeabirds are often free from blood parasites, and a recent review suggested that phylogenetic, ecological and life-history parameters can determine the prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds. However, there is a lack of data available from many seabird groups, and a larger database is needed to understand prevalence patterns of blood parasites. We used a molecular screening approach to detect parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Babesia in five species of two genera of seabirds that breed on Atlantic Ocean islands off Brazil. The observed patterns differed between the two bird genera. Like other Laridae, brown noddy, Anous stolidus adults were infected with Haemoproteus with low prevalence. Masked boobies, Sula dactylatra and brown boobies, Sula leucogaster were infected with Babesia. Of the latter, mainly juveniles were infected. In all species, intensity of infection (i.e. number of infected erythrocytes) was so low that parasites remained undetected in blood smears. This may explain the absence of major effects on the body condition of birds, although infected juvenile masked boobies were lighter than juveniles that were not infected with Babesia. Two tree-nesting species; black noddy, Anous minutus and red-footed booby, Sula sula did not have blood parasites, suggesting that treenesting may reduce the exposure to arthropod vectors compared with ground nesting in these species.

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Description of Novel Babesia Species and Associated Lesions from Common Murres (Uria aalge) from California

Cited by 31 publications

References 19 publications

Prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds - a review

Prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds - a review

Prevalence and diversity of Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from Zambia, Africa

Blood parasites in noddies and boobies from Brazilian offshore islands – differences between species and influence of nesting habitat

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