Pathological and molecular characterization of systemic isosporosis (atoxoplasmosis) in captive green-winged saltator (Saltator similis)

Oliveira, Ayisa Rodrigues de; Souza, Tamara Daiane de; Mol, Juliana Pinto da Silva; Flecher, Mayra Cunha; Hiura, Emy; Santos, Renato L.

doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.04.007

Cited by 9 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 19 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…While infections can be incidental, higher population densities and mixed-species aviaries make clinical isosporiasis a concern due to the potential for stress and high environmental parasite burdens. Additionally, reports of severe isosporiasis in birds from conservation breeding programs have resulted in a heightened awareness of birds' exposure to non-host-adapted parasites (11)(12)(13). This is of particular concern for rare and endangered species, as well as those bred for release into the wild that may expose threatened free-ranging populations to a novel pathogen.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Isospora infections are common in both wild and captive passerine species. Many bird species have been shown to have co-evolved with a particular species of Isospora. Disease can range from subclinical to severe and fatal, making infection and transmission of this parasite a concern for birds under managed care, particularly in institutions housing endangered species for breeding and reintroduction purposes. Whether birds in mixed-species enclosures represent a risk factor for severe isosporiasis due to infection with non-host-adapted strains is of concern for institutions managing these populations. To begin answering this question, we sought to characterize the host-specificity of Isospora spp. in a large number of passerine birds via retrospective sequencing of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Despite outliers, Isospora sequences largely grouped by host species and/or host family. Additional research is warranted into the degree of interspecies transmission and host-switching of Isospora parasites, and risk factors for the development of severe disease in passerine birds.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“… 3 , 5 , 6 , 10 One report also found intraendothelial merozoites in green-winged saltators ( Saltator similis ). 8 In our study, we observed that white-rumped shamas appear to have a unique, macrophage-dominant response associated with isosporosis. Lymphocytes were present in most but not all cases.…”

mentioning

confidence: 48%

Unique Isospora-associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Twenty-one white-rumped shamas (19 necropsied, 2 biopsied) ( Copsychus malabaricus) housed at the San Diego Zoo between 1992 and 2020 were diagnosed with Isospora infection based on evaluation of histologic sections. Review of these cases revealed a consistent histologic lesion characterized by nodular aggregates of atypical epithelioid macrophages containing few intracytoplasmic protozoa, with or without lymphocytic infiltrates. Of the 19 necropsied cases, 16 (84%) had systemic lesions variably affecting the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, lung, pancreas, connective tissues, or bone marrow, while all 21 diagnosed cases had skin involvement. The findings suggest that white-rumped shamas have a unique inflammatory response to isosporosis with a predilection for the skin. Skin may be a diagnostically sensitive sampling site for histologic diagnosis of Isospora in this species.

show abstract

“…infection in free-ranging birds may not result in a significant mortality rate. Affected birds show prominent keel bones and severe pectoral muscle atrophy associated with thickening of the small intestine ( 75 ) due to lymphocytic proliferation ( Figure 3 ). At least two confirmed outbreaks of the infection primarily affected two flocks of Paroaria coronata , although it spread to some Saltator spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Songbirds are currently the most prevalent animals in illegal trafficking in Brazil and other countries, so they are often confiscated, and this poses legal, ethical, and conservation challenges. Returning them to nature requires complex and expensive management, a topic that is sparingly addressed in the literature. Here, we described the processes and costs associated with an attempt to rehabilitate and release confiscated songbirds into the wild. A total of 1,721 songbirds of several species were quarantined, rehabilitated, and released, primarily on two farms located within their typical geographical distribution. Health assessments were performed on samples from 370 birds. Serology revealed no antibodies against Newcastle disease, and Salmonella spp. cultures were negative. Real-time polymerase chain reactions detected M. gallisepticum in samples from seven birds. Atoxoplasma spp. and Acuaria spp. infections, sepsis, and trauma were the top causes of bird death. About 6% of the released birds were recaptured, within an average period of 249 days after release, and at a mean distance of 2,397 meters from the release sites. The majority of these birds were found with free-living mates within or close to fragments of transitional ecoregions with native or cultivated grasslands, and native groves/forests, and shrublands. However, eucalyptus plantations with rich understory regeneration provided a suitable environment for the released forest species to settle, since they were recaptured during the defense of these sites. Over half of the recaptured birds presented behavioral profiles with both dominant and tame traits. Birds with dominant traits are more likely to settle in habitats and face the live decoys during fieldwork, whereas birds with tame characteristics tend to accept close contact with humans. Ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii), the least common species among those released, at the release sites showed an almost 2-fold recapture rate in the shortest mean distances from the release sites. This suggests less territory competition, perhaps a major factor of bird re-establishment here. The total per-bird cost was USD 57. Our findings suggested suitable survival and re-establishment of confiscated songbirds in the wild, when managed as we describe.

show abstract

Pathological and molecular characterization of systemic isosporosis (atoxoplasmosis) in captive green-winged saltator (Saltator similis)

Cited by 9 publications

References 19 publications

Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds

Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds

Unique Isospora-associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About