Prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds - a review

Abstract

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.

Piroplasms of New Zealand seabirds

“…A relatively recent review, focusing on avian haemoparasites, concluded that infections 220 probably affect around one third (27 %) of seabirds (Quillfeldt, et al, 2011). In the present study 221…”

The pathology and pathogenicity of a novel Haemoproteus spp. infection in wild Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor)

“…data, Jones and Shellam 1999a), nor from colonies elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand (Quillfeldt et al 2011). However, the distribution, density, biology, physiology and transmission rates of vectors are influenced by changes in climate and habitat (Harvell et al 2002, Rogers & Randolph 2006.…”

“…In addition to this normal large scale movement, the geographic range of many bird species is also affected by changes in climate. In Western Australia, tropical birds have moved into areas that once were the domain of temperate birds (Dunlop & Wooller 1986, Wooller et al 1991, and haemosporidian parasites have been reported in a greater number of species of tropical compared to temperate seabirds (Quillfeldt et al 2011). The expansion of tropical seabirds onto temperate islands such as Penguin Island could therefore result in the introduction or rise in prevalence of such parasites in endemic species.…”

“…The prevalence of the haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon is generally low in seabirds (Peirce 2005, Quillfeldt et al 2011, and worldwide, penguins appear to be more likely to be infected by Plasmodium than by species of Haemoproteus or Leucocytozoon (Levin et al 2009, Quillfeldt et al 2011. Infections of avian malaria, caused by Plasmodium relictum, P. elongatum and P. cathemerium, have been observed in many captive populations of penguins, often resulting in high mortality (Fleischman et al 1968, Bennett et al 1993a, Clarke & Kerry 1993, Graczyk et al 1994, Jones & Shellam 1999a, Valkiunas 2005, Bueno et al 2010.…”

Chronic lack of breeding by Galápagos Blue-footed Boobies and associated population decline

“…During our 2-year study, including handling over 1000 birds, we saw no apparently sick birds. Avian blood parasites of the genus that causes avian malaria (Plasmodium) are present in Galápagos (Levin et al 2009(Levin et al , 2013, though to date only Haemoproteus parasites have been identified in Sulids and none in Blue-footed Boobies (Quillfeldt et al 2011). Blue-footed Boobies are known to have some parasites, including two endoparasites, a nematode (Contracecum sp.)…”