Host-Parasite relationships and co-infection of nasal mites of Chrysomus ruficapillus (Passeriformes: Icteridae) in southern Brazil

Abstract

One hundred twenty-two Chrysomus ruficapillus were examined in southern Brazil, in order to research the presence of nasal mites and the parasite-host relationships. Nasal mite infections were analyzed for: presence of Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae considering the total number of hosts examined; Sexual maturity of males (juveniles and adults); Periods of bird collection and presence of co-infections. Were identified five taxa, four belongs to Rhinonyssidae (Sternostoma strandtmanni, Ptilonyssus sairae, P. icteridius and Ptilonyssus sp.) and one to Ereynetidae (Boydaia agelaii). Adult males were parasitized for one taxa more than juvenile males. Co-infections occurred in 22 hosts, between two, three and four taxa, belonging to Ereynetidae and Rhinonyssidae.The co-infections were more prevalent in austral autumn / winter. The host-parasite relations and co-infections by nasal mites in C. ruficapillus were reported for the first time, contributing to the knowledge about nasal mites in Brazil.

Rhinonyssidae and Ereynetidae mites in Columba livia (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in southern Brazil

“…Pence (1973) recorded more than 1 species of Rhinonyssidae in birds of different families but author did not indicate their frequency. In Chrysomus ruficapillus (Vieillot, 1819) (Passeriformes: Icteridae) (n = 122 birds understudy), several hosts were coinfected by Rhinonyssidae and Ereynetidae mites, totaling 17 cases, while coinfection by 2 species of the same genus of Rhinonyssidae occurred in 13 birds (Bernardon et al, 2018). Regarding pigeons, only 1 bird specimen of C. livia, was coinfected by T. columbae and T. melloi in Canada (Knee et al, 2008).…”

“…Although several studies have examined a significant diversity of hosts, most of them have investigated a low number of samples of the same species (Butenko & Stanyukovich, 1999;Knee et al, 2008;Spicer, 1987). Bernardon et al (2018) commented that the sample size should be considered an important factor in studies aiming to evaluate coinfections by Rhinonyssidae species or by Rhinonyssidae and Ereynetidae species in Passeriformes and other groups of birds. In addition, aspects related to the biology of mite and bird species should also be considered in studies of coinfection, since the reproductive behavior of birds and mites can help understand coinfections by mites associated with the respiratory system.…”

“…Coinfections by mites associated with the respiratory system have been mainly recorded in Passeriformes in Canada (Knee et al, 2008), Brazil (Bernardon et al, 2018;Dimov & Mascarenhas, 2012), and Russia (Dimov & Mascarenhas, 2012). Coinfections by the respiratory system of mites in pigeons have been poorly reported.…”