Blood parasites of some birds from São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

A total of 3.449 birds, representing 195 species of 33 families from three areas in São Paulo State, Brazil, were examined for hematozoa during the period 1967-1972. Only 268 birds (7.8%) of 21 families harbored a blood parasite, which represented by species of Haemoproteus (3.5%), microfilaria (2.6%), Plasmodium (1.8%), Trypanosoma (0.8%) and Leucocytozoon (0.06%). The prevalence was similar in each of the six years of the study but a marked decrease in prevalence was noted in February and June of each year. The prevalence of parasitism was significantly different in each of the three areas sampled

Blood parasites in some birds from eastern plains of Colombia

“…Furthermore, the low number of double infections (4 individuals) found in this study, agrees with other reports from the Neotropics (Bennett & Sousa 1980). Our results, in contrast to about 30% double infection of the total infected in North America, presumably indicate a low intensity of parasite attack in Colombia.…”

Recent advances in the study of avian malaria: an overview with an emphasis on the distribution of Plasmodium spp in Brazil

“…Although Brazil confronts serious problems in conserving its biomes and biodiversity, few studies have been conducted to assess the diversity of haemosporidians and other blood parasites in different species of wild birds (captive or free living) or the influence of parasitism in altered and intact environments (Bennett & Lopes 1980, Woodworth-Lynas et al 1989, Ribeiro et al 2005, Fecchio et al 2007, Belo et al 2009, Bueno et al 2010, Sebaio et al 2010, Fecchio et al 2011 (Table).…”

“…Two pioneering studies have examined the prevalence of haemoparasites in a large number of birds in the state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil (Bennett & Lopes 1980, Woodworth-Lynas et al 1989. These studies represent the first prominent surveys conducted in Brazil that assess the prevalence of haemoparasites in wild birds from various families while comparing the parasitism among birds captured at different locations.…”

“…In these studies, only microscopy-based methods were used to provide an original and recognized database. Bennett and Lopes (1980) have reported the seasonal distribution, host distribution and prevalence of parasitism in approximately 3,500 birds from three areas in SP, Brazil [Itapetininga (23º40'S 48°05'W), Casa Grande (23º40'S 45°55'W) and Guaratuba (23º45'S 45º55'W)], which showed a low overall prevalence of Plasmodium (0.9%). Of the three areas evaluated, one region (Guaratuba) showed a significantly higher prevalence of haemoparasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Trypanosoma, Leucocytozoon, microfilaria) while a different region (Itapetininga) showed a higher prevalence of Plasmodium (1.8%).…”

“…In that survey, 15,574 birds from nine localities in SP, Brazil were examined (Itapetininga, Casa Grande, Guaratuba, Iguapé, Zoológica, Registro, Peruíbe, Itanhaém and Piedade). The same three areas previously analyzed by Bennett and Lopes (1980) were also included and considered in the study (Itapetininga, Casa Grande and Guaratuba). The overall prevalence of Plasmodium was low (0.6%), similar to the previous report (Bennett & Lopes 1980).…”