Hematological and parasitological health conditions of the Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas) (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

From an ecological point of view, parasites are considered important selective forces that influence all aspects of a host's life. The purpose of this study was to assess the health state of Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 (Turdidae: Passeriformes) inhabiting a Brazilian Cerrado in the breeding and molting seasons through a hematological parameter analysis and an evaluation of infection by blood parasites. The birds were collected with mist-nets, ringed and blood sampled to assess hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and white blood cells) and blood parasites. We detected blood parasites through optical microscopy and subsequently used PCR (amplification of the 18sRNA gene) to verify the presence of Plasmodium spp. (avian malaria). During the breeding season, the hemoglobin level and CHGM percentage were greater. Global leukocyte count was positively related to hemoglobin level, CHGM percentage and body weight. Of the total 31 T. leucomelas individuals examined, 18 presented Plasmodium parasites (58% of prevalence). There was a significant relationship between the presence of Plasmodium spp. and decreased CHGM. These results suggest a connection between the health parameters of wild birds and the physiological stress associated with the breeding season

Patterns of avian malaria in tropical and temperate environments: testing the "The enemy release hypothesis"

“…The pathogenicity of blood parasites in wild birds has been difficult to demonstrate because of the capacity of the hosts to maintain infections below a threshold at which effects become apparent (Marzal et al 2005, Norte et al 2009, Lobato et al 2011. We show that the house sparrow in non-native regions has a lower prevalence and intensity of haemosporidia infections than in their native range, which is consistent with the ERH.…”

“…Haemosporidian prevalence for the Eurasian blackbird (70%) was higher than previously described for this host species, with approximately 31% in Germany (Geue & Parteche 2008) and 53% on the island of São Miguel, Azores (Hellgren et al 2011). For the Pale breasted thrush, Haemosporidian prevalence (50%) was also higher than previously described in Brazil (20% Lima et al 2010;23% (Sebaio et al 2012), however, it was lower than that described in another study in Brazil (58% Lobato et al 2011). For the House sparrow, we also found higher prevalence among Old World birds , while the prevalence in Brazil was higher than that previously described by Lima et al (2010) and by Marzal et al (2011).…”

The use of haemoglobin concentrations to assess physiological condition in birds: a review

“… Body mass + Crossin et al (2013) Pale-breasted thrush Turdus leucomelas PAS Ad. Body mass + Lobato et al (2011) Welcome swallow H. neoxena PAS Pull. Size-corrected body mass + Lill et al (2013a) Gould's petrel Pterodroma leucoptera PRO Pull.…”

Detection of Anaplasma sp. phylogenetically related to A. phagocytophilum in a free-living bird in Brazil

“…(BENNETT & LOPES, 1980;ADRIANO & CORDEIRO, 2001;LOBATO et al, 2011;SEBAIO et al, 2010SEBAIO et al, , 2012TOSTES et al, 2015).…”