Detection of haemosporidian parasites in wild and domestic birds in northern and central provinces of Iran: Introduction of new lineages and hosts

Abstract

Haemosporidian parasites characterize multi-host and multi-parasite structures which are prevalent among wild bird populations. Here, determination of host records, estimation of the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian lineages were performed in wild and domestic birds in 11 provinces in Iran. To our knowledge, for the first time in this region, molecular characterization of haemosporidians in migratory water birds, raptors, and domestic birds was carried out: blood or tissue samples were collected from 246 birds belonging to 36 species, 12 families, and 11 orders. The prevalence of Plasmodium , Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon were documented as 1.21%, 3.65%, and 0.4%, respectively. Of 36 birds' species inspected in this investigation, 13 individuals of 9 species were parasitized by blood parasites. To our knowledge, five lineages including hANACRE03, hAYTFER01, hAYTFER02, hAQUCYR01, and hSTAL06 were found as un-described lineages, while six known lineages of hLK03, pLK05, lTUSW04, pSW5, hMILANS02, and hHAECOL1 were recorded in hosts within novel geographical regions. Such results are required to fill the gaps in understanding the geographical distribution patterns of wildlife related vector-borne parasites in migratory birds as potential carriers, raptors with high vulnerability, and domestic birds as pet or with economic value.

Haemoproteosis and avian malaria in Columbidae and Corvidae from Iran

“…Six Haemoproteus and Plasmodium known lineages were registered as new host records that were previously discovered in passerine and non‐passerine hosts. Similar to previous researches in wild passerines across Iran, Haemoproteus was the prevalent parasitic genus among birds (Nourani et al., 2017a; Nourani et al., 2017b, Nourani et al., 2018a; Nourani et al 2018b; Nourani & Dinparast Djadid, 2019; Nourani et al., 2020a; Nourani et al., 2020b). Nested PCR assay and morphological examinations did not detect any record of Leucocytozoon spp.…”

“…For the second PCR, the primers HaemF/HaemR2 were applied, which amplifies Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites and primers HaemFL/HaemR2L were used to amplify Leucocytozoon (Bensch et al., 2000; Hellgren et al., 2004). Positive PCR products of the previous investigation (Nourani et al., 2020b) and ultrapure water were utilised as positive and negative controls. Subsequently, 1% agarose gels were used for visualisation of amplified amplicons.…”

“…Different investigations have studied haemosporidian parasites detection by microscopic and molecular approaches in pet and captive birds across the world (Alley et al., 2008; Belo et al., 2009; Bensch et al., 2012; Brossy, 1992; Chagas et al., 2017; Dinhopl et al., 2011; Nakayima et al., 2019; Nourani et al., 2020a; Pacheco et al., 2011; Paperna & Martelli, 2008; Scaglione et al., 2016a; Schrenzel et al., 2003; ). Despite the extent of knowledge on the avian haemosporidian parasites, information about domestic and wild bird's blood parasites is overall insufficient in Iran (Nourani et al., 2017a; Nourani et al., 2017b, Nourani et al., 2018a; Nourani et al., 2018b; Nourani & Dinparast Djadid, 2019; Nourani et al., 2020a; Nourani et al., 2020b; Nourani et al., 2020c). To date there have been limited investigations documenting morphological and molecular results of blood intracellular parasites infection in pet and domestic birds (Chaechi‐Nosrati et al., 2018; Mirzaei et al., 2016; Nematollahi et al., 2012).…”

Exo-erythrocytic stages of Haemoproteus sp. in common buzzard (Buteo buteo): A histopathological and molecular study

“…Out of the 455 common buzzard nestlings which were examined in Germany, 40 % were infected with Leucocytozoon ( Chakarov et al, 2008 ). The prevalence rate of leucocytozoids in raptors from different regions is more related to the avian species, climatic conditions, distribution of insect vectors, and also the methods applied for diagnosis ( Walther et al, 2016 ; Nourani et al, 2020 ). There is a tendency for a higher prevalence of the L. toddi group in the direction from the tropical latitudes to the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere ( Valkiunas, 2005 ).…”

“…These birds are principally susceptible to be infected with blood parasites. They can play significant roles in the ecology and circulation of some haemosporidians ( Hubalek, 2004 ; Valkiunas, 2005 ; Nourani et al, 2020 ). Common buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) is a protected bird species that belongs to the family Accipitridae (Order: Accipitriformes) migrates through Iran during spring and fall ( Mansoori, 2013 ).…”