Diversity and distribution of coccidia of wild birds in an Atlantic forest fragment area in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Coccidia are protozoan parasites that are frequently observed in fecal samples from wild birds, and they are extremely important for biodiversity, host specificity and conservation. The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the coccidian species from wild birds caught in a fragmented area of Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Guapimirim in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is located around the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. A total of 101 birds were caught and identified. The highest prevalence and density were observed in the family Columbidae (Columbiformes). Among the families of Passeriformes, the highest prevalences and densities were of birds in the families Thraupidae and Turdidae. The majority of the positive samples and those with higher densities were collected in the afternoons. Eleven coccidian species of Isospora and Eimeria were identified. Seven of these species that were morphologically identified are undescribed in the scientific literature and are believed to be new species. The present study highlights the wide distribution and dispersion of coccidia of wild birds in southeastern Brazil, and records the municipality of Guapimirim, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as a new locality for parasitism, along with the new hosts recorded.Keywords: Oocysts, morphology, taxonomy, prevalence, density, Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. ResumoOs coccídios são protozoários parasitas frequentemente observados em amostras fecais de aves silvestres, os quais têm extrema importância para a biodiversidade, especificidade hospedeira e conservação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar as espécies de coccídios de aves silvestres capturadas em uma área fragmentada de Mata Atlântica no município de Guapimirim, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, que está localizada no entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. Foram capturadas e identificadas 101 aves. A maior prevalência e densidades foram observadas na família Columbidae (Columbiformes). Nas famílias de Passeriformes, as maiores prevalências e densidades foram de aves das famílias Thraupidae e Turdidae. A maioria das amostras positivas e com maiores densidades foram coletadas no período da tarde. Foram identificadas onze espécies de Eimeria e Isospora. Sete dessas espécies morfologicamente identificadas não estão descritas na literatura científica e devem ser novas espécies. O presente trabalho expõe a ampla distribuição e dispersão de coccídios de aves silvestres no sudeste do Brasil e registra o município de Guapimirim, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, como uma nova localidade de parasitismo, além dos novos hospedeiros registrados.

Prevalence of endo and enctoparasites in psittaciformes raised in the state of Espirito Santo

“…The birds of the two first breedings didn't show clinical signs of any type of parasite disease. In one similar study, Oliveira et al, (2017) observed that the assessed birds seem to be healthy and didn't show clinical signs usually regarded with coccidiosis, like cachexy, diarrhea and malnutrition, even those which were parasitized. In the current study, it was observed that the birds of the third breeding had feces with altered consistency, waterier than the normal, and this signal can be related with the presence of coccidia found in the exams, this relation was also verified by Penha et al (2008).…”

Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Coccidian Parasites from Wild Animals with Diarrhea in Jeonbuk Province, Korea

“…The largest number of coccidium was detected through fecal examination in domestic pigeons (13/22, 59.1%) in this study. Research studies conducted in other countries such as China, India and United States of America have shown that the prevalence rate of coccidium in domestic pigeons varies from at least 10% up to 90% (4,9,10,11). Such a high prevalence rate of coccidium in domestic pigeons might be due to the low pathogenicity of coccidium and life styles of pigeons living in groups (10,11).…”

Gastrointestinal parasitic infestation in the Rock ptarmiganLagopus mutain the French Alps and French Pyrenees based on long-term sampling (1987–2018)

“…In the Alps, the construction of ski-pistes has widely impacted the ecosystem, with a negative ‘edge effect’ on wild bird populations (Caprio et al ., 2014 ). In addition to the direct impacts on fauna, flora and microbiota, the edge effect favours transmission of parasites to wild birds and susceptibility to parasites among wild birds (Oliveira et al ., 2017 ). The negative effect of the presence of ski areas have been also demonstrated by Belleau ( 2013 ), in another study reporting a higher prevalence of C. caudinflata in Galliformes coming from human disturbed habitats.…”