The Haematozoa of Australian Birds.

Abstract

Four species of trypanosomes have been described from birds, Trypanosoma myzanthae from Myzantha melanocephala being new. Several other possibly distinct species are known, but have not been named owing to lack of material. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are relatively uncommon. They have been recorded in sparrows, a starling, a falcon, a seagull, and four species of wild anseriform birds. Haemoproteus is common. Seven named species have been recorded, but many birds are known to harbour parasites of this genus, some of which may be new. Leucocytozoon is fairly common. Five species have been recorded, and several other unnamed parasites are known to occur. Lankesterella picumni, sp. nov., is described from Climacteris picumnus, being apparently the first record of a haemogregarine from a bird in Australia. Lankesterella paddae is known in sparrows, and possibly silvereyes.

Parasite–bird interactions in urban areas: Current evidence and emerging questions

“…Parasites that persist in urban areas are apparently less known than those present in rural or natural areas (Averis et al, 2009;MacKerras and MacKerras, 1960;McFarland, 1986;Movila et al, 2008;Ogrzewalska, Uezu, & Labruna, 2010;Rojas, Marini, & Zanatta-Coutinho, 1999;Scheuerlein & Ricklefs, 2004). While, Chasar et al (2009) explored the effect of degraded rainforest habitats on blood parasite diversity in African passerines, we found no study for passerines in urban areas in the African continent and very little information is available around the world.…”

“…Previous reviews have summarised parasite-bird research for natural areas (e.g. Boyd, 1951;Forrester & Spalding, 2003;Hubálek, Anderson, Halouzka, & Hajek, 1996;MacKerras & MacKerras, 1960), but not identified how such interactions are influenced by anthropogenic land change. Changes in parasite loads in response to urbanisation can influence the prevalence (proportion of infected hosts) and impact of wildlife diseases in urban areas (Bradley & Altizer, 2006).…”

Trypanosoma irwini n. sp (Sarcomastigophora: Trypanosomatidae) from the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

“…The relationship between T. irwini and T. thylacis from the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus) (Mackerras, 1959 ;Mackerras and Mackerras, 1960), the Trypanosoma spp. from the southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) (Bettiol et al 1998) and eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) (Bettiol et al 1996) cannot be evaluated because there are no genetic sequences available for these trypanosomes.…”

“…Little is known about the prevalence and pathogenesis of trypanosomes in Australian marsupials. To date 10 trypanosome species/genotypes have been identified in marsupials ; Trypanosoma thylacis in the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus) (Mackerras, 1959 ;Mackerras and Mackerras, 1960), T. binneyi from the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) (McMillan and Bancroft, 1974), and more recently novel Trypanosoma spp. have been identified from the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) (Bettiol et al 1996), the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) (Bettiol et al 1998), the woylie (Bettongia penicillata) (Smith et al 2008), the chuditch (Dasyrus geoffroiii) (Smith et al 2008), the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) (Noyes et al 1999) and the swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) (Hamilton et al 2005).…”

The diversity, distribution and host-parasite associations of trypanosomes in Western Australian wildlife

“…Amongst the unique fauna of Australia, trypanosomes have been reported from numerous vertebrates, including the woylie (Bettongia penicillata), chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) , eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), platypus (Ornothorhynchus anatinus) , longnecked tortoise (Emydura signata) ( Jakes et al 2001), quokka (Setonix brachyurus) (Clark and Spencer, 2006), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolour) (Hamilton et al 2005 a) and Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) (GenBank Accession no. DQ868978), as well as birds (Mackerras and Mackerras, 1960) frogs and fish and other mammals (Makerras, 1959) and reptiles (Mackerras, 1961). However, those parasites that have been identified from Australian vertebrates may be important for our understanding of both trypanosome evolution and disease processes.…”