Identification of blood parasites in old world warbler species from the Danube River Delta

Avian Dis. 2009 Dec;53(4):634-6. doi: 10.1637/8842-040409-Case.1.

Abstract

Warbler species of the families Sylviidae and Acrocephalidae occurring in the Danube river delta are frequently exposed to blood-sucking arthropods that transmit avian blood parasites. We investigated infections by three genera of hemosporidian parasites in blood samples from six warbler species. Altogether in 17 (32.6%) of 52 blood samples, a PCR product was amplified. The great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) had the highest prevalence, with 63.6% (7/11) infected individuals, whereas no infection was detected in marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). The most common parasite genus was Haemoproteus, which was found in 15.4% (8/52) of individuals. Seven known parasite lineages (five Haemoproteus and two Plasmodium) and two new lineages were recorded (one Leucocytozoon and one Plasmodium).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apicomplexa / isolation & purification
  • Bird Diseases / blood
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology
  • Bird Diseases / parasitology*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / blood
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / epidemiology
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / parasitology*
  • Passeriformes*
  • Prevalence
  • Protozoan Infections / blood
  • Protozoan Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rivers*