Trichomonad parasite infection in four species of Columbidae in the UK

Parasitology. 2013 Sep;140(11):1368-76. doi: 10.1017/S0031182013000887. Epub 2013 Jul 19.

Abstract

Trichomonas gallinae is an emerging pathogen in wild birds, linked to recent declines in finch (Fringillidae) populations across Europe. Globally, the main hosts for this parasite are species of Columbidae (doves and pigeons); here we carry out the first investigation into the presence and incidence of Trichomonas in four species of Columbidae in the UK, through live sampling of wild-caught birds and subsequent PCR. We report the first known UK cases of Trichomonas infection in 86% of European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur sampled, along with 86% of Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto, 47% of Woodpigeons Columba palumbus and 40% of Stock Doves Columba oenas. Birds were more likely to be infected if the farm provided supplementary food for gamebirds. We found three strains of T. gallinae and one strain clustering within the Trichomonas tenax clade, not previously associated with avian hosts in the UK. One T. gallinae strain was identical at the ITS/5.8S/ITS2 ribosomal region to that responsible for the finch trichomonosis epizootic. We highlight the importance of increasing our knowledge of the diversity and ecological implications of Trichomonas parasites in order further to understand the sub-clinical impacts of parasite infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology
  • Bird Diseases / parasitology*
  • Columbidae / parasitology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / chemistry
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Genetic Variation
  • Incidence
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / veterinary
  • Species Specificity
  • Trichomonas / classification
  • Trichomonas / genetics
  • Trichomonas / isolation & purification*
  • Trichomonas Infections / epidemiology
  • Trichomonas Infections / parasitology
  • Trichomonas Infections / veterinary*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer