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.

Keywords: Apicomplexa; Avian malaria; Birds of prey; Iran; Migratory water birds; Mosquito-borne diseases; Poultries.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Diversity of reported lineages in the same hosts in the current study. Frequency and diversity of available lineages of each continent are given from A to C. Plasmodium (A), Haemoproteus (B) and Leucocytozoon (C). The Y axis is the geographic locations (continents) and the X axis is the frequency of known lineages around the world.

Fig. 1

Diversity of reported lineages in the same hosts in the current study. Frequency and diversity of available lineages of each continent are given from A to C. Plasmodium (A), Haemoproteus (B) and Leucocytozoon (C). The Y axis is the geographic locations (continents) and the X axis is the frequency of known lineages around the world.

Fig. 1

Diversity of reported lineages in the same hosts in the current study. Frequency and diversity of available lineages of each continent are given from A to C. Plasmodium (A), Haemoproteus (B) and Leucocytozoon (C). The Y axis is the geographic locations (continents) and the X axis is the frequency of known lineages around the world.

Fig. 2

Bayesian tree reconstructed using 478-bp mitochondrial cytb gene for avian blood parasites lineages. The amplified sequences in the current study are highlighted in bold. Posterior probability support of >0.8 is displayed for each branch. Schematic tree is summarized in section A and separated clade for each genus is given in sections of B (Plasmodium), C (Haemoproteus), and D (Leucocytozoon).

Fig. 2

Bayesian tree reconstructed using 478-bp mitochondrial cytb gene for avian blood parasites lineages. The amplified sequences in the current study are highlighted in bold. Posterior probability support of >0.8 is displayed for each branch. Schematic tree is summarized in section A and separated clade for each genus is given in sections of B (Plasmodium), C (Haemoproteus), and D (Leucocytozoon).

Fig. 2

Bayesian tree reconstructed using 478-bp mitochondrial cytb gene for avian blood parasites lineages. The amplified sequences in the current study are highlighted in bold. Posterior probability support of >0.8 is displayed for each branch. Schematic tree is summarized in section A and separated clade for each genus is given in sections of B (Plasmodium), C (Haemoproteus), and D (Leucocytozoon).

Fig. 2

Bayesian tree reconstructed using 478-bp mitochondrial cytb gene for avian blood parasites lineages. The amplified sequences in the current study are highlighted in bold. Posterior probability support of >0.8 is displayed for each branch. Schematic tree is summarized in section A and separated clade for each genus is given in sections of B (Plasmodium), C (Haemoproteus), and D (Leucocytozoon).

Fig. 3

Median joining haplotype network of Haemoproteus lineages. Detected sequences in this study are in bold.