RESUMO
Pathogens have traditionally been studied in isolation within host systems; yet in natural settings they frequently coexist. This raises questions about the dynamics of co-infections and how host life-history traits might predict co-infection versus single infection. To address these questions, we investigated the presence of two parasites, a gut parasite (Isospora coccidians) and a blood parasite (Plasmodium spp.), in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a common passerine bird in North America. We then correlated these parasitic infections with various health and condition metrics, including hematological parameters, plasma carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, blood glucose concentration, body condition, and prior disease history. Our study, based on 48 birds captured in Tempe, Arizona, US, in October 2021, revealed that co-infected birds exhibited elevated circulating lutein levels and a higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) compared to those solely infected with coccidia Isospora spp. This suggests that co-infected birds experience heightened stress and may use lutein to bolster immunity against both pathogens, and that there are potentially toxic effects of lutein in co-infected birds compared to those infected solely with coccidia Isospora sp. Our findings underscore the synergistic impact of coparasitism, emphasizing the need for more co-infection studies to enhance our understanding of disease dynamics in nature, as well as its implications for wildlife health and conservation efforts.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves , Coccidiose , Coinfecção , Tentilhões , Isospora , Malária Aviária , Plasmodium , Animais , Tentilhões/parasitologia , Coinfecção/veterinária , Coinfecção/parasitologia , Coinfecção/epidemiologia , Malária Aviária/epidemiologia , Malária Aviária/parasitologia , Malária Aviária/sangue , Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Doenças das Aves/sangue , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Coccidiose/veterinária , Coccidiose/epidemiologia , Coccidiose/parasitologia , Plasmodium/isolamento & purificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Arizona/epidemiologia , Masculino , FemininoRESUMO
Woodcreepers are passerines of the family Dendrocolaptidae, which have a high forest dependency. The current work aimed to redescribe Isospora striata McQuistion et al. 1997, from two new hosts in protected areas in Brazil, revealing new localities of parasitism, in addition to providing preliminary genotypic identifications via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene from both host species. Isospora striata has oocysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, 19.4 × 16.8 µm with smooth wall. Oocyst residuum is absent, but micropyle and polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.6 × 8.3 µm, with both Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum is present and sporozoites with refractile body, nucleus, and striations. The morphological study and the 100% similarity in sequencing of the COI gene between samples of different dendrocolaptid species confirmed the identification of a single species, supporting the identification of I. striata in the Brazilian Atlantic forest and consequently the wide distribution of this coccidian species in the Neotropical Region.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/fisiologia , Isosporíase/veterinária , Passeriformes/parasitologia , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , DNA de Protozoário/química , Isospora/classificação , Isospora/genética , Isospora/ultraestrutura , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Oocistos/citologia , Filogenia , Prevalência , Análise de Sequência de DNA/veterinária , Esporozoítos/citologiaRESUMO
In the current work, Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvão, Ferreira & Lopes, [10] is identified from white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818, rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 and from a new host, the yellow-legged thrush Turdus flavipes (Vieillot, 1818) in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. massardi of the current study are morphologically similar to the original description and are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species. Furthermore, a genotypic difference of 3% was found in the COI sequences from T. flavipes and T. albicollis. Therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometric and genotypic differences with an ongoing speciation process.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Animais , Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Isospora/citologia , Isospora/genética , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Oocistos/citologia , Oocistos/genética , Oocistos/isolamento & purificação , Prevalência , Aves CanorasRESUMO
In the current study, Isospora sagittulae McQuistion and Capparella, 1992 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from white-shouldered fire-eyes Pyriglena leucoptera (Vieillot, 1818) in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. To date, this coccidian species was described from antbirds in Ecuador and Brazilian Amazon. In this sense, oocysts and measurements of the description of I. sagittulae from Amazonian antbirds were required from the deposit for comparison between samples from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. The morphology was similar in all aspects, despite the polymorphism associated with the oocyst shape. DNA sequences for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) locus of the oocysts had similarity of 100%. Therefore, these strong morphological, molecular, and ecological equivalences ensure the unique identification of I. sagittulae. Finally, this finding reveals the wide distribution of I. sagittulae in the Neotropical region and indicates that other antbirds in the Brazilian Cerrado should disperse I. sagittulae to the Amazon and Atlantic Forest.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/classificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Equador/epidemiologia , Florestas , Geografia , Isospora/genética , Isospora/fisiologia , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Oocistos , Passeriformes , FilogeniaRESUMO
Despite 12 coccidian species had been recorded from passerines of the Thraupidae family, none of them has been reported in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, in Southeastern Brazil. This locality is a protected area with a high degree of vulnerability, and is considered a "conservation island" of biodiversity. The aim of the current work was describe Isospora ramphoceli Berto, Flausino, Luz, Ferreira, Lopes, 2010 from ruby-crowned tanagers Tachyphonus coronatus Vieillot, 1822 in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. The oocysts of I. ramphoceli are subspheroidal, 23.1 × 22.1 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal or ovoidal, 16.2 × 10.8 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and substieda body is large and homogeneous. Sporocyst residuum is composed of many scattered granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with a posterior refractile body and a nucleus. In addition to new locality, this is the first description of I. ramphoceli from T. coronatus.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/classificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Passeriformes/parasitologia , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologiaRESUMO
A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Isospora) is described parasitizing white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818; rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818; pale-breasted thrushes Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818; and yellow-legged thrushes Turdus flavipes Vieillot, 1818 from 3 different localities in Brazil. Isospora sabiai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspherical to ellipsoidal, 20.9 × 18.6 µm, with smooth, delicate, bilayered wall, â¼1.1 µm thick. Micropyle inconspicuous or imperceptible. Oocyst residuum absent, but small polar granules rounded or comma-shaped are present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal to reniform, 16.5 × 9.2 µm. The Stieda body is knob-like. Sub-Stieda body rounded to conical, sometimes homogeneous with the Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a cluster of numerous granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with 2 refractile bodies. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. sabiai n. sp. are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species; therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometrical patterns of the oocysts with the habits of the different species of thrushes. This is the seventh isosporoid coccidian reported from New World turdids.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/classificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Aves Canoras/parasitologia , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Ilhas/epidemiologia , Isospora/fisiologia , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Modelos Lineares , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Five of 16 (31%) rufous-capped warblers (Basileuterus rufifrons) and 2 of 5 (40%) ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla ) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a novel species of Isospora. Oocysts have a thin, smooth, double-layered, colorless wall and measure 22.3 µm ± 1.6 µm × 24.3 µm ± 1.5 µm (19-25 µm × 21-28 µm) with an average length-width (L/W) ratio of 1.0 (1-1.3). Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but 0-4 spherical to cigar-shaped polar granules (1-2.5 µm) are present. Sporocysts are ovoid and measure 11.8 µm ± 0.9 µm × 16 µm ± 1.7 µm (10-14 µm × 12-19 µm) with an average L/W ratio of 1.6 (1.0-1.9). A knob-like Stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall and a trapezoidal compartmentalized substieda body are present. Each sporocyst contained 4 sporozoites and a diffuse sporocyst residuum consisting of many variable-sized granules, some as large as 2 µm. This is the second description of an Isospora species in New World warblers (Passeriformes: Parulidae) and the first report of Isospora from both the rufous-capped warbler and ovenbird.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Aves Canoras/parasitologia , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Costa Rica/epidemiologia , Ecossistema , Isospora/classificação , Isospora/ultraestrutura , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Oocistos/ultraestrutura , PrevalênciaRESUMO
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review focuses on recent epidemiological and diagnostic advances in cystoisosporiasis and cyclosporiasis. RECENT FINDINGS: Continuous outbreaks of these parasites occur worldwide. Sporadic cases in the United States are travel acquired, but also domestically acquired. New molecular diagnostic methods allow for accurate early diagnosis in humans, and might potentially decrease the burden of disease by detecting these parasites in vehicles of transmission. SUMMARY: Better understanding of the epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis and to a less extent to Cystoisospora belli has been gained recently. However, several gaps still remain in knowledge on the transmission and on mechanisms of persistent infection in immunosuppressed patients and prevention. New molecular methods might help in filling these gaps and in controlling transmission.
Assuntos
Cyclospora/isolamento & purificação , Ciclosporíase/epidemiologia , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Humanos , Viagem , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Seven thrush species (Turdidae) from Costa Rica were examined for intestinal parasites; 21 of the 84 (25%) birds sampled were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora zorzali n. sp. have thin, smooth, double, and colorless walls; they measure 19.7 ± 1.5 µm × 18.6 ± 1.4 µm (16-24 µm × 15-21 µm), with an average length-width ratio of 1.1 µm. Sporocysts are ovoid, measure 8.5 ± 1.1 µm × 14.5 ± 1.7 µm (7-11 µm × 11-18 µm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.7 µm. A nipple-like stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall is present, but no substieda body was observed. A sporocyst residuum consisting of large equal sized granules was observed either clumped together or diffusely. The sporocysts fill the entire oocysts with little to no open space observed. This is the first report of Isospora species from any of the sampled host species and also the first report from any species of thrush in Costa Rica.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/classificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Aves Canoras/parasitologia , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Costa Rica/epidemiologia , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Isospora/ultraestrutura , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Two (33.3%) of 6 blue-crowned motmots (Momotus momota) sampled from Costa Rica were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora momotana n. sp. have a double, thick, yellow to orange, 2.3 microm +/- 0.5 microm (2-3 microm) wall, contain 1 to 3 globular polar granules (1-4 microm), are ovoid with heavy pitting on the outer surface, and measure 29.4 +/- 2.3 x 27.5 +/- 2.3 (25-33 x 23-31) with an average length:width ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.35). Sporocysts are ovoid, contain a residuum composed of large, equal-sized granules, and measure 19.4 +/- 1.3 x 12.2 +/- 1.1 (16-22 x 10-14) with an average length:width ratio of 1.6 (1.2-1.91). A small rounded stieda body, continuous with the sporocyst wall, and a prominent triangular substieda body are present. A second Isospora species was observed in 1 bird, but because only a few oocysts were present, a full description is not provided. This is the first report of coccidia from a motmot (Momotidae) and only the third Ispospora species described from the Coraciiformes.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Isospora/classificação , Isosporíase/veterinária , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Aves , Costa Rica/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Isospora/ultraestrutura , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Oocistos/ultraestrutura , PrevalênciaRESUMO
During a parasite survey, we collected data on the presence and distribution of feather mites, intestinal parasites, and blood parasites of small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa) from 4 islands in the Galapagos. We recorded 4 species of feather mites, with the most common species, Trouessartia geospiza, present on the majority (77% [308/400]) of individuals. Birds with high loads of T. geospiza came from larger islands and had higher body masses. We identified 3 species of intestinal Isospora (Isospora fragmenta, Isospora temeraria, and Isospora exigua) in fecal samples that showed a diurnal pattern of oocyst release. Among samples collected in the afternoon, infection prevalence was 61% (11/18), while only 0.5% (1/192) contained oocysts in the morning. We screened 40 individuals from one island (Isabela) for blood parasites using molecular markers. Although no parasites of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, or Plasmodium were detected, a high proportion of birds (80% [32/40]) had systemic Isospora spp. infections. A high infection prevalence (74% [20/27]), but low infection intensity, was confirmed using optical microscopy. This result could either be due to the detection of a previously unidentified systemic Isospora sp. parasite, or a result of the previously described Isospora spp. parasites causing systemic infections.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Plumas/parasitologia , Tentilhões/parasitologia , Enteropatias Parasitárias/veterinária , Isosporíase/veterinária , Infestações por Ácaros/veterinária , Animais , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Tamanho Corporal , Equador/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Enteropatias Parasitárias/epidemiologia , Enteropatias Parasitárias/parasitologia , Isospora/isolamento & purificação , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/parasitologia , Infestações por Ácaros/epidemiologia , Infestações por Ácaros/parasitologia , Parasitemia/epidemiologia , Parasitemia/parasitologia , Parasitemia/veterinária , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Patients with AIDS are particularly susceptible to infection with intestinal coccidia. In this study the prevalence of infections with Cryptosporidium sp and Cystoisospora belli were evaluated among HIV/AIDS patients in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil. Between July 1993 and June 2003 faecal samples from 359 patients were collected and stained by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, resulting in 19.7% of positivity for coccidian (8.6% with Cryptosporidium sp, 10.3% with Cystoisospora belli and 0.8% with both coccidian). Patients with diarrhoea and T CD4+ lymphocyte levels < or =200 cells/mm3 presented higher frequency of these protozoans, demonstrating the opportunistic profile of these infections and its relationship with the immunological status of the individual. It was not possible to determine the influence of HAART, since only 8.5% of the patients positive for coccidian received this therapy regularly. Parasitism by Cryptosporidium sp was more frequent between December and February and thus was characterised by a seasonal pattern of infection, which was not observed with Cystoisospora belli.
Assuntos
Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/epidemiologia , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/diagnóstico , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/imunologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Criptosporidiose/diagnóstico , Criptosporidiose/imunologia , Diarreia/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Humanos , Isosporíase/diagnóstico , Isosporíase/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Estações do AnoRESUMO
Patients with AIDS are particularly susceptible to infection with intestinal coccidia. In this study the prevalence of infections with Cryptosporidium sp and Cystoisospora belli were evaluated among HIV/AIDS patients in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil. Between July 1993 and June 2003 faecal samples from 359 patients were collected and stained by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, resulting in 19.7 percent of positivity for coccidian (8.6 percent with Cryptosporidium sp, 10.3 percent with Cystoisospora belli and 0.8 percent with both coccidian). Patients with diarrhoea and T CD4+ lymphocyte levels < 200 cells/mm3 presented higher frequency of these protozoans, demonstrating the opportunistic profile of these infections and its relationship with the immunological status of the individual. It was not possible to determine the influence of HAART, since only 8.5 percent of the patients positive for coccidian received this therapy regularly. Parasitism by Cryptosporidium sp was more frequent between December and February and thus was characterised by a seasonal pattern of infection, which was not observed with Cystoisospora belli.
Pacientes com AIDS são particularmente susceptíveis a infecção por coccídios intestinais e nesse estudo foi avaliada a freqüência de Cryptosporidium sp. e Cystoisospora belli entre pacientes HIV/AIDS na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Brasil. No período de julho de 1993 a junho de 2003, amostras de fezes de 359 pacientes foram submetidas à coloração pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen modificado, sendo detectada a presença de coccídios em 19,7 por cento destas (8,6 por cento de Cryptosporidium sp, 10,3 por cento de Cystoisospora belli e 0,8 por cento de ambos coccídios). Pacientes com diarréia e níveis de linfócitos T CD4+ < 200 células/mm3 apresentaram maior frequência destes protozoários, demonstrando o perfil oportunista destas infecções e a relação com o status imunológico do indivíduo. Não foi possível determinar a influência da HARRT, pois apenas 8,5 por cento dos pacientes positivos para coccídios fazriam uso regular desta terapia. Parasitismo por Cryptosporidium sp foi mais freqüente no período compreendido de dezembro a fevereiro caracterizando padrão sazonal desta infecção, fato não observado com Cystoisospora belli.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/epidemiologia , /imunologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Isosporíase/epidemiologia , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/diagnóstico , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/imunologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/diagnóstico , Criptosporidiose/imunologia , Diarreia/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Isosporíase/diagnóstico , Isosporíase/imunologia , Prevalência , Estações do AnoRESUMO
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of isosporiasis and its clinical and laboratory pattern in Venezuelan patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (n = 397). At enrollment, they underwent a thorough clinical history and physical examination, and provided stool specimens for the identification of Isospora belli and other parasites. Isospora belli was identified in 56 subjects (14%) and diarrhea, either acute or chronic, was present in 98% of these cases (P < 0.001). Eosinophilia was strongly associated with isosporiasis (P = 0.01). It was also found that the presence of eosinophilia was more common in I. belli-infected patients without weight loss (P < 0.001). Twenty-six (81.25%) subjects with I. belli infection had CD4+ cell counts < 200 cells/mm3 (P = 0.03). In addition, the data and its description shows the association to be < 100 cells/mm3. This infection seems to be seasonal because the recovery of oocysts occurred mainly in months with significant rainfall. In fact, isosporiasis should be suspected in HIV-infected patients from tropical countries with diarrhea, weight loss, eosinophilia, and low CD4+ cell counts.