Feather mites and internal parasites in small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa, Emberizidae) from the Galapagos Islands (Equador).
J Parasitol
; 95(1): 39-45, 2009 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19245281
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.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Enfermedades de las Aves
/
Isosporiasis
/
Pinzones
/
Plumas
/
Parasitosis Intestinales
/
Infestaciones por Ácaros
Tipo de estudio:
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
America do sul
/
Ecuador
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Parasitol
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suecia
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos