Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany
Birds are hosts to a diverse assemblage of vector-transmitted haemosporidian parasites. However, the true genetic diversity and many host–parasite interactions are still unknown, particularly in under-represented species groups such as wild doves and pigeons (Columbiformes). In this study, we examin...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Yvonne R. Schumm Celine Frank Uta Gerz Hannes Ruß Benjamin Metzger Petra Quillfeldt |
| author_facet | Yvonne R. Schumm Celine Frank Uta Gerz Hannes Ruß Benjamin Metzger Petra Quillfeldt |
| author_sort | Yvonne R. Schumm |
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| description | Birds are hosts to a diverse assemblage of vector-transmitted haemosporidian parasites. However, the true genetic diversity and many host–parasite interactions are still unknown, particularly in under-represented species groups such as wild doves and pigeons (Columbiformes). In this study, we examined the prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian genera <i>Plasmodium</i>, <i>Leucocytozoon</i>, and <i>Haemoproteus</i> in three species of wild columbids, sampled in Germany. Examinations were performed by applying molecular methods (nested PCR and one-step multiplex PCR) and blood smear examination, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In the case of the European Turtle Dove <i>Streptopelia turtur</i>, samples were collected along a west–east gradient throughout Germany, covering migratory birds from the Western and Central-Eastern flyway of this species. Although no infection was detected in the Stock Dove <i>Columba oenas</i> samples, 53% of Turtle Dove and 86% of Common Woodpigeon <i>Columba palumbus</i> harbored a parasite of at least one haemosporidian genus, revealing previously unknown lineage–host interactions. We were not able to demonstrate a correlation between infection status (presence or absence of infection based on PCR results) and parasitemia with condition based on the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio). Neither lineage occurrence nor prevalence of infection followed any geographically specific patterns. Thus, haemosporidian lineages found in Turtle Doves could not be used as a marker of geographic origin that would allow the tracking of their nonbreeding distribution. |
| format | Article |
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| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Microorganisms |
| spelling | doaj-art-a30b5be53bd44bb881fb8772ae89cfb72025-08-20T02:21:06ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-06-01136130510.3390/microorganisms13061305Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from GermanyYvonne R. Schumm0Celine Frank1Uta Gerz2Hannes Ruß3Benjamin Metzger4Petra Quillfeldt5Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, GermanyDepartment of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, GermanyDepartment of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, GermanyDepartment of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, GermanyIndependent Researcher, 26/1 Immaculate Conception Street, GZR 1141 Gzira, MaltaDepartment of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, GermanyBirds are hosts to a diverse assemblage of vector-transmitted haemosporidian parasites. However, the true genetic diversity and many host–parasite interactions are still unknown, particularly in under-represented species groups such as wild doves and pigeons (Columbiformes). In this study, we examined the prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian genera <i>Plasmodium</i>, <i>Leucocytozoon</i>, and <i>Haemoproteus</i> in three species of wild columbids, sampled in Germany. Examinations were performed by applying molecular methods (nested PCR and one-step multiplex PCR) and blood smear examination, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In the case of the European Turtle Dove <i>Streptopelia turtur</i>, samples were collected along a west–east gradient throughout Germany, covering migratory birds from the Western and Central-Eastern flyway of this species. Although no infection was detected in the Stock Dove <i>Columba oenas</i> samples, 53% of Turtle Dove and 86% of Common Woodpigeon <i>Columba palumbus</i> harbored a parasite of at least one haemosporidian genus, revealing previously unknown lineage–host interactions. We were not able to demonstrate a correlation between infection status (presence or absence of infection based on PCR results) and parasitemia with condition based on the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio). Neither lineage occurrence nor prevalence of infection followed any geographically specific patterns. Thus, haemosporidian lineages found in Turtle Doves could not be used as a marker of geographic origin that would allow the tracking of their nonbreeding distribution.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/6/1305avian hostblood parasite infectionH/L ratiohaemosporidian lineageEuropean Turtle Dove |
| spellingShingle | Yvonne R. Schumm Celine Frank Uta Gerz Hannes Ruß Benjamin Metzger Petra Quillfeldt Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany Microorganisms avian host blood parasite infection H/L ratio haemosporidian lineage European Turtle Dove |
| title | Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany |
| title_full | Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany |
| title_fullStr | Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany |
| title_full_unstemmed | Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany |
| title_short | Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Three Wild Columbids from Germany |
| title_sort | avian haemosporidian parasites in three wild columbids from germany |
| topic | avian host blood parasite infection H/L ratio haemosporidian lineage European Turtle Dove |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/6/1305 |
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