ArticleFrontiers in parasitology2025
Physiological, environmental, and life-history drivers of haemosporidian infections in non-passerine birds from a rehabilitation center.
Article in Frontiers in parasitology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: Pathogens and parasites play a crucial role in shaping ecological and evolutionary processes, influencing the behavior, physiology, and survival of their hosts across diverse ecosystems. Despite their taxonomic and functional diversity, non-passerine birds remain underrepresented in pathogen/parasite ecological research, providing an opportunity to explore how their unique life histories influence host-parasite dynamics. Investigating the susceptibility of non-passerines to infections, particularly in relation to physiological stress indicators such as heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratios and microhematocrit levels, offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between health state, environmental conditions, and disease dynamics. Methods: We evaluated the occurrence of haemosporidian parasite (avian malaria) infections (Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp.) in individuals from six non-passerine bird species - Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata), Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus), Yellow-headed Caracara ( Results: Of the 75 individuals analyzed, 37% were infected with haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. combined). Age was a significant predictor of haemosporidian infection, with adults exhibiting higher overall haemosporidian parasite occurrence (both Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. together), likely due to age-related chronic infection accumulation or higher mortality among infected juveniles. Also, individuals infected with Haemoproteus spp. only showed elevated H/L ratios, suggesting a physiological response to infection, and were more frequently infected during the rainy season, likely reflecting optimal vector conditions. No significant associations were observed between blood-parasite infection occurrence and other factors such as physical condition, major injuries, co-occurring Trichomonas spp., or the presence of ectoparasites. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of considering physiological, environmental, and life-history factors when investigating malaria infections in non-passerine birds. By advancing our understanding of host-parasite interactions in these underrepresented species, this study contributes valuable knowledge to inform conservation, rehabilitation, and wildlife-management strategies for these less-studied birds.
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