Latitudinal gradients of haemosporidian parasites: prevalence, diversity and drivers of infection in the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda)

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Elfego Cuevas, Juliana A. Vianna, Esteban Botero-Delgadillo, Daniela Doussang, Daniel González-Acuña, Omar Barroso, Ricardo Rozzi, Rodrigo A. Vásquez, Verónica QuiriciAbstractLatitudinal gradients are well-suited systems that may be helpful explaining distribution of haemosporidian parasites and host susceptibility. We studied the prevalence, diversity and drivers of haemosporidian parasites (Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) along a latitudinal gradient (30°-56° S), that encompass the total distribution (∼3,000 km) of the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) in the South American temperate forests from Chile. We analyzed 516 individuals from 18 localities between 2010-2017 and observed an overall prevalence of 28.3% for haemosporidian parasites. Leucocytozoon was the most prevalent parasite (25.8%). We recorded 19 distinct lineages (13 for Leucocytozoon, five for Plasmodium, and one for Haemoproteus). Differences in haemosporidian prevalence and diversity by genus and type of habitat were observed in the latitudinal gradient. Further, we support the existence of a latitudinal associate distribution of Leucocytozoids in South America, where prevalence and diversity increase toward higher latitudes. Distribution of Leucocytozoon was associated with sub-antarctic habitat (higher latitude) and explained by cold temperature ...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research