Description and molecular characterization of a new Leucocytozoon parasite (Haemosporida: Leucocytozoidae), Leucocytozoon californicus sp. nov., found in American kestrels (Falco sparverius sparverius)

Parasitology Research
Erika L WaltherRavinder N M Sehgal

Abstract

Diurnal raptors in the order Accipitriformes are commonly parasitized with Leucocytozoon spp., and the prevalence and intensity of parasitemia are often high. However, for raptors in Falconiformes, several studies have reported relatively low prevalences (1 % or less) of Leucocytozoon spp. Leucocytozoon parasite pathogenicity has been documented in falcons, but little is known about the diversity, prevalence, and phylogenetic relationships among Leucocytozoon species in these predatory birds. The research reported here combines molecular and microscopic techniques to identify and describe Leucocytozoon parasites in Falco sparverius sparverius, the American kestrel, and place those parasites into a phylogenetic context with leucocytozoids previously found in other diurnal raptors (Accipitriformes), owls (Strigiformes), passerines (Passeriformes), and other bird species. Of 35 American kestrels sampled, 13 birds (37.1 %) were found by PCR to harbor the DNA lineage of a novel species, Leucocytozoon californicus. No other Leucocytozoon parasite lineages were identified in our sample. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this parasite clusters more closely with leucocytozoids found in owls and passerines than it does with leucocytozo...Continue Reading

References

May 1, 1977·Canadian Journal of Zoology·E C Greiner, A A Kocan
Oct 5, 1990·Journal of Molecular Biology·S F AltschulD J Lipman
Dec 1, 1996·Computer Applications in the Biosciences : CABIOS·N GaltierC Gautier
Aug 29, 2001·Bioinformatics·J P Huelsenbeck, F Ronquist
May 25, 2002·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Robert E Ricklefs, Sylvia M Fallon
Aug 29, 2002·The Journal of Parasitology·F Alexander RichardThomas B Smith
Nov 19, 2002·The Journal of Parasitology·Susan L Perkins, Jos J Schall
Aug 13, 2003·Bioinformatics·Fredrik Ronquist, John P Huelsenbeck
Feb 18, 2004·Systematic Biology·Johan A A NylanderJosé Luis Nieves-Aldrey
Feb 18, 2004·Systematic Biology·Robert E RicklefsEldredge Bermingham
Sep 3, 2004·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Staffan BenschOlof Hellgren
Apr 12, 2006·Parasite : Journal De La Société Française De Parasitologie·W Tarello
May 30, 2006·The Journal of Parasitology·Ravinder N M SehgalLisa A Tell
Mar 30, 2007·Molecular Ecology·Olof HellgrenStaffan Bensch
Apr 23, 2008·Current Protocols in Bioinformatics·James C Wilgenbusch, David Swofford
Jun 26, 2008·The Journal of Parasitology·Gediminas ValkiunasStaffan Bensch
Jun 28, 2008·Science·Shannon J HackettTamaki Yuri
Jul 9, 2008·The Journal of Parasitology·O KroneS Bensch
Sep 12, 2008·Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society·Bradley C Livezey, Richard L Zusi
Oct 2, 2014·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Robert E RicklefsSteven Latta
Feb 18, 2015·Molecular Ecology·Nayden ChakarovJoseph I Hoffman
Sep 15, 2015·Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·Janus BornerThorsten Burmester

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.