Haemoproteosis lethality in a woodpecker, with molecular and morphological characterization of Haemoproteus velans (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae). (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Groff, Tierra C.; Lorenz, Teresa J.; Crespo, Rocio; Iezhova, Tatjana; Valkiūnas, Gediminas; Sehgal, Ravinder N.M.
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 10(2019)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Haemoproteus velans -- Molecular and morphological characterization -- Mortality -- Picidae -- White-headed woodpecker -- Radio-tagging; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Animals -- Periodicals; Wildlife diseases -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Animals, Wild -- Periodicals; Animals; Parasites; Parasitology; Wildlife diseases; Periodicals; 591.7857
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2244

Abstract

Abstract: A juvenile White-headed woodpecker ( Dryobates albolarvatus ) fitted with a radio tag was located dead at approximately 22-days post-fledging in Yakima county in central Washington in July 2015. Postmortem examination revealed an enlarged liver and spleen plus evidence of iron sequestration. Microscopic examination observed young gametocytes within the cytoplasm of erythrocytes, and exo-erythrocytic meronts within the cytoplasm of capillary endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and myocytes, and free in the tissues. These attributes implicated a haemosporidian infection that likely resulted in mortality. Subsequent sampling results of local woodpecker species in the same area during the breeding season in June–July 2016 and May–July 2017 showed other individuals infected with Haemoproteus parasites. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing, and microscopic analyses for avian haemosporidians revealed infections with Haemoproteus velans (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae). This parasite was characterized molecularly and morphologically. This is the first report of a haemosporidian infection in a White-headed woodpecker anywhere in its range, and the first reported suspected mortality from haemoproteosis for a woodpecker (Piciformes, Picidae). The use of radio-tagged birds is an asset in wildlife haemosporidian studies because the effect of the pathogen can be monitored in real time. Additionally, this methodology provides opportunities to collect fresh material for microscopic and histological examination from wild birds that have died from natural causes. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Radio-tagged juvenile White-headed woodpecker found shortly after death. Necropsy revealed likely died from complications of an avian haemosporidian, Haemoproteus velans, infection. Haemoproteus genus not thought to cause mortality in wild birds. First molecular characterization of H. velans and new morphological characterization. Avian haemosporidian infections increase in severity as climate change affects imperiled species.