Nested cytochrome B polymerase chain reaction diagnostics underestimate mixed infections of avian blood haemosporidian parasites: Microscopy is still essential
Author
Summary, in English
Numerous polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods have been developed and used increasingly to screen vertebrate blood samples for the diagnosis of haemosporidian blood parasites (Sporozoa, Haemosporida), but a rigorous evaluation of the sensitivity of these methods for detecting mixed infections of different haemosporidian species belonging to the same and different genera and subgenera is lacking. This study links the information obtained by nested cytochrome b PCR and traditional microscopy in determining mixed haemosporidian infections in naturally infected birds. Samples from 83 individual passerine birds with single infections of Haemoproteus or Plasmodium spp., as determined by mitochondrial DNA amplification, also were investigated by microscopic examination of stained blood films. Thirty-six samples (43%) were found to harbor mixed Haemoproteus, or Plasmodium spp. infections, or both. Thus, the PCR assays alone underestimate the Occurrence of mixed infections of haemosporidian parasites in naturally infected birds. To determine the true species composition of the haemosporidians in each individual host, PCR diagnostics need to be improved. Specific primers for Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp. should be developed. Ideally, a combination of the approaches of both microscopy and PCR-based methods is recommended for this purpose.
Department/s
Publishing year
2006
Language
English
Pages
418-422
Publication/Series
The Journal of Parasitology
Volume
92
Issue
2
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
American Society of Parasitologists
Topic
- Biological Sciences
Status
Published
Project
- Malaria in birds
Research group
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0022-3395