Author/Authors :
NOURANI, Leila Dept. of Biology - Faculty of Science - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , ALIABADIAN, Mansour Dept. of Biology - Faculty of Science - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , DINPARAST DJADID, Navid Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG) - Biotechnology Research Center (BRC) - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran , MIRSHAMSI, Omid Dept. of Biology - Faculty of Science - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Avian haemosporidians are able to parasitize numerous bird species
all over the world. The extensive range of blood parasites infection rate is between
50% and 100% or less percentage. Haemoparasites with major effects on physiology,
ecology, health, population dynamics, sexual selection and production success
of avian hosts may promote species extinction.
Methods: To evaluate haemosporidians infection rate in Iranian birds, 136 individuals
were examined by microscopic observation of stained blood smears under
light microscope. These samples belonged to 10 different families of Songbirds
from the east of Iran from April to August 2014-2016.
Results: Fifty-one passerine birds were detected as harboring Haemoproteus spp.
Furthermore, we recorded Haemoproteus spp. infection of Granativora bruniceps, Oenanthe
pleschanka for the first time in the world and eight more species for Iran.
Conclusion: Age and sampling localities do not influence the infection rate of
Haemoproteus spp. from the eastern provinces of Iran. The relative high infection of
avian haematozoa revealed this region might provide suitable sites for future studies
on these parasites and the relationship with their hosts and vectors.
Keywords :
Haemoproteidae , Plasmodium , Blood parasites , Passeriformes
