Accessibility / Report Error

Coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with notes on Avispora bubonis in Old World

Coccídios parasitas de aves em centros de reabilitação em Portugal, com notas sobre Avispora bubonis no Velho Mundo

Abstract

Portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. Coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. In this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. Eighty-nine wild birds of 9 orders and 11 families were sampled, of which 22 (25%) were positive for Coccidia. Avispora spp. were found in raptors. Sporocysts of Sarcocystinae subfamily were recovered from owls. An Isospora sp. was found in Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758, and an Eimeria sp. was found in Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Among the coccidian species, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) can be highlighted. The finding of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.

Keywords:
Morphology; taxonomy; ecology; Coccidia; oocysts; raptors

Resumo

Portugal possui alguns centros de reabilitação de animais silvestres, responsáveis ​​pela reabilitação e reintrodução de aves, entre outros animais, na natureza. Os coccídios parasitas dessas aves silvestres em centros de reabilitação são especialmente importantes porque esses centros podem introduzir espécies de coccídios em novos ambientes através da reintrodução de seus respectivos hospedeiros. Neste contexto, o presente estudo visou identificar coccídios intestinais de aves silvestres em dois centros de reabilitação de animais silvestres localizados em dois municípios de Portugal. Oitenta e nove aves silvestres de 9 ordens e 11 famílias foram amostradas, das quais 22 (25%) foram positivas para coccídios. Avispora spp. foram encontradas em aves de rapina. Esporocistos de coccídios da subfamilia Sarcocystinae foram encontrados em corujas. Uma Isospora sp. foi encontrada em Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 e uma Eimeria sp. foi encontrada em Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Entre as espécies de coccídios, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) pode ser destacada. O encontro dessa espécie indica que a transmissão de coccídios do Novo Mundo para o Velho Mundo pode estar ocorrendo, potencialmente através da dispersão por Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) pelas regiões árticas ou por meio de atividades antrópicas, e/ou através de outros mecanismos desconhecidos.

Palavras-chave:
Morfologia; taxonomia; ecologia; Coccidia; oocistos; aves de rapina

Introduction

Avian coccidiosis is a predominantly intestinal disease caused by obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa belonging to the subclass Coccidia (BERTO et al., 2014aBerto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001. PMid:24728354.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014...
; RUGGIERO et al., 2015Ruggiero MA, Gordon DP, Orrell TM, Bailly N, Bourgoin T, Brusca RC, et al. Correction: a higher level classification of all living organisms. PLoS One 2015; 10(6): e0130114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130114. PMid:26068874.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0...
). Over recent years, reports and descriptions of species of Coccidia have become relatively frequent. Duszynski et al. (2004)Duszynski DW, Upton SJ, Couch L. The Coccidia of the world [online]. 2004 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/...
validated and grouped hundreds of species that have been found in several families and orders of the subclass Aves. However, many of these species need to be redescribed or better characterized in order to provide efficient and reliable identification in other hosts (DUSZYNSKI et al., 2004Duszynski DW, Upton SJ, Couch L. The Coccidia of the world [online]. 2004 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/...
; BERTO et al., 2011Berto BP, Flausino W, McIntosh D, Teixeira-Filho WL, Lopes CWG. Coccidia of New World passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes): a review of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 2011; 80(3): 159-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-9317-8. PMid:22002022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-931...
). Another difficulty associated with identification of these species is host specificity. According to Duszynski et al. (2004)Duszynski DW, Upton SJ, Couch L. The Coccidia of the world [online]. 2004 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/...
, Berto et al. (2011)Berto BP, Flausino W, McIntosh D, Teixeira-Filho WL, Lopes CWG. Coccidia of New World passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes): a review of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 2011; 80(3): 159-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-9317-8. PMid:22002022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-931...
and the publications validated by these authors, Coccidia are specific at the family level of the host bird. However, new classifications in the subclass Aves are often suggested, especially in the order Passeriformes, because their families have been regrouped (CBRO, 2014Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos – CBRO. Listas das aves do Brasil [online]. 2014 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://www.cbro.org.br
http://www.cbro.org.br...
; DEL HOYO et al., 2016delHoyo J, Collar NJ, Christie DA, Elliott A, Fishpool LDC, Boesman P, et al. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Barcelona and Cambridge: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International; 2016.; BRANDS, 2018Brands SJ. The Taxonomicon & Systema Naturae 2000 [online]. Zwaag: Universal Taxonomic Services; 2018 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://taxonomicon.taxonomy.nl
http://taxonomicon.taxonomy.nl...
).

Other factors that need to be considered in the specific identification of Coccidia of birds include: (1) the geographic ranges of the wild birds; (2) breeding of exotic birds near wild areas; (3) the legal trade and, especially, the illegal trade of wild birds, which, in addition to transporting birds and their coccidians, favors transmission due to the large quantities of oocysts that are shed from stressed or immunosuppressed birds that are victims of maltreatment; and (4) practices at rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which may fail to identify or quantify coccidians and may reintroduce birds that are shedding large quantities of oocysts, into environments other than their original ones (BERTO & LOPES, 2013Berto BP, Lopes CWG. Distribution and Dispersion of Coccidia in Wild Passerines of the Americas. In: Ruiz L, Iglesias F. Birds: evolution and behavior, breeding strategies, migration and spread of disease. New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013. p. 47-66.).

Portugal is a potentially favorable country for a study model in this regard, since it has birds that have previously been described as hosts of several coccidian species, both in the wild and in captivity/breeding (BERTO et al., 2014bBerto BP, Cardozo SV, Gomes L, Fonseca IP, Lopes CWG. Sarcocystis sporocysts from the common barn-owl Tyto alba in Portugal. Acta Parasitol Port 2014b; 20(1-2): 61-64.; CARDOZO et al., 2015Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Fonseca IP, Tomás A, Thode FRPB, Lopes CWG. Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal. Syst Parasitol 2015; 92(2): 171-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z. PMid:26358076.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-959...
, 2016Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Fonseca IPD, Lopes CWG. Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2016; 25(2): 202-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016030. PMid:27334821.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016...
, 2017Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Santos M, Fonseca IPD, et al. Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the little owl, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2017; 26(3): 348-351. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017053. PMid:28977249.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017...
). In this context, the aim of the current study was to identify coccidian species that were recovered from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. The study also aimed to address the possibilities and potentialities of transmission and dispersion of coccidians between hosts of the same family and/or hosts that are phylogenetically and ecologically close.

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 80 birds that were kept in individual cages for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild at the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery (Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres de Lisboa, LxCRAS), in Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. In addition, samples were also collected from nine birds that were kept under these same conditions at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Centre of Ria Formosa (Centro de Recuperação e Investigação de Animais Selvagens – Associação ALDEIA, RIAS-ALDEIA), Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal. The samples were collected immediately after defecation and were placed in plastic vials containing 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) solution at 1:6 (v/v). In the laboratory, the samples were incubated at room temperature for 10 days. The oocysts were recovered by means of flotation in Sheather’s sugar solution (specific gravity: 1.20). Morphological observations, photomicrographs and measurements were made using an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with a digital camera (Olympus DP10). All measurements were made in micrometers and are given as the mean followed by the range in parentheses. The descriptions of oocysts and sporocysts followed the guidelines of Duszynski & Wilber (1997)Duszynski DW, Wilber P. A guideline for the preparation of species descriptions in the Eimeriidae. J Parasitol 1997; 83(2): 333-336. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3284470. PMid:9105325.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3284470...
and Berto et al. (2014a)Berto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001. PMid:24728354.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014...
.

Results and Discussion

Distribution of Coccidia into orders, families and species

Birds of 9 orders and 11 distinct families were sampled (Table 1). Raptors (orders Accipitriformes, Falconiformes and Strigiformes) were the most representative in terms of both numbers of species (61%; 11/18) and specimens (78%; 69/89). The order with the greatest diversity of species sampled was Accipitriformes (28%; 5/18), followed by the orders Strigiformes (22%; 4/18) and Falconiformes (11%; 2/18). Falconiformes (31%; 28/89) and Strigiformes (31%; 28/89) were the most representative orders in terms of the numbers of specimens sampled, followed by the order Accipitriformes (15%; 13/89).

Table 1
Prevalence of coccidian parasites among birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals in mainland Portugal, organized by order, family and species.

The current study emphasizes the finding that raptors predominate among the birds held at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, given that Tomás et al. (2017)Tomás A, Rebelo MT, Fonseca P. Occurrence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of wild birds from Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Centre of Ria Formosa in southern Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 2017; 8(1): 13-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.12.008.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.1...
also predominantly sampled raptors for a parasitic helminth survey. In contrast, in the New World, especially in the Neotropical region, Psittaciformes and Passeriformes are the predominant birds held at rehabilitation centers because of their beauty and vocalization and, consequently, the frequent seizures of these birds from illegal trading (BERTO & LOPES, 2013Berto BP, Lopes CWG. Distribution and Dispersion of Coccidia in Wild Passerines of the Americas. In: Ruiz L, Iglesias F. Birds: evolution and behavior, breeding strategies, migration and spread of disease. New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013. p. 47-66.).

The total numbers of birds sampled, along with their prevalences according to order, family and species, are shown in Table 1. Among the 11 different families of birds to which the specimens that were sampled belonged, only those in the families Falconidae (Falconiformes), Rallidae (Gruiformes), Turdidae (Passeriformes), Strigidae and Tytonidae (Strigiformes) shed oocysts of Coccidia. These oocysts were initially non-sporulated but sporulated within 10 days after collection, with the exception of the oocysts/sporocysts of Sarcocystidae which were shed sporulated. No birds of the orders Accipitriformes, Caprimulgiformes, Charadriiformes, Ciconiiformes or Pelecaniformes were positive for Coccidia. The highest prevalences of Coccidia were observed in the families Strigidae and Tytonidae of the order Strigiformes (54%; 15/28), after disregarding those families in which only one bird was sampled, and this was positive.

As expected, the genera Avispora Schuster, Woo, Poon, Lau, Sivakumar, Kinne, 2016, Frenkelia Biocca, 1968, and Sarcocystis Lankester, 1882, presented the highest prevalence, since the birds sampled were predominantly raptors. Transmission of these coccidian genera depends on predation (Frenkelia or Sarcocystis) or is facilitated by it (Avispora). Thus, the predominance of these coccidians can be correlated with the predominance of the raptors (birds of prey). In contrast, Eimeria Schneider, 1875, and Isospora Schneider, 1881, which are coccidians with direct transmission (fecal-oral), were less frequent because of the small samples of Passeriformes and Gruiformes (BERTO et al., 2014aBerto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001. PMid:24728354.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014...
; SCHUSTER et al., 2016Schuster RK, Woo PC, Poon RW, Lau SK, Sivakumar S, Kinne J. Chlamydotis macqueenii and C. undulata (Aves: Otididae) are new hosts for Caryospora megafalconis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and proposal of the genus Avispora gen. nov. Parasitol Res 2016; 115(11): 4389-4395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5224-x. PMid:27515371.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-522...
).

Falconidae

Two different species from the family Falconidae were sampled: the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni Fleischer, 1818 and the common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758. Only the common kestrels were positive for a coccidian species, which was identified as Avispora peneireiroi (Cardozo, Berto, Caetano, Maniero, Fonseca, Lopes, 2016). Its oocysts (Figure 1A) were described by Cardozo et al. (2016)Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Fonseca IPD, Lopes CWG. Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2016; 25(2): 202-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016030. PMid:27334821.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016...
as ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall. They measured (n = 20) 47.1 (42-49) × 37.6 (34-40) μm, with a shape index of 1.25 (1.2-1.4). No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring (n = 20) 25.1 (24-27) × 24.3 (24-25) μm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of many homogenous globules scattered throughout the periphery of the sporocyst. Sporozoites without striations discernible, but with one spherical refractile body and a nucleus.

Figure 1
Photomicrographs of sporulated oocysts and sporocysts of Avispora peneireiroi from Falco tinnunculus (A), Eimeria paludosa from Fulica atra (B-C), Isospora lusitanensis from Turdus merula (D), Sarcocystid sporocyst from Tyto alba (E), Avispora mochogalegoi from Athene noctua (F) and Avispora bubonis from Bubo bubo (G-I). Sheather’s sugar solution. Note the conoid (con), micropyle (m), polar granule (pg), refractile body (rb), Stieda body (sb), sub-Stieda body (ssb), sporocyst residuum (sr) and sporozoite (sz). Bars: 10 µm.

This species was originally described in the genus Caryospora Leger, 1904 (CARDOZO et al., 2016Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Fonseca IPD, Lopes CWG. Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2016; 25(2): 202-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016030. PMid:27334821.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016...
). However, after the work of Schuster et al. (2016)Schuster RK, Woo PC, Poon RW, Lau SK, Sivakumar S, Kinne J. Chlamydotis macqueenii and C. undulata (Aves: Otididae) are new hosts for Caryospora megafalconis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and proposal of the genus Avispora gen. nov. Parasitol Res 2016; 115(11): 4389-4395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5224-x. PMid:27515371.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-522...
, all species of Caryospora that had been recorded in raptors were taxonomically transferred to the genus Avispora, based on the morphological, biological and molecular differences in Caryospora spp. between raptors and reptiles (UPTON et al., 1990Upton SJ, Campbell TW, Weigel M, McKown RD. The Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa) of raptors: Review of the literature and description of new species of the genera Caryospora and Eimeria. Can J Zool 1990; 68(6): 1256-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187...
; BERTO et al., 2014aBerto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001. PMid:24728354.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014...
; SCHUSTER et al., 2016Schuster RK, Woo PC, Poon RW, Lau SK, Sivakumar S, Kinne J. Chlamydotis macqueenii and C. undulata (Aves: Otididae) are new hosts for Caryospora megafalconis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and proposal of the genus Avispora gen. nov. Parasitol Res 2016; 115(11): 4389-4395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5224-x. PMid:27515371.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-522...
).

Rallidae

From the family Rallidae, only one common coot (Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758), was sampled, but it was positive for a coccidian species identified as Eimeria paludosa (Leger, Hesse, 1922). This coccidian was originally described in France, from this same host species (F. atra) and from common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus Linnaeus, 1758) (LEGER & HESSE, 1922Leger L, Hesse E. Coccidie d’oiseaux palustres, le genre Jarrina n. g. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D 1922; 174: 74-77.). After a few decades, McAllister & Upton (1990)McAllister CT, Upton SJ. Description of the oocysts of Eimeria paludosa (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Fulica americana (Aves: Gruiformes), with comments on synonyms of eimerian species from related birds. J Parasitol 1990; 76(1): 27-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3282622. PMid:2299523.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3282622...
redescribed this same species from American coots (Fulica americana Gmelin, 1789). Recently, Yang et al. (2014)Yang R, Brice B, Elloit A, Lee E, Ryan U. Morphological and molecular characterization of Eimeria paludosa coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in a dusky moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa, Gould, 1846) in Australia. Exp Parasitol 2014; 147(1): 16-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.010. PMid:25448356.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2014...
identified it genotypically from dusky moorhens (Gallinula tenebrosa Gould, 1846) in Australia.

In addition to this species, five other Eimeria spp. were recorded from Rallidae: (1) Eimeria bragini Dzerzhinskii & Kairooaev, 1989; (2) Eimeria mongolica Matschoulsky, 1941; (3) Eimeria porphyrulae Lainson, 1994; (4) Eimeria crecis Jeanes, Vaughan-Higgins, Green, Sainsbury, Marshall, Blake, 2013; and (5) Eimeria nenei (DUSZYNSKI et al., 2004Duszynski DW, Upton SJ, Couch L. The Coccidia of the world [online]. 2004 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/...
; JEANES et al., 2013Jeanes C, Vaughan-Higgins R, Green RE, Sainsbury AW, Marshall RN, Blake DP. Two new Eimeria species parasitic in corncrakes (Crex crex) (Gruiformes: Rallidae) in the United Kingdom. J Parasitol 2013; 99(4): 634-638. http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/12-52.1. PMid:23347228.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/12-52.1...
). However, E. paludosa has striking characteristic features that easily enabled its identification in the current work. Its oocysts (Figure 1B, C) were ovoidal with a bilayered wall and measured (n = 15) 16.1 (15-20) × 11.5 (10-14) μm with a shape index of 1.4 (1.3-1.6). A micropyle was present and prominent. Oocyst residuum was absent, but a large polar granule was present, usually located below the micropyle. The sporocysts were ovoidal, measuring (n = 15) 8.1 (6-10) × 5.8 (5-8) μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present. Para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of fine granules scattered between sporozoites. The sporozoites had one spherical refractile body and a nucleus. In this regard, this present study provides the first records of E. paludosa from F. atra since the time of its original description in 1922 (LEGER & HESSE, 1922Leger L, Hesse E. Coccidie d’oiseaux palustres, le genre Jarrina n. g. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D 1922; 174: 74-77.).

Turdidae

A single specimen of Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758) was sampled and this was positive for Isospora lusitanensis Cardozo, Berto, Fonseca, Tomás, Thode, Lopes, 2015 (CARDOZO et al., 2015Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Fonseca IP, Tomás A, Thode FRPB, Lopes CWG. Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal. Syst Parasitol 2015; 92(2): 171-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z. PMid:26358076.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-959...
). Its oocysts (Figure 1D) were described by Cardozo et al. (2015)Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Fonseca IP, Tomás A, Thode FRPB, Lopes CWG. Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal. Syst Parasitol 2015; 92(2): 171-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z. PMid:26358076.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-959...
as subspherical to ovoidal with a smooth, bi-layered wall. They measured (n = 62) 26.4 (22-30) × 23.4 (19-27) μm, with a shape index of 1.1 (1.0-1.3). Micropyles and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar granule was present. The sporocysts were ellipsoidal, measuring (n = 13) on average 16.0 (15-18) × 10.9 (10-12) μm. Stieda bodies were knob-like and sub-Stieda bodies were prominent and rounded. The sporocyst residuum was composed of scattered spherules. The sporozoites had one refractile body and a nucleus. Although isosporans from T. merula have been researched in several scientific studies in Europe, they have always been identified as Isospora turdi Schwalbach, 1959. However, in Cardozo et al. (2015)Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Fonseca IP, Tomás A, Thode FRPB, Lopes CWG. Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal. Syst Parasitol 2015; 92(2): 171-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z. PMid:26358076.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-959...
, I. lusitanensis was described as a new species by accurately comparing its morphometric and morphological characteristics.

Strigidae

Three different owl species in Strigidae were sampled: (1) the little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769); (2) the Eurasian eagle-owl Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758); and (3) the tawny owl Strix aluco Linnaeus, 1758. The specimen of S. aluco that was sampled was negative for Coccidia; however, 12 of the 18 little owls (67%) that were sampled were positive for Avispora mochogalegoi Cardozo, Berto, Caetano, Maniero, Santos, Fonseca, Lopes, 2017. The oocysts of this species (Figure 1F) were described by Cardozo et al. (2017)Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Santos M, Fonseca IPD, et al. Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the little owl, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2017; 26(3): 348-351. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017053. PMid:28977249.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017...
as ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall. They measured (n = 15) 38.9 (37-43) × 32.9 (31-37) μm, with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.2). There was no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring (n = 15) 21.1 (20-24) × 20.1 (19-23) μm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of a compact subspherical mass of granules. The sporozoites had striations, one spherical refractile body and a robust nucleus. This was the first species originally described in the newly created genus Avispora.

The Eurasian eagle-owl sampled at the LxCRAS shed oocysts that were very similar to those of Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981). The incompatibility of this identification lies in the fact that A. bubonis was originally described from the great horned owl Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788) in Canada, and thus from a New World owl (UPTON et al., 1986Upton SJ, Current WL, Barnard SM. A review of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 1986; 8(1): 3-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305...
, 1990Upton SJ, Campbell TW, Weigel M, McKown RD. The Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa) of raptors: Review of the literature and description of new species of the genera Caryospora and Eimeria. Can J Zool 1990; 68(6): 1256-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187...
). Its oocysts (Figure 1GI) were subspherical to ellipsoidal and measured (n = 15) 45.4 (42-49) × 37.4 (34-40) μm, with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.4). The wall was bi–layered and delicate, with a thickness of ~1.1 μm. The outer layer was thicker and clearer and the inner layer was thinner and darker. There was no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring (n = 15) 25.1 (24-27) × 24.2 (23-25) μm, with a shape index of 1.04 (1.0-1.1). Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was granular and diffuse. The sporozoites had a prominent conoid at the anterior end, one refractile body and a nucleus.

The morphological and morphometric characteristic features of these oocysts were absolutely compatible with the description of A. bubonis, even in the smallest details such as the prominent conoid at the anterior end of the sporozoite (Figure 1H), which was highlighted by Upton et al. (1986Upton SJ, Current WL, Barnard SM. A review of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 1986; 8(1): 3-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305...
, 1990Upton SJ, Campbell TW, Weigel M, McKown RD. The Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa) of raptors: Review of the literature and description of new species of the genera Caryospora and Eimeria. Can J Zool 1990; 68(6): 1256-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187...
). Thus, it becomes impracticable to identify these oocysts as another species or as a new species. At the same time, it would be unlikely that transmission occurred directly or in the same environment between these hosts, since they are not sympatric and inhabit distinct and distant continents. Hence, two hypotheses can be formulated to explain this transmission: (1) through anthropic activities, such as legal or illegal trading or breeding of exotic raptors in zoos or for falconry, etc., which could bring these naturally separated hosts closer together; and (2) through the geographic range of the snowy owl Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758), which has a huge range, predominantly across Arctic regions, from western Scandinavia through northern Russia to Alaska, northern Canada and Greenland. This owl has also bred occasionally in Iceland and the UK and, in winter, they move further south into the USA, northern Europe and northern Asia (BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL, 2016Birdlife International. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online]. 2016 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://www.iucnredlist.org
http://www.iucnredlist.org...
). Thus, B. scandiacus is an owl potentially occurring in the New and Old World and which is sympatric with B. bubo and B. virginianus, and could have maintained and transmitted A. bubonis.

A finding of A. bubonis from B. scandiacus could confirm this transmission across the Arctic regions. Moreover, this has becomes an extremely important matter, since B. scandiacus is categorized as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) (BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL, 2016Birdlife International. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online]. 2016 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://www.iucnredlist.org
http://www.iucnredlist.org...
). However, it is noteworthy that the IUCN study does not state that B. scandiacus is a host for A. bubonis. Nonetheless, identification of A. bubonis from owls in both the New World and the Old World indicates that B. scandiacus, or some other mechanism, has driven its dispersion from the New World to the Old World. Thus, further studies on A. bubonis may or may not confirm this hypothesis.

Tytonidae

The only specimen of the common barn owl (Tyto alba Scopoli, 1769) that was sampled in the RIAS was negative for Coccidia. However, two of the six common barn owls (33%) sampled at the LxCRAS were positive for sporocysts of Sarcocystidae. These sporocysts (Figure 1E) were reported by Berto et al. (2014b)Berto BP, Cardozo SV, Gomes L, Fonseca IP, Lopes CWG. Sarcocystis sporocysts from the common barn-owl Tyto alba in Portugal. Acta Parasitol Port 2014b; 20(1-2): 61-64. to be ellipsoidal, and they measured (n = 15) 12.2 (11-13) × 9.9 (9-11) µm with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.3). The sporocyst residuum was composed of scattered large granules. The sporozoites were vermiform, with a refractile body and a nucleus.

Sarcocystidae is a family of coccidians characterized by formation of tissue cysts in intermediate hosts, which infect the definitive host after predation and/or ingestion. This family is divided into the subfamilies Toxoplasmatinae and Sarcocystinae. Among the distinctive features of these sub-families, the sporogony and wall morphology of the oocysts are noteworthy. In Toxoplasmatinae, the sporogony is exogenous and the oocysts have a well-defined wall; whereas, in Sarcocystinae the sporogony is endogenous and the oocysts have a very thin and delicate wall that rapidly ruptures, thus releasing the sporocysts (TENTER et al., 2002Tenter AM, Barta JR, Beveridge I, Duszynski DW, Mehlhorn H, Morrison DA, et al. The conceptual basis for a new classification of the coccidia. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32(5): 595-616. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7519(02)00021-8. PMid:11943232.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7519(02)...
; BERTO et al., 2014aBerto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001. PMid:24728354.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014...
).

Therefore, the finding of sporocysts and/or oocysts with thin wall in the feces of owls indicates that a species of Sarcocystinae can be identified. This brings together the genera Frenkelia and Sarcocystis. Frenkelia spp. have never been reported from owls and so far have only been described from hawks. Therefore, the sporocysts identified in the current study are potentially from Sarcocystis sp.

A review of the literature on Sarcocystis sporocysts reported from owls was conducted by Berto et al. (2014b)Berto BP, Cardozo SV, Gomes L, Fonseca IP, Lopes CWG. Sarcocystis sporocysts from the common barn-owl Tyto alba in Portugal. Acta Parasitol Port 2014b; 20(1-2): 61-64.. After morphological and morphometrical comparisons with the sporocysts recovered from T. alba at LxCRAS, these were considered quite similar to the sporocysts described as Sarcocystis dispersa Cerná, Kolarova, Sulc, 1977, for which northern long-eared owls (Asio otus Linnaeus, 1758) and common barn owls (T. alba) are the definitive hosts and house mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758) are the intermediate hosts (CERNÁ, 1976Cerná Z. Relationship of oocysts of “Isospora buteonis” from the barn-owl (Tyto alba) to muscle cysts of sarcosporidians from the house mouse (Mus musculus). Folia Parasitol (Praha) 1976; 23(3): 285. PMid:827479.; CERNÁ et al., 1978Cerná Z, Kolarova I, Sulc P. Contribution to the problem of cyst-producing coccidians. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 1978; 25(1): 9-16. PMid:416999.). These same remarks were made by Upton et al. (1990)Upton SJ, Campbell TW, Weigel M, McKown RD. The Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa) of raptors: Review of the literature and description of new species of the genera Caryospora and Eimeria. Can J Zool 1990; 68(6): 1256-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187...
, also for sporocysts recovered from common barn owls (T. alba).

Conclusion

In the current study were identified the coccidian species A. peneireiroi, A. mochogalegoi, A. bubonis, E. paludosa, I. lusitanensis and a sarcocystid species from birds of two rehabilitation centers in Portugal. The birds at the rehabilitation centers were predominantly raptors. These birds presented moderate prevalences of coccidians of the genera Avispora and Sarcocystis, which are genera associated with the habit of predation. Among these coccidian species identified, A. bubonis can be highlighted. Identification of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by B. scandiacus through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.

Acknowledgements

We thank the staff at the RIAS (Quinta de Marim, Olhão, Portugal) and LxCRAS (Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal), who enabled the collection of samples from birds held for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. This study was supported by grants from the Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Ibero-American Scholarship Programme for Teachers and Researchers Santander Universities. All applicable institutional, national and international guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. Animal manipulation in the RIAS and LxCRAS was performed by suitably qualified professionals, according to the directive 86/609/EEC. All experimental assays, with or without the use of animals were performed in accordance with Government Veterinary Service (Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária - DGAV).

References

  • Berto BP, Cardozo SV, Gomes L, Fonseca IP, Lopes CWG. Sarcocystis sporocysts from the common barn-owl Tyto alba in Portugal. Acta Parasitol Port 2014b; 20(1-2): 61-64.
  • Berto BP, Flausino W, McIntosh D, Teixeira-Filho WL, Lopes CWG. Coccidia of New World passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes): a review of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 2011; 80(3): 159-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-9317-8 PMid:22002022.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-011-9317-8
  • Berto BP, Lopes CWG. Distribution and Dispersion of Coccidia in Wild Passerines of the Americas. In: Ruiz L, Iglesias F. Birds: evolution and behavior, breeding strategies, migration and spread of disease New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2013. p. 47-66.
  • Berto BP, McIntosh D, Lopes CWG. Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida). Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2014a; 23(1): 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001 PMid:24728354.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612014001
  • Birdlife International. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online]. 2016 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://www.iucnredlist.org
    » http://www.iucnredlist.org
  • Brands SJ. The Taxonomicon & Systema Naturae 2000 [online]. Zwaag: Universal Taxonomic Services; 2018 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://taxonomicon.taxonomy.nl
    » http://taxonomicon.taxonomy.nl
  • Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Fonseca IPD, Lopes CWG. Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2016; 25(2): 202-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016030 PMid:27334821.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612016030
  • Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Caetano I, Maniero VC, Santos M, Fonseca IPD, et al. Avispora mochogalegoi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the little owl, Athene noctua (Strigiformes: Strigidae), in mainland Portugal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2017; 26(3): 348-351. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017053 PMid:28977249.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017053
  • Cardozo SV, Berto BP, Fonseca IP, Tomás A, Thode FRPB, Lopes CWG. Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal. Syst Parasitol 2015; 92(2): 171-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z PMid:26358076.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11230-015-9590-z
  • Cerná Z, Kolarova I, Sulc P. Contribution to the problem of cyst-producing coccidians. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 1978; 25(1): 9-16. PMid:416999.
  • Cerná Z. Relationship of oocysts of “Isospora buteonis” from the barn-owl (Tyto alba) to muscle cysts of sarcosporidians from the house mouse (Mus musculus). Folia Parasitol (Praha) 1976; 23(3): 285. PMid:827479.
  • Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos – CBRO. Listas das aves do Brasil [online]. 2014 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://www.cbro.org.br
    » http://www.cbro.org.br
  • delHoyo J, Collar NJ, Christie DA, Elliott A, Fishpool LDC, Boesman P, et al. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World Barcelona and Cambridge: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International; 2016.
  • Duszynski DW, Upton SJ, Couch L. The Coccidia of the world [online]. 2004 [cited 2018 Sep 10]. Available from: http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
    » http://biology.unm.edu/biology/coccidia/home.html
  • Duszynski DW, Wilber P. A guideline for the preparation of species descriptions in the Eimeriidae. J Parasitol 1997; 83(2): 333-336. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3284470 PMid:9105325.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3284470
  • Jeanes C, Vaughan-Higgins R, Green RE, Sainsbury AW, Marshall RN, Blake DP. Two new Eimeria species parasitic in corncrakes (Crex crex) (Gruiformes: Rallidae) in the United Kingdom. J Parasitol 2013; 99(4): 634-638. http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/12-52.1 PMid:23347228.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/12-52.1
  • Leger L, Hesse E. Coccidie d’oiseaux palustres, le genre Jarrina n. g. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D 1922; 174: 74-77.
  • McAllister CT, Upton SJ. Description of the oocysts of Eimeria paludosa (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Fulica americana (Aves: Gruiformes), with comments on synonyms of eimerian species from related birds. J Parasitol 1990; 76(1): 27-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3282622 PMid:2299523.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3282622
  • Ruggiero MA, Gordon DP, Orrell TM, Bailly N, Bourgoin T, Brusca RC, et al. Correction: a higher level classification of all living organisms. PLoS One 2015; 10(6): e0130114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130114 PMid:26068874.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130114
  • Schuster RK, Woo PC, Poon RW, Lau SK, Sivakumar S, Kinne J. Chlamydotis macqueenii and C. undulata (Aves: Otididae) are new hosts for Caryospora megafalconis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and proposal of the genus Avispora gen. nov. Parasitol Res 2016; 115(11): 4389-4395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5224-x PMid:27515371.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-5224-x
  • Tenter AM, Barta JR, Beveridge I, Duszynski DW, Mehlhorn H, Morrison DA, et al. The conceptual basis for a new classification of the coccidia. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32(5): 595-616. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7519(02)00021-8 PMid:11943232.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7519(02)00021-8
  • Tomás A, Rebelo MT, Fonseca P. Occurrence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of wild birds from Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Centre of Ria Formosa in southern Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 2017; 8(1): 13-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.12.008
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.12.008
  • Upton SJ, Campbell TW, Weigel M, McKown RD. The Eimeriidae (Apicomplexa) of raptors: Review of the literature and description of new species of the genera Caryospora and Eimeria. Can J Zool 1990; 68(6): 1256-1265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z90-187
  • Upton SJ, Current WL, Barnard SM. A review of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Syst Parasitol 1986; 8(1): 3-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00010305
  • Yang R, Brice B, Elloit A, Lee E, Ryan U. Morphological and molecular characterization of Eimeria paludosa coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in a dusky moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa, Gould, 1846) in Australia. Exp Parasitol 2014; 147(1): 16-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.010 PMid:25448356.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.010

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    23 May 2019
  • Date of issue
    Apr-Jun 2019

History

  • Received
    26 Sept 2018
  • Accepted
    02 Apr 2019
Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária FCAV/UNESP - Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Zona Rural, , 14884-900 Jaboticabal - SP, Brasil, Fone: (16) 3209-7100 RAMAL 7934 - Jaboticabal - SP - Brazil
E-mail: cbpv_rbpv.fcav@unesp.br