Higher body condition with infection by Haemoproteus parasites in Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola).

ABSTRACT: Parasite transmission is a heterogenous process in host-parasite interactions. This heterogeneity is particularly apparent in vector-borne parasite transmission where the vector adds an additional level of complexity. Haemosporidian parasites, a widespread protist, cause a malaria-like disease in birds globally, but we still have much to learn about the consequences of infection to hosts' health. In the Caribbean, where malarial parasites are endemic, studying host-parasites interactions may give us important insights about energetic trade-offs involved in malarial parasites infections in birds. In this study, we tested the consequences of Haemoproteus infection on the Bananaquit, a resident species of Puerto Rico. We also tested for potential sources of individual heterogeneity in

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez-Ramos NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10984167 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature