Novel microfilariae detected in Galapagos passerines.

ABSTRACT: Emerging parasites pose a serious risk to the health and survival of wild animal populations, particularly on islands where species often lack prior exposure and evolved defenses. We present the first report of a novel microfilaria infection found in blood from six species of Galápagos passerines in the coastal zone of Santa Cruz Island. Across 13 months, spanning two wet seasons and one dry season, 294 individuals were sampled and evaluated for microfilarial presence through microscopy and/or polymerase chain reaction. We barcoded the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene to tentatively place this microfilaria in the genus Eufilaria. We found host species level variation in infection, with certain species, like the vegetarian finch (Platyspiza crassirostris)

SUBMITTER: Loyola DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302254 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature