The role of native and introduced birds in transmission of avian malaria in Hawaii.

ABSTRACT: The introduction of nonnative species and reductions in native biodiversity have resulted in substantial changes in vector and host communities globally, but the consequences for pathogen transmission are poorly understood. In lowland Hawaii, bird communities are composed of primarily introduced species, with scattered populations of abundant native species. We examined the influence of avian host community composition, specifically the role of native and introduced species, as well as host diversity, on the prevalence of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) in the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus). We also explored the reciprocal effect of malaria transmission on native host populations and demography. Avian malaria infection prevalence in mosquitoes increased with the densi

SUBMITTER: McClure KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7332373 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature