Vector incrimination and transmission of avian malaria at an aquarium in Japan: mismatch in parasite composition between mosquitoes and penguins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Captive populations of penguins outside of their natural distributions are often maintained in outdoor facilities, such as zoos and aquariums. Consequently, such penguins in captivity are constantly exposed to mosquito vectors and risk of avian malarial infection during their active period from spring to autumn, which can be lethal to these naïve birds. Previous studies have investigated parasite prevalence in mosquitoes or penguins, but simultaneous investigations, which would be crucial to monitor the transmission dynamics and cycle within a facility, have not been done. To identify dominant lineages and trends, multiple-year surveys are recommended.

Methods

Avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and related haemosporidia were tested in penguins and mosquitoe

SUBMITTER: Inumaru M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7937252 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature