Transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression of the invasive avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum in Hawai'i.

ABSTRACT: The malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum (lineage GRW4) was introduced less than a century ago to the native avifauna of Hawai'i, where it has since caused major declines of endemic bird populations. One of the native bird species that is frequently infected with GRW4 is the Hawai'i 'amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens). To achieve a better understanding of the transcriptional activities of this virulent parasite, we performed a controlled challenge experiment of 15 'amakihi that were infected with GRW4. Blood samples containing malaria parasites were collected at two time points (intermediate and peak infection stages) from host individuals that were either experimentally infected by mosquitoes or inoculated with infected blood. We then used RNA sequencing to assemble a high-qual

SUBMITTER: Videvall E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8093664 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature