Avian haemosporidian parasites in captive and free-ranging, wild birds from zoological institutions in Switzerland: Molecular characterization and clinical importance.

ABSTRACT: Avian haemosporidian parasites are widespread and infect birds from a broad variety of avian families with diverse consequences ranging from subclinical infections to severe and fatal disease. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and diversity of avian haemosporidia including associated clinical signs and pathomorphological lesions in captive and free-ranging, wild birds from two zoos and the near environment in Switzerland. Blood samples from 475 birds, including 230 captive and 245 free-ranging, wild individuals belonging to 42 different avian species from 15 orders were examined for the presence of avian haemosporidian DNA by a one-step multiplex PCR designed to simultaneously detect and discriminate the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon by t

SUBMITTER: Meister SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9849939 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature