Blood parasites of penguins: a critical review

Author(s)

Thijl Vanstreels, Ralph Eric ^[1] ; Braga, Erika Martins ^[2] ; Catao-Dias, Jose Luiz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Patol, Lab Patol Comparada Anim Selvagens, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Ave Prof Dr Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Parasitol, Caixa Postal 486, Ave Antonio Carlos 6627, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Parasitology; v. 143, n. 8, p. 931-956, JUL 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

Blood parasites are considered some of the most significant pathogens for the conservation of penguins, due to the considerable morbidity and mortality they have been shown to produce in captive and wild populations of these birds. Parasites known to occur in the blood of penguins include haemosporidian protozoans (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus), piroplamid protozoans (Babesia), kinetoplastid protozoans (Trypanosoma), spirochete bacteria (Borrelia) and nematode microfilariae. This review provides a critical and comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge on these parasites, providing an overview of their biology, host and geographic distribution, epidemiology, pathology and implications for public health and conservation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/51801-5 - Avian malaria and penguins in Brazil: epidemiological and pathological investigations of a disease with potential risks to avian conservation
• Grantee: Jose Luiz Catao Dias
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/53956-9 - Study of avian malaria in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) kept in selected Brazilian coast rehabilitation centers
• Grantee: Ralph Eric Thijl Del Val Onoro Vanstreels
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)