Diversity and altitudinal distribution of avian haemosporidians (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium) in resident and neotropical migratory birds in Colombia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Haemosporidians of the genera Haemoproteus , Leucocytozoon , and Plasmodium are vector-borne parasites that infect a wide range of bird species worldwide and may have significant effects on host survival. However, research conducted over the past decades has paid limited attention to ecological factors such as elevation, which is associated with the acquisition, transmission, and distribution of these parasites. In Colombia, knowledge of haemosporidian parasite diversity remains limited and fragmented. In this context, the aim of this study was to establish associations between haemosporidians and wild birds occurring at different elevations in the department of Caldas. Wild birds were captured and blood samples were collected at nine localities distributed across different elevations in four municipalities within the department. Haemosporidians were detected through microscopic examination of blood smears and molecular screening targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b ( cyt b ) gene. In total, 74 samples from 45 bird species were analyzed, revealing an overall haemosporidian prevalence ( Haemoproteus , Leucocytozoon , and Plasmodium ) of 29.7% (n = 22). Infections were detected in 12 bird species, including residents (eleven individuals), neotropical migratory (two individuals), and introduced (nine individuals) birds. Fifteen parasite lineages were identified, including three lineages that are new to science (TURIGN01, TURFUS02, and ARRASS01). Finally, haemosporidian infections were detected across a broad elevational gradient (1021–2842 m a.s.l.), although prevalence varied considerably among localities. Furthermore, this study documents Leucocytozoon infection at 1021 m a.s.l., contributing to the growing evidence of the occurrence of this genus across a broad elevational gradient in Colombia.
Institutions: Universidad de Caldas, Cape Higher Education Consortium
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W7225655461