African landbird silhouetted against microscopic blood cells with DNA strands, symbolizing avian parasite infection.

Bird Blood Mysteries: Uncovering Avian Parasites in Africa

Samir D’Costa in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the widespread nature and diversity of avian haemosporidia in African landbirds, revealing potential threats to bird populations and conservation efforts. Are your backyard birds at risk?"

Avian haemosporidian infections are a significant threat to wild bird populations, contributing to their decline and even extinction in some cases. These parasitic infections, transmitted by blood-sucking insects, are widespread, but their impact on Afrotropical landbirds has not been fully understood. A new study delves into the occurrence and diversity of these parasites in African landbirds, revealing crucial insights for conservation.

Previous research has shown that over 200 species of avian haemosporidian parasites exist, causing diseases like haemoproteosis and avian malaria. These infections can range from asymptomatic to severe, depending on the specific parasite lineage and the bird species affected. Factors like a bird's age, immune status, and exposure to vectors play critical roles in determining the severity of the infection.

Given these facts, a team of researchers sought to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidia in 93 samples from 22 landbird species in South Africa and West Africa. The study aimed to identify the specific parasites present, understand their distribution, and assess the potential impact on these vulnerable bird populations.

What Did the Avian Blood Study Uncover About Avian Parasites?

African landbird silhouetted against microscopic blood cells with DNA strands, symbolizing avian parasite infection.

The research team collected blood samples from 93 birds representing various species in South Africa and West Africa. Using advanced molecular techniques, they analyzed these samples for the presence of avian haemosporidian DNA. Cytochrome b genes, specific to these parasites, were sequenced and compared to a global database to determine the relationships between different parasite lineages.

Significantly higher infection rates in West African birds compared to South African birds.
Identification of three distinct clusters of parasites: Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium.
Discovery of eight previously published and nine new cytochrome b lineages.
Haemoproteus sp. (VIMWE1) was the most common lineage, found in multiple bird species across both regions.

These findings underscore the widespread nature of avian haemosporidian parasites in African landbirds and highlight the need for continued monitoring and research. Understanding the specific parasites affecting these birds, their distribution patterns, and their potential impact on bird health is essential for effective conservation strategies.

Protecting Our Feathered Friends: What's Next?

This study reinforces the importance of understanding parasite-host relationships in avian populations, especially in the face of environmental changes and habitat loss. By continuing to investigate the prevalence, diversity, and impact of avian haemosporidia, we can develop more effective strategies to protect these vital components of African ecosystems.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.002, Alternate LINK

Title: Occurrence And Diversity Of Avian Haemosporidia In Afrotropical Landbirds

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Mamohale E. Chaisi, Samuel T. Osinubi, Desire L. Dalton, Essa Suleman

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are avian haemosporidian parasites, and why are they a threat to African landbirds?

Avian haemosporidian parasites are parasitic organisms transmitted by blood-sucking insects that infect birds, causing diseases like haemoproteosis and avian malaria. These parasites are a significant threat because they can lead to a decline in bird populations and, in some cases, even extinction. The impact of these parasites on Afrotropical landbirds has not been fully understood until recently, which has hindered effective conservation efforts. The diseases caused by parasites like Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium can range from asymptomatic to severe depending on the specific parasite lineage and the bird species affected, as well as factors like the bird's age, immune status, and exposure to vectors.

How did the recent study investigate the prevalence of avian haemosporidia in African landbirds?

The study investigated the prevalence of avian haemosporidia by collecting blood samples from 93 birds, representing 22 landbird species in South and West Africa. The researchers used advanced molecular techniques to analyze these samples for the presence of avian haemosporidian DNA, specifically sequencing the cytochrome b genes. These genes were compared to a global database to determine the relationships between different parasite lineages. The study used qPCR and nested PCR to detect the presence of parasites. The results revealed the specific parasites present, their distribution, and their potential impact on bird populations.

What were the key findings regarding the infection rates and types of avian haemosporidia found in the study?

The study revealed a high prevalence of avian haemosporidiosis among the sampled birds. Overall, 68.82% of samples tested positive for avian haemosporidia via qPCR, while 82.80% tested positive using nested PCR. Mixed infections, where a bird is infected with multiple parasite species, were also common. The study identified three distinct clusters of parasites: Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium. It also discovered eight previously published and nine new cytochrome b lineages. Haemoproteus sp. (VIMWE1) was the most common lineage, found in multiple bird species across both regions.

What is the significance of the differing infection rates observed between West African and South African birds?

The significantly higher infection rates in West African birds compared to South African birds suggest potential regional differences in parasite prevalence, vector abundance, or bird susceptibility. This difference highlights the importance of understanding the distribution patterns of avian haemosporidia and the factors that influence these patterns. It underscores the need for tailored conservation strategies based on regional data to effectively protect vulnerable bird populations. The observed differences could be due to variations in climate, vector populations (blood-sucking insects), or the immune responses of different bird species.

How can the findings of this research contribute to the conservation of African landbirds?

The research findings reinforce the importance of understanding parasite-host relationships within avian populations. By identifying the specific parasites affecting African landbirds, their distribution, and their potential impact, researchers and conservationists can develop more effective strategies. This includes targeted monitoring, research, and conservation efforts. Continued investigation into the prevalence, diversity, and impact of avian haemosporidia is essential for developing protective measures, especially in the face of environmental changes, habitat loss, and the potential spread of parasites due to climate change and other factors. The study provides crucial information to inform conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of these vital components of African ecosystems.