Prevalence and Molecular Phylogeny of Avian Malaria Parasites in Columbiformes in Japan

Abstract

　 Avian malaria parasites ( Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp.) and closely related parasitic Leucocytozoon spp. are observed in a variety of pigeons and doves (order: Columbiformes) worldwide. However the prevalence and molecular phylogeny of avian malaria parasites and Leucocytozoon spp. from pigeons and doves inhabiting Japan are still not known. This study clarified the prevalence of avian malaria parasites in Columbiformes in three locations (Kanto region, Okinawa, and Ogasawara) of Japan and estimated their molecular phylogeny. Blood samples were collected from 173 Japanese Columbiformes (5 species, 3 subspecies and 4 genera). The partial cytochrome b gene (478 bp) of the avian malaria parasite mitochondrial genome was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction. The PCR products were directly sequenced. The sequences were compared with GenBank records by using an NCBI Nucleotide BLAST search. Phylogenetic trees were constructed in MEGA6. Avian malaria parasites were identified in 50.9 % of birds sampled (88/173). The phylogenetic tree suggests that there are at least 5 species, 2 genera and 2 subgenera of avian malaria parasites and 4 species of Leucocytozoon infecting Columbiformes in Japan. This finding is indicative of host-switching between the different bird species at the genus level. Therefore, more detailed research on avian malaria parasite infections is needed to develop conservation strategies for the endangered species of the order Columbiformes in Japan.