Haemoproteus jenniae (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) infects gulls (Larus spp.) in South Africa, with redescription of Haemoproteus skuae

• DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300029x
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23T09:08:41Z
• Authors: Ralph E. T. Vanst...; Carolina R. F. Ch...; Gediminas Valkiūnas; Carolina C. dos A...; Nola J. Parsons; David G. Roberts; Albert Snyman; Renata Hurtado; Karin Kirchgatter; Katrin Ludynia; Pierre A. Pistorius
• Keywords: Haemoproteus; Charadriiformes; Lineage (genetic)

Abstract Haemoproteus spp. are dipteran-borne protozoa that infect erythrocytes and reticulo-endothelial cells of birds. These parasites not usually transmitted between birds belonging to different orders. The suborder Lari (order Charadriiformes) comprises ~170 avian species, the majority which aquatic, including gulls, terns, auklets, murres skuas, among others. In spite diversity this group, there is limited known haemosporidian parasites, with only 4 recorded morphospecies thus far. We examined blood smears 21 kelp gulls ( Larus dominicanus ) captured at a breeding colony in South Africa, as well -positive archival 15 1 Hartlaub's gull hartlaubii sampled while under care seabird rehabilitation facilities Africa. sp. infection was detected 19% wild-caught gulls. All from were morphologically identified jenniae , species previously Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Rocas Atoll (Brazil) Poland. Gene sequencing uncovered new cytochrome b lineage, LARDOM01, closely related reported H. lineage CREFUR01. Additionally, we evaluated hapantotype smear skuae had been described infecting brown skua Catharacta antarctica provide redescription discuss morphological characters distinguishing it . Further research necessary improve our knowledge about host geographic distribution, health effects phylogeny