Molecular detection of avian hemoparasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in resident and migratory birds from a urban fragment of tropical dry forest in northern Colombia

Abstract

Avian haemosporidians (order Haemosporida), including the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, are widespread vector-borne parasites that infect a broad range of bird species and can adversely affect host fitness, survival, and population dynamics. Although the Neotropics harbor a high diversity of avian hemoparasites, molecular studies in Colombia remain scarce, particularly in highly threatened ecosystems such as tropical dry forests. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and diversity of avian hemoparasites in birds inhabiting an urban fragment of tropical dry forest in northern Colombia. Birds were captured using mist nets, and blood samples were obtained by brachial or jugular venipuncture. Samples were collected from 217 individuals, comprising 27 resident species and 7 boreal migratory species. Genomic DNA was extracted and screened for haemosporidian infections using PCR targeting the cytochrome b (Cytb) and 18SrRNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Infections with Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) spp. or Plasmodium spp. were detected in eleven individuals representing six species, including both resident and migratory birds, resulting in an overall prevalence of 5.1%. Several of the documented host–parasite associations represent new records for Colombia. This study highlights the potential of tropical dry forest fragments to reveal novel avian host–parasite interactions and underscores the importance of integrating multiple molecular markers for accurate hemoparasite identification.