AUTHOR=Kubiski Steven V. , Witte Carmel , Burchell Jennifer A. , Conradson Dylan , Zmuda Alexandra , Barbon Alberto Rodriguez , Vilches-Moure Jose G. , Felt Stephen A. , Rideout Bruce A. TITLE=Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity of Isospora in Passerine Birds JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science VOLUME=9 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.847030 DOI=10.3389/fvets.2022.847030 ISSN=2297-1769 ABSTRACT=

Isospora infections are common in both wild and captive passerine species. Many bird species have been shown to have co-evolved with a particular species of Isospora. Disease can range from subclinical to severe and fatal, making infection and transmission of this parasite a concern for birds under managed care, particularly in institutions housing endangered species for breeding and reintroduction purposes. Whether birds in mixed-species enclosures represent a risk factor for severe isosporiasis due to infection with non-host-adapted strains is of concern for institutions managing these populations. To begin answering this question, we sought to characterize the host-specificity of Isospora spp. in a large number of passerine birds via retrospective sequencing of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Despite outliers, Isospora sequences largely grouped by host species and/or host family. Additional research is warranted into the degree of interspecies transmission and host-switching of Isospora parasites, and risk factors for the development of severe disease in passerine birds.