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<p><i>Introduction </i></p><p><i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) are widespread avian blood parasites known for their high genetic diversity and host specificity. <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. can cause internal organ damage to their vertebrate hosts, which raises concerns about their health impacts. However, the distribution of <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. in Africa, particularly among non-passerine birds, remains poorly understood, with unknown implications for species conservation. Sub-Saharan Africa, including The Gambia, hosts several critically endangered vulture species, including Hooded Vultures (<i>Necrosyrtes monachus</i>), yet information on their haemosporidian parasites is scarce. This study aimed to identify an effective primer set for detecting <i>Haemoproteus</i> parasites in Hooded Vultures and to provide the first molecular confirmation of infection in this species and country. </p><p>Methods</p><p>Between 2019 and 2025, Hooded Vultures were blood sampled in The Gambia, and microscope slides were screened for parasites. Samples microscopically positive for <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. were subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using different primer sets targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome <i>b</i> (<i>cytb</i>) gene. </p><p>Result</p><p>Of these, only UNIVF/ UNIVR3 amplified <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. DNA from the Hooded Vulture samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel <i>Haemoproteus</i> lineage, named hNECMON01. This represents the first molecular record of avian haemosporidian parasites in Hooded Vultures and in The Gambia. </p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Our findings highlight the importance of optimizing molecular tools for detecting haemosporidian parasites in non-passerine hosts and contribute to our understanding of the diversity of <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp. in sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies on parasite diversity in scavenging birds are essential for integrating parasite monitoring into avian conservation efforts.</p>

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Novel Haemoproteus parasite lineage in Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) forms a distinct clade in Accipitriformes and highlights primer selection challenges in understudied avian hosts

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月19日

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  • Misa Shimizu,
  • Oliver J. L. Fox,
  • Jez Blackburn,
  • Michael Colley,
  • Colin Cross,
  • Wendy James,
  • John Jarju,
  • Emmanuel Jatta,
  • Naffie Sarr,
  • Roger Walsh,
  • Stephanie Key,
  • Claudio Navarrete,
  • Carolina R. F. Chagas,
  • Jenny C. Dunn

摘要

Introduction

Haemoproteus spp. (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) are widespread avian blood parasites known for their high genetic diversity and host specificity. Haemoproteus spp. can cause internal organ damage to their vertebrate hosts, which raises concerns about their health impacts. However, the distribution of Haemoproteus spp. in Africa, particularly among non-passerine birds, remains poorly understood, with unknown implications for species conservation. Sub-Saharan Africa, including The Gambia, hosts several critically endangered vulture species, including Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus), yet information on their haemosporidian parasites is scarce. This study aimed to identify an effective primer set for detecting Haemoproteus parasites in Hooded Vultures and to provide the first molecular confirmation of infection in this species and country.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2025, Hooded Vultures were blood sampled in The Gambia, and microscope slides were screened for parasites. Samples microscopically positive for Haemoproteus spp. were subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using different primer sets targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene.

Result

Of these, only UNIVF/ UNIVR3 amplified Haemoproteus spp. DNA from the Hooded Vulture samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel Haemoproteus lineage, named hNECMON01. This represents the first molecular record of avian haemosporidian parasites in Hooded Vultures and in The Gambia.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of optimizing molecular tools for detecting haemosporidian parasites in non-passerine hosts and contribute to our understanding of the diversity of Haemoproteus spp. in sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies on parasite diversity in scavenging birds are essential for integrating parasite monitoring into avian conservation efforts.