Haemosporidians from a Neglected Group of Terrestrial Wild Birds in the Peruvian Amazonia

Haemosporidians are a widespread group of blood parasites transmitted by vectors. Despite their
relevance for bird conservation, few studies have been conducted in the Amazonia and even less in terrestrial
wild birds. We analysed blood samples from 168 game birds, collected from 2008 to 2015 by subsistence
hunters of an indigenous rural community in the Peruvian Amazonia. DNA was tested for Haemoproteus spp.,
Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. and positive amplicons were sequenced and curated for phylogenetic
analysis. Haemosporidian prevalence was 72% overall, 66.7% for Haemoproteus spp. and 5.4% for Plasmodium
spp. and respectively by bird species: Spix’s Guan (Penelope jacquacu, n = 72) 87.5% and 0%, Razor-billed
Curassow (Mitu tuberosum, n = 45) 77.8% and 6.7%, White-winged Trumpeter (Psophia leucoptera, n = 20)
6.3% and 12.5%, Blue-throated Piping-guan (Pipile cumanensis, n = 16) 73.3% and 6.7%, and Great Tinamou
(Tinamus major, n = 15) 10% and 15%. Leucocytozoon spp. was not found. P. leucoptera and T. major were less
likely to be infected with Haemoproteus spp. Fruit abundance had a negative association with Haemoproteus
spp. prevalence and precipitation was negatively associated with Plasmodium spp. prevalence. The 106 se-
quences examined represented 29 lineages, 82.8% of them were new lineages (Plasmodium n = 3, Haemo-
proteus n = 21). Novel host-parasite associations and lineages were unveiled, including probably new species of
Plasmodium spp. Our results highlight the scientific value of alternative sampling methods and the collabo-
ration with local communities.