Mitochondrial Gene Diversity and Host Specificity ofin Passerine Birds.

Abstract

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. 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 ofspp. in a large number of passerine birdsretrospective sequencing of mitochondrial gene cytochromeoxidase subunit I (COI). Despite outliers,sequences largely grouped by host species and/or host family. Additional research is warranted into the degree of interspecies transmission and host-switching ofparasites, and risk factors for the development of severe disease in passerine birds.