Culicoides paolae and C. circumscriptus as potential vectors of avian haemosporidians in an arid ecosystem.

摘要: Haemosporidians are the most important vector-borne parasites due to their cosmopolitan distribution and wide range of hosts, including humans. Identification vectors is critical highlight ecologically epidemiologically relevant features such as host specificity or transmission routes. Biting midges genus Culicoides considered main Haemoproteus spp., yet information on aspects vector feeding preferences vector-host involving haemosporidian frequently missing. We assessed abundance circumscriptus C. paolae blood sources latter at nests cavity-nesting bird species (mainly European roller Coracias garrulus) in surroundings. also explored prevalence genetic diversity avian haemosporidians parous females both species. Both were abundant study area common nests. had a diverse ornithophilic diet, least seven Human DNA was detected meal some individuals. Four lineages, new one reported here for first time, isolated from biting midges. can play locally role dynamics community an arid ecosystem.