Prevalence of avian haematozoa in wild birds in a high-altitude forest in Japan

摘要: The infection dynamics of avian haematozoa, which includes the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, are complicated by a variety environmental factors host-parasite interactions. In Japan, prevalence haematozoa in wild birds has recently been determined several local areas. However, no information on annual single study site reported. Here, we investigated long-term inhabiting mountain forest Japan. Blood samples were collected from 415 captured Chichibu mountains Saitama Prefecture at an altitude 1650 m between 2007 2010. All obtained examined for haematozoan using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cytochrome b (cytb) genes haematozoa. A total 62 out (14.9%) PCR positive Relatively high rates Leucocytozoon found among bird species (Parus ater, 64.3%; Parus montanus, 81.8%) may be due to host preference vector black flies nestling pattern this forest. Phylogenetic analysis amplified cytb sequences revealed first time that lineages distributed hosts high-altitude stand Notably, significant seasonal changes not observed; however, continuous investigation will likely provide detailed interactions, including factors, influence infections.