Genetic characterization of Hawaiian isolates of Plasmodium relictum reveals mixed-genotype infections

Author:: Jarvi, Susan I., Farias, Margaret E. M., Atkinson, Carter T.
Title:: Genetic characterization of Hawaiian isolates of Plasmodium relictum reveals mixed-genotype infections
Periodical:: Biology Direct
Year:: 2008
Volume:: 3
Pages:: 17
Subject:: Avian malaria Birds diseases Genetics Plasmodium relictum
Summary:: Avian malaria (P. relictum) and Avipoxvirus are the significant infectious diseases currently affecting the native Hawaiian avifauna. This study shows that clonal diversity of Hawaiian isolates of P. relictum is much higher than previously recognized. Mixed infections can significantly contribute to the uncertainty in host-pathogen dynamics with direct implications for host demographics, disease management strategies, and evolution of virulence. The results of this study indicate a widespread presence of multiple-genotype malaria infections with high clonal diversity in native birds of Hawaii, which when coupled with concurrent infection with Avipoxvirus, may significantly influence evolution of virulence.
Label:: Birds - General
URL:: http://biologydirect.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1745-6150-3-25
Date:: 2008
Collection:: Periodicals