Malaria Parasites in Invasive House Sparrows
Author Information
Author(s): Marzal Alfonso, Ricklefs Robert E., Valkiūnas Gediminas, Albayrak Tamer, Arriero Elena, Bonneaud Camille, Czirják Gábor A., Ewen John, Hellgren Olof, Hořáková Dita, Iezhova Tatjana A., Jensen Henrik, Križanauskienė Asta, Lima Marcos R., de Lope Florentino, Magnussen Eyðfinn, Martin Lynn B., Møller Anders P., Palinauskas Vaidas, Pap Péter L., Pérez-Tris Javier, Sehgal Ravinder N. M., Soler Manuel, Szöllősi Eszter, Westerdahl Helena, Zetindjiev Pavel, Bensch Staffan
Hypothesis
Do house sparrows carry their native parasites to new areas or acquire new local parasites when they invade new continents?
Conclusion
House sparrows in newly colonized areas do not retain their native parasites, which supports the Enemy Release Hypothesis.
Supporting Evidence
- 31.6% of house sparrows were infected by Plasmodium spp.
- 4.8% were infected by Haemoproteus spp.
- House sparrows in the Americas have assimilated generalist parasites from their new environment.
- Parasite prevalence was significantly higher in Europe compared to North America and South America.
Takeaway
When house sparrows moved to new places, they left behind their old parasites, which may have helped them thrive in their new homes.
Methodology
The study involved sampling blood from house sparrows across 58 locations on six continents and testing for haemosporidian parasites using PCR methods.
Limitations
The study had limited samples from eastern Asia, which may have resulted in missing some parasite lineages.
Participant Demographics
House sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled from various global locations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website