Plasmodium

Studies of wildlife populations have identified associations between disease resistance and diversity at genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which are involved with adaptive immunity. We compare MHC class II B (MHCIIB) and microsatellite genetic diversity in a population of New Zealand passerine birds, North Island saddlebacks on Mokoia Island, that was also tested for avian malaria.

Avian malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., has been reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in New Zealand bird populations. The prevalence of Plasmodium lineages in the Waimarino Forest was evaluated in NZ robins (Petroica longipes), other passerines, blue ducks (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos), and brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), using nested PCR. The presence of P. sp. lineage LINN1, P. (Huffia) elongatum lineage GRW06 and P. (Novyella) sp.