Experimental parasitology and ecoimmunology: Concepts and opportunities in avian haemosporidian studies

Abstract

Broadening the field of classical parasitology research by integrating it with ecoimmunology has allowed us a better understanding of the effect of haemosporidians and to identify the most relevant factors that affect the health of birds. Despite the recent advances in avian malaria studies, the lack of experimentation remains the main obstacle for a proper characterization of the natural history of parasites and the functioning of the immune system of birds. It is worth considering the complement of both classical and new immunological methodologies to establish reference information and to assess the reliability of previous studies. The new molecular methodologies represent an advantage for distinguishing the involved genes in the immune response on birds when facing haemosporidian infections, avoiding the underestimation of the real prevalence of hemoparasites (e.g., coinfections), and setting up a starting point for new researchers interested in specializing in this area of study. Here, we present important and recent approaches on experimental parasitology demonstrating the negative effects of avian haemosporidians on their avian hosts. Also, we summarize the main advances in this field in avian malaria studies in the neotropics, as well as pinpointing knowledge gaps and future research opportunities. Additionally, we will recapitulate the main contributions and tools used by ecoimmunologists to study immune defences against avian malaria parasites.