Apicomplexan parasites in urban corvids: Presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA and first detection of Lankesterella and Isospora DNA in the brain of Eurasian magpies, Pica pica.

Corvids, including crows, magpies, ravens and jays, are among the most abundant and adaptable bird species in urban and peri-urban environments, where their proximity to humans and domestic animals may facilitate the circulation of parasites. This study aimed at analyzing the presence of DNA of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and other coccidia with neurotropism in corvids. A total of 279 brain samples collected at two peri-urban locations in Hungary were examined using molecular methods. The majority of sampled individuals were Eurasian magpies (Pica pica; n = 273). In addition, Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius; n = 4) and hooded crows (Corvus cornix; n = 2) were included. Apicomplexan DNA was only detected in the brain of P. pica. In this species, T. gondii was identified with a prevalence of 3.7%, for the first time in P. pica in Hungary and Central Europe. Furthermore, DNA of a Lankesterella sp. was detected in 4% of the specimens of P. pica examined, representing the first molecular evidence of its presence in any corvid species. Because the 18S rRNA sequence of this Lankesterella sp. showed at least 1.3% sequence difference from already reported isolates/species but was 100% identical among all 11 infected P. pica at two locations, this isolate may represent a host-associated genotype. DNA of both T. gondii and Lankesterella sp. was detected in three birds. In the brain of one P. pica, an Isospora species was detected, showing the closest sequence identity to Isospora phylidonyrisae and Isospora coronoideae, which have so far been reported from avian hosts in Australia. These findings broaden our knowledge on the diversity of apicomplexan parasites harbored by P. pica and provide a basis for future studies assessing the potential One Health significance of corvids in urban environments.