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Novel relapsing fever Borrelia detected in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) admitted to two rehabilitation centers in South Africa

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Abstract

The African penguin, Spheniscus demersus, the only penguin species that breeds in Africa, is endangered, and several diseases including avian malaria, babesiosis, and aspergillosis are common in some populations. From 2002 to 2010, spirochetes morphologically consistent with Borrelia were observed on thin blood smears from 115 of 8,343 (1.4%) African penguins admitted to rehabilitation centers in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Prevalence rates were significantly higher among chicks and juveniles compared with adults and for birds sampled during the summer months of October to February compared with winter months. The majority of infected birds were ultimately released, despite lack of antibiotic treatment; however, at least one bird is believed to have died of borreliosis based on characteristic gross and microscopic lesions. Analysis of partial flaB gene sequences indicated this was a relapsing fever Borrelia most similar to a Borrelia sp. detected in soft ticks from a seabird colony in Japan. This represents the fourth report of a relapsing fever Borrelia sp. in an avian species and highlights the need for additional studies of potentially pathogenic organisms infecting the African penguin in South Africa.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the many staff and volunteers at SANCCOB and PEC, especially B. Bousfield (PEC), who provided clinical assistance. We also thank T. Gous (SANCCOB and State Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture) for histological examination of tissues from one penguin. We also thank M. Peirce for assistance and helpful comments. SANCCOB is supported by a wide range of donors, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). This research is supported by the Sea Research Foundation (Mystic Aquarium) and the Georgia Aquarium. NJP also acknowledges support from the National Research Foundation (SEACHANGE programme, Earthwatch Institute and the University of Cape Town Research Committee.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Michael J. Yabsley & Barbara C. Shock

  2. Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study; Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building; College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Michael J. Yabsley, Barbara C. Shock & Michaelle Purdee

  3. Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds and Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Nola J. Parsons

  4. Penguins Eastern Cape Marine Bird Rehabilitation Center, Cape St. Francis, South Africa

    Elizabeth C. Horne

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  1. Michael J. Yabsley
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  2. Nola J. Parsons
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  3. Elizabeth C. Horne
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  4. Barbara C. Shock
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  5. Michaelle Purdee
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Correspondence to Michael J. Yabsley.

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Yabsley, M.J., Parsons, N.J., Horne, E.C. et al. Novel relapsing fever Borrelia detected in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) admitted to two rehabilitation centers in South Africa. Parasitol Res 110, 1125–1130 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2602-2

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