The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Georgia Veterinary Scholar Program

Georgia Veterinary Scholar	Faculty Mentor

Stephan Singleton University of Georgia Class of 2006	Dr. Susan Little

Understanding the risk of Atoxoplasma transmission between passerine species: a phylogenetic approach

Disseminated atozoplasmosis, caused by infection of visceral organs with the Isospora-like coccidian parasite Atoxoplasma, is a severe, often fatal disease that affects a wide variety of passerines. The disease is extremely difficult to control in captive aviaries due in large part to the fact that very little is known about the epidemiology and natural history of Atoxoplasma. One key question that remains unresolved is whether different passerine hosts are infected with the same or distinct species of Atoxoplasma. We have developed a diagnostic PCR that will identify Atoxoplasma DNA in systemically infected birds. In this project, the student will use and modify this PCR to compare sequence data from a variety of isolates of Atoxoplasma from different passerine hosts. Many isolates are already held frozen in the laboratory ready for analysis, and collection of additional isolates is ongoing. The phylogenetic relationships discerned for the Atoxoplasma isolates will be compared to those known to exist between the passerine hosts from which the isolates were made. Greater understanding of the infection dynamics of this important parasite, including implications for risk of host-to-host transmission within captive aviary populations, is expected to result. Although the majority of this project will be laboratory based, some fieldwork to collect additional samples (zoo and aviary visits) is anticipated. Necessary project-related travel costs will be funded by the PI.