@misc{9226030,
  abstract     = {{Parasites play a fundamental role in explaining variation in population dynamics in wild ecosystems while also acting as a better model-system to study similar or related human infections. Since the late 1800s, malaria parasites have played a crucial role in vector-borne disease research. Many intrinsic and environmental factors can affect the level of infection transmission and prevalence among avian host populations. Importantly, climate change, being a multifaceted phenomenon, is expected to increase vector-borne infections, not just through temperature changes, but through changes in other environmental dynamics. Empirically proving this effect has so far been hindered by the lack of proper long-term studies. 

A population of breeding marsh tits (Poecile palustris) has been monitored in a long-term study, spanning 17 years, at two nest box areas in Revinge and Öved. Making this marsh tit population a good opportunity to investigate the effects of different intrinsic and ecological drivers of avian malaria. Additionally, a blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) population occupying the same study sites has been monitored for malaria parasites during the same period. Making it an optimal “sister” model-system for infection prevalence comparisons. 

Using these long-term data, prevalence of three haemosporidian genera (Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon) was analyzed in relation to host sex, location, temperature, and breeding phenology. Prevalence was similar between both sexes except for Leucocytozoon, where male hosts had a significantly higher level of infection. Spatially, Revinge had significantly higher prevalence for Haemoproteus, Plasmodium while Öved had significantly higher prevalence of Leucocytozoon. Yearly values showcased Haemoproteus had a quadratic relationship with lower prevalence in earlier and later years, while Plasmodium had linearly increasing prevalence. Leucocytozoon prevalence remained somewhat similar through the study period. Maximum temperature significantly influenced Haemoproteus and Plasmodium prevalence, while having no clear association with Leucocytozoon. Hatch dates did not significantly influence any prevalence, except that of Leucocytozoon. Prevalence in marsh tits was consistently lower than in blue tits, although both species exhibited similar temporal trends, with significant positive correlations in prevalence across years.


These findings suggest environmental and intrinsic drivers affect the prevalence of the three parasite genera in different ways. While differences in prevalence between species may reflect variation in host encounter rates and compatibility with the parasite. The results highlight the importance of considering both environmental and host-specific factors in multi-host parasite systems.}},
  author       = {{El Bayoumy, Youssef}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Climate, spatial, and demographic predictors of avian malaria parasite infection in Marsh Tits}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}