The first report of co-infection with Sphaerirostris picae and Ascaridia galli in the Oriental magpie (Pica serica) in Beijing, China

Abstract

Abstract Background As a wild bird adapted to urban pressures, the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) can carry a variety of pathogenic microorganisms that affect public health and safety. Sphaerirostris picae and Ascaridia galli can be parasitic in the digestive tract of wild birds and are transmitted between hosts. In this study, we identified nematode species in the intestinal tract of Oriental magpie in Beijing, China, revealing the health threats posed by parasitic worms to urban birds and the potential public health risks posed to humans and other animals. Results Sphaerirostris picae and Ascaridia galli isolated from the intestinal tract of Oriental magpie in Beijing. Morphological characteristics of the parasites were observed by stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscope, and phylogenetic relationships of the parasites were analyzed by sequencing the COX1 gene. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the presence of Sphaerirostris picae infection in magpies in China and the first report of co-infection of the two parasites in wild birds, confirming the epidemiological role of urban birds in public health.