Molecular detection of trypanosomatids and apicomplexans in owl tissues from the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Owls (Strigiformes) are widely distributed across terrestrial ecosystems and play a key role as top predators, potentially exposing them to diverse infectious agents. This study aimed to investigate the presence of protozoan of veterinary and zoonotic relevance in owl tissues from the southern coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A total of 111 tissue samples (lung, liver, spleen, and heart) from seven species-Athene cunicularia, Asio clamator, Strix virgata, Megascops choliba, Tyto furcata, Asio stygius, and Bubo virginianus-were analyzed using conventional and nested PCR targeting Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp. and Apicomplexa. DNA extraction was performed using a commercial kit, and all PCR assays included positive and negative controls. Results revealed DNA of Apicomplexa in 1.8% of samples, Trypanosoma spp. in 4.5%, and Leishmania spp. in 2.7%, with a co-infection. These findings indicate that owls are exposed to these pathogens through predation and environmental interactions, highlighting their potential as sentinel species. Despite the low prevalence observed, the study underscores the ecological and epidemiological importance of Strigiformes in the circulation of protozoan parasites. Further investigations using sequencing and serology are recommended to clarify the role of owls in pathogen transmission and support integrated One Health surveillance in overlapping wildlife and human habitats.