Avian malaria seroprevalence in Jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in South Africa.

Blood samples of 191 adult Jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus) from South Africa were tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with Plasmodium falciparum antigen (R32tet32) for avian malaria antibodies (Ab). The samples originated from free-ranging penguins from offshore islands and southern coast colonies (3 groups, n = 110), from 2 penguin groups (n = 66) rescued after offshore oil-spill contamination and rehabilitated at the Rescue Station of the South African National Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) in Cape Town, and from SANCCOB-resident penguins (n = 15). The total average malaria Ab seroprevalence was 39%, and the mean malaria seropositivity ranged from 20% to 62% among the 6 S.

Ectrodactyly in central Africa.

Autosomal dominant ectrodactyly has been identified in several families in remote areas of central Africa. Two groups from eastern Botswana and south-western Zimbabwe belong to the Talaunda tribe and have a common ancestral origin. Another family are members of the Wadoma tribe of north-eastern Zimbabwe.