Nardoni, Simona, Parisi, Francesca, Rocchigiani, Guido 
ORCID: 0000-0002-3742-7636, Ceccherelli, Renato, Mancianti, Francesca and Poli, Alessandro
(2020)
Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon californicus Coinfection in a Merlin (Falco colombarius)
PATHOGENS, 9 (4).
E263-.
ISSN 2076-0817, 2076-0817
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Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon californicus Coinfection in a Merlin (Falco colombarius). .pdf - Open Access published version Download (3MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The Leucocytozoon genus comprises numerous widely distributed parasites which have been less investigated than other avian hemoprotozoa. Their occurrence is common, with very variable prevalence values and pathogenicity degrees. Leucocytozoon species are characterized by a great taxonomic diversity, and infections are usually restricted to birds of the same family. In the present paper, a mixed hemosporidia infection by Leucocytozoon californicus and Haemoproteus sp. in an adult male merlin (Falco columbarius) which died during hospitalisation is reported, indicating, for the first time, a newly described avian host species. A molecular investigation was carried out through cytochrome b gene analysis, revealing a 100% match with L. californicus and Haemoproteus spp. A blood smear examination allowed us to detect Leucocytozoon fusiform mature gametocytes and different degrees of maturity of Haemoproteus gametocytes. Histopathology revealed foci of necrosis, hemorrhagic areas and extramedullary hematopoiesis in the liver, the presence of microthrombi in the heart and lung and scattered hemorrhages in the lung.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Leucocytozoon californicus, Haemoproteus sp, Falco columbarius, PCR, anatomopathological findings |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Dec 2023 16:23 |
| Last Modified: | 22 May 2026 17:10 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/pathogens9040263 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3177285 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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