Multi-Strain Infections and ‘Relapse’ of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi Gametocytes in Domestic Chickens in Southern China

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094877
• Publication Date: 2014-04-11T17:12:09Z
• Authors: Wenting Zhao; Baowei Cai; Yanwei Qi; Shengfa Liu; Lingxian Hong; Mingke Lu; Xin Chen; Chunhui Qiu; Wenfeng Peng; Jian Li; Xin-zhuan Su
• Keywords: Leucocytozoon; Strain (injury)

Leucocytozoon parasites infect many species of avian hosts, including domestic chicken, and can inflict heavy economic loss to the poultry industry. Although prevalence distribution two (L. sabrazesi L. caulleryi) have been reported in China previously, there are questions related parasite infection that remain unanswered, population diversity transmission dynamics chickens. Here we surveyed chicken blood samples from seven sites four provinces identify infection, characterized within individual infected hosts between sampling sites, investigated gametocytemia chickens over time. We found high rates three sites. Clustering sequences mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase III (coxIII) b (cytb) genes showed lack grouping according geographic origins carrying large numbers strains. Monitoring time 'relapse' or persistence low-level for 4–5 months, which could be explored as an vivo model testing drugs against liver stages Apicomplexan parasites. This study provides important information on disease control.