Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon californicus Coinfection in a Merlin (Falco colombarius)

• DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040263
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06T10:10:28Z
• Authors: Simona Nardoni; Francesca Parisi; Guido Rocchigiani; Renato Ceccherelli; Francesca Mancianti; Alessandro Poli
• Keywords: Haemoproteus; Leucocytozoon; Plasmodium (life cycle)

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. species are characterized by a great taxonomic diversity, infections usually restricted to birds of the same family. In present paper, mixed hemosporidia infection californicus Haemoproteus sp. in an adult male merlin (Falco columbarius) died during hospitalisation reported, indicating, for first time, newly described host species. A molecular investigation was carried out through cytochrome b gene analysis, revealing 100% match L. spp. blood smear examination allowed us detect fusiform mature gametocytes different degrees maturity gametocytes. Histopathology revealed foci necrosis, hemorrhagic areas extramedullary hematopoiesis liver, presence microthrombi heart lung scattered hemorrhages lung.