Characteristics of Protozoa Encountered in Avian Blood
Protozoan | Host Cell | Pigment Present | Merogony in Blood |
|---|---|---|---|
Plasmodium | RBC | Yes | Yes |
Haemoproteus | RBC | Yes | No |
Leucocytozoon | RBC or WBC; distorted and enlarged often beyond recognition | No | No |
Isospora | WBC; in nuclear indentation | No | Noa |
Hepatozoonb | WBC, large, elongated oval shape | No | No |
Babesiab | RBC | No | Noc |
a Multiple intracellular parasites may be seen in acute infections. | |||
b Uncommon to rare. | |||
cBabesia are pyriform and may be in a V, X, or fan pattern. | |||