Characteristics of Protozoa 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

aMultiple intracellular parasites may be present in acute infections.

bUncommon to rare.

cBabesia is piriform and can be in a V, X, or fan pattern.