Characteristics of Protozoa in Avian Blood

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.

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.