Leucocytozoon sp. 8

Paperna, Ilan, Keong, Malcolm Soh Chu & May, Charlotte Yap Aye, 2008, Haemosporozoan Parasites Found In Birds In Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sarawak And Java, Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 56 (2), pp. 211-243 : 225

Leucocytozoon sp. 8

( Fig. 14 )

Malacopteron magnum Eyton ; Malaysia: Sarawak. Both examined birds were infected.

Description. – All gametocytes are of the round morph. The macrogametocytes have a mean size 9.8 ± 1.35 × 8.1 ± 1.23

(n = 8), with a circumference of 28.9 ± 3.16. The cytoplasm contains moderate number of small vacuoles. The nucleus’ mean size is 3.6 ± 0.69 × 2.6 ± 0.34, with a marked central or off-centre karyosome. The host-cell nucleus on the average encloses 48% (± 23.5%) of the parasite periphery, but it occurs with a wide range of cupping from 15% (cup-shaped) to 67%. The microgametocytes are few (n = 2), 8.8, 13.3 × 7, 4.9, and the nuclear region, occupying either the centre, or one side, stains more intensively. The host cell nucleus encloses 83% to 90% of the 29 to 38 long circumference of the microgametocyte.

Remarks. – In the same blood films, macrogametocytes are covered from 15% to 67% by the host-cell nucleus ranged from “ Leu. fringillinarum ” to “ Leu. majoris ” morphological characteristics [sensu Valkiunas, 1997 (2005)], while all the few microgametocytes found are reminiscent of Leu. majoris (with a cover of 83–90%). This could suggest the presence of two co-existing species, but more likely it questions (as stated elsewhere) the validity of the host-nucleus cover as a taxonomic differentiating character.

Figures

Fig. 14. Leucocytozoon sp. 8 from Malacopteron magnum, Sarawak (from left: microgametocyte and two macrogametocytes).