Haemoproteus centropi De Mello, 1935

Peirce, M. A. & Adlard, R. D., 2005, The haemoproteids of the Cuculidae, Journal of Natural History 39 (25), pp. 2281-2287 : 2285-2286

Parasite: Haemoproteus centropi De Mello, 1935

( Figure 1D–F )

Synonym: Haemoproteus froilanoi Tendeiro, 1947 .

Type host. Centropus sinensis parroti Stresemann.

Type locality. Daman , India .

Vector. Unknown, but assumed to be either hippoboscid or ceratopogonid.

Basis of redescription

Immature gametocyte. May occupy any position within the erythrocyte and the smallest forms may be slightly amoeboid. As the parasites grow they occupy a lateral position to the host cell nucleus ( Figure 1D ) and the outline is generally entire.

Macrogametocyte ( Figure 1E ; Table I). Displays the usual differentiating staining and sexual characteristics. Parasites halteridial, generally entire with smooth outlines, although a few parasites may demonstrate a small degree of irregularity; occupying about 65% of host cell cytoplasm. Nucleus is compact, but irregular in outline, usually in a central position. Pigment granules averaging 13.3 are dark brown and irregular in shape; scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Mature parasite causes lateral displacement of host cell nucleus with hypertrophy of 10% in length and width with 22% in area.

Microgametocyte ( Figure 1F ; Table I). Similar to macrogametocyte presenting the usual differentiating characteristics. Nucleus central and diffuse; staining deep pink. Pigment granules averaging 12 usually concentrated at the poles. Mature parasite causes some lateral displacement of the host cell nucleus with hypertrophy of 8–10% in length and width with 17% in area.

Ratio of macrogametocytes to microgametocytes is 45:55. No multiple invasion of erythrocytes observed.

Neohapantotype: IRCAH: G454367 from Centropus toulou insularis Ridgway coll. Lowery, 1968, Aldabra, Indian Ocean. Paraneohapanatotypes: IRCAH: G463584 from Centropus phasianinus (Latham) coll. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 17 July 2000, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; IRCAH: G463585 from C. phasianinus coll. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 12 September 2000, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Other hosts. Centropus sinensis parroti , C. senegalensis (L.), C. milo Gould , C. supercilliosus Hemprich and Ehrenberg , and presumably throughout the range of the Centropodinae .

Comments. The original description of H. centropi by De Mello (1935) is unacceptable as it was based on material from a shot bird and no hapantotype exists. Likewise, the description of H. froilanoi by Tendeiro (1947) is clearly a synonym of H. centropi and no hapantotype is known to exist. The family Centropodinae comprises the single genus Centropus with some 28 species.

The genus has a wide distribution through Africa, Asia and Australia and whilst there is considerable overlap with species of the Cuculinae , there is no evidence of cross-infection with other species of Haemoproteus .

Figures

Figure 1. (A–C) Haemoproteus cuculis sp. nov.: (A) immature gametocyte; (B) macrogametocyte; (C) microgametocyte (upper) and immature gametocyte (lower). (D–F) Haemoproteus centropi: (D) immature gametocyte (upper) and almost mature microgametocyte (lower); (E) macrogametocyte; (F) two microgametocytes. (G–I) Haemoproteus clamatori sp. nov.: (G) immature gametocyte; (H) macrogametocyte; (I) microgametocyte. Scale bar: 14 mm.