Document Type

Research

Abstract

Becker et al. (1956) described abnormally enlarged spleens and granular gizzards observed in several killed pigeons. Blood films made from these particular birds were diagnosed as positive for Haemoproteus sacharovi. Since mourning doves represent a host for this parasite, four infected doves were killed and selected tissues sectioned and examined in an attempt to locate sites of exoerythrocytic schizogony. None were observed although the spleens of these birds were markedly swollen and colored a mottled purplish-black. Concerning pigeons, however, granular gizzards were observed in each of eight H. sacharovi infected pigeons killed. Examination of sections of infected gizzard revealed areas of small, round, dark-staining bodies. These areas were bounded by membranous capsules closely resembling mature splenic megaloschizonts of Leucocytozoon simondi. The haemosporidian character of these schizonts was further strengthened by their failure to provoke a cellular response as long as the capsule remained intact. Once the schizonts ruptured, however, an immediate phagocytic response was observed. Attempts to transmit infection by inoculating young pigeons with macerated gizzard were unsuccessful. Thus, the evidence that gizzard lesions observed in pigeons infected with H. sacharovi are sites of exoerythrocytic development is suggestive rather than conclusive.

Publication Date

1964

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

Issue

First Page

537

Last Page

542

Copyright

Language

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Farmer, John N. (1964) "Gizzard Lesions Associated with Haemoproteus sacharovi Infections of Pigeons," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 71(1), 537-542.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol71/iss1/80

Download

Comments?

COinS

Gizzard Lesions Associated with Haemoproteus sacharovi Infections of Pigeons

Authors