Haemoproteus columbae in domestic pigeons in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana.
Mature and immature stages of Haemoproteus columbae gametocytes, an avian haemosporidian protozoan parasite were found in 75% of blood smears prepared from 30 healthy domestic pigeons in Sebele location, Gaborone, Botswana. Parenteral administration of an immuno-suppressive dose of dexamethasone, lowered the level of parasitaemia, the packed cell volume and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio in the test pigeons. However, both the dexamethasone-treated and the control pigeons remained clinically normal.
Botswana College of Agriculture, Gaborone.
E Z
EZ
Mushi
M G
MG
Binta
R G
RG
Chabo
M
M
Mathaio
R T
RT
Ndebele
D000818:Animals; D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000187:drug effects; D001902:Botswana; D010856:Columbidae / Q000097:blood / Q000469:parasitology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D018655:Lymphocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000662:veterinary*; D011529:Protozoan Infections, Animal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology
D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone