Leucocytozoon tawakin.sp. (Eucoccida: Leucocytozoidae) from the penguinEudyptes pachyrhynchus, and preliminary observations on its development inAustrosimuliumspp. (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Abstract

Blood smears from 43 species of bird, mainly from the South Island of New Zealand, were examined for haematozoon parasites. An undescribed species of Leucocytozoon was discovered in the Fiordland crested penguin, Eudyptes pachyrhynchus. It is assigned the name Leucocytozoon tawaki, and the gametocytes are described. Preliminary observations of its development in Austrosimulium australense, A. dumbletoni, and A. ungulatum are discussed, and the ookinete, oocyst, and sporozoite stages within these hosts are briefly described.

First African record of Leucocytozoon Tawaki (Apicomplexa: Leucocytozoidae) from the Jackass Penguin Spheniscus Demersus

“…Two of these were taken from adult birds originating from Plettenberg Bay and the third from a sub-adult received from along the coast in the Bredasdorp district All three of these birds were received at the SANCCOB resue station between 17-28 December 1990 and the blood smears were made between 2-10 January 1991. The leucocytozoid found in the jackass penguin is similar to the description and illustrations of L. tawaki provided by Fallis et al (1976). Because leucocytozoids are host-family and not host-species specific (Fallis, Desser & Khan 1974), we have no hesitation in identifying the leucocytozoid of the jackass penguin as L. tawaki.…”

“…The mean measurements of both macro-and microgametocytes from jackass penguins are significantly larger than those given by Fallis et al (1976) in the original description of the species from the Fiordland crested penguin ( Table 1). The reason for this is not clear but because Fallis et al (1976) did not state exactly how measurements were made it is difficult to compare directly those from the jackass and Fiordland crested penguins. There can be a great variation in the size of several Leucocytozoon species, even at different times of infection in the same bird (Bennett & Campbell 1975), which may also account for the size difference.…”

“…round forms were measured across the parasite at the point where it is not covered by the host cell nucleus (measurement D2 in Bennett & Campbell 1975). The mean measurements of both macro-and microgametocytes from jackass penguins are significantly larger than those given by Fallis et al (1976) in the original description of the species from the Fiordland crested penguin ( Table 1). The reason for this is not clear but because Fallis et al (1976) did not state exactly how measurements were made it is difficult to compare directly those from the jackass and Fiordland crested penguins.…”

Malaria in penguins – current perceptions

“…(Levin et al, 2009) and Leucocytozoon spp. (Fallis et al, 1976) may closely resemble those of Plasmodium spp. The conclusive diagnosis of avian malaria through blood smears therefore requires the observation of erythrocytic meronts, which are unique to Plasmodium spp.…”

High prevalence ofLeucocytozoonspp. in the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) in the sub-Antarctic regions of New Zealand

“…However, recent investigation into the prevalence of this disease failed to identify Plasmodium spp. in 143 YEPs from the Otago Peninsula (Sturrock and Tompkins, 2007) (Fallis et al 1976).…”