Cytochemical and cytopathological observations in robins (Turdus migratorius) infected with Leucocytozoon dubreuili

Abstract

Pathological alterations in hepatocytes and proximal renal tubular cells of the American robin (Turdus migratorius) harbouring schizonts of Leucocytozoon dubreuili consisted primarily of nuclear hypertrophy and the reduction and disruption of cytoplasmic organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Other changes included the accumulation of lipofuscin-like bodies and the reduction and disorganization of microvilli.Neither glycogen nor acid or alkaline phosphatase activities were detected in the parasite while these occurred in the parasitized cells and adjacent uninfected cells. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to studies on other malaria-like parasites.