Haemoprotozoan infection in ducks: prevalence and pathology

Abstract

The prevalence of haemoprotozoa in duck and pathological changes produced by these parasites were studied in different areas of Mymensingh district during July, 2007 to December, 2007. In this study 60% ducks were found to be infected with haemoprotozoa. Two species of haemoprotozoa were identified such as Leucocytozoon caulleryi and Leucocytozoon simondi. Prevalence of L. caulleryi (54.67%) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of L. simondi (5.33%) in ducks. The calculated odds ratio implied that ducks were 19.67 times more susceptible to L. caulleryi infection than L. simondi infection. Prevalence of haemoprotozoa was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in male (78.94%) than female ducks (53.57%). Pathological lesions were observed in case of Leucocytozoon sp. infections. Grossly lungs were congested but other suspected organs such as liver, lungs, kidney and heart were apparently normal. Microscopically, comma shaped organisms were found in the hepatocyte of liver and alveolar epithelial cell of lungs accompanied with eosinophilic infiltration. Schizonts were also observed in the hepatocyte of liver and alveolar epithelial cell of lungs. The lungs alveoli were distended and ruptured in advanced stages. According to the result, it may be concluded that haemoprotozoan infection in duck is highly prevalent in Bangladesh and produces clinicopathological lesions in duck. So proper control measures should taken to reduce the prevalence of haemoprotozoa of duck in Bangladesh. Key words: Haemoprotozoa, ducks, prevalence, pathology DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1339 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 53-58