The Occurrence of Heamoproteuscolumbae in Pigeons (Columbidaelivia) Based on Microscopy and PCR Based Method Analysis and Identification of New Lineage in the MalAvi Data Base in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

total of six birds were obtained from Tarauni Market in Tarauni LGA in July 2009. The birds included three Columbidaelivia (Pigeons) and three Local Chickens (Gallus gallus). The birds were screened for Malaria Parasite by making thick and thin blood films on slides using Giemsa staining technique and PCR based method analysis. The slides were examined for the presence of plasmodium parasite (parasitaemia value). Results of the investigation showed the presence of  Haemoproteuscolumbae in two columbidaelivia (pigeons) out of the six birds tested. The frequency of occurrence in the birds was 33%. The parasitaemia value was 100-1000 cells per microscopic field. However the distribution of the parasite among the host birds was statistically significant at p=0.05. A new lineage of Haemoproteuscolumbae in the MalAvi data base was discovered and termed COLIV03. This finding has thus called for immediate screening of pigeons in Kano State for the new variant of Plasmodium specie with a view to elucidating its molecular virulence nature as agent of avian malaria.

Keywords: Heamoproteuscolumbae, pigeons, Avian malaria parasite, Kano State, Nigeria.