Sensitivity of Haemoproteus columbae, Avian Parasite to Chloroquine Sulphate

Abstract

The birds Columbidae livia (Pigeons) were screened for malaria parasite by microbiological technique using Giemsa Staining Technique. The slides we examined for the presence of plasmodium parasite (Parasitaemia Value). Results indicated the presence of malaria parasites namely Haemoproteus columbae in three Columbidae livia (Pigeons) with a frequency of 50%. The parasitaemia value is 100-1000 cells per microscopic field. Chloroquine at 2.2mglml concentration was found to be efficacious upon the infected pigeons. The finding therefore signaled the presence of Haemoproteus columbae; a fearful malaria parasite in pigeons that needs serious attention. The need to elucidate the molecular virulence and virulence nature of the parasite is high.ano, Nigeria

Keywords: Columbidae livia, malaria parasite, Giemsa Staining Technique, Haemoproteus columbae

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 91-95