Haemoproteus infection in pet birds
Haemoproteus is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect the blood cells of birds, reptiles and amphibians¹. Haemoproteus infection, also known as pseudomalaria or haemoproteosis, is common in wild birds but can also affect pet birds, especially cockatiels, budgerigars, pigeons and doves²³. Haemoproteus infection can cause various symptoms depending on the species of parasite, the host species and the immune status of the bird. Some birds may show no signs of infection, while others may develop anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, depression, feather plucking, lameness or even death²³.
Haemoproteus parasites are transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, biting midges, louse flies and horse flies¹. The life cycle of Haemoproteus involves two hosts: a vertebrate host (bird) and an invertebrate host (insect). The parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in the insect host and asexual reproduction in the bird host. In the bird host, the parasite has two stages: a blood stage and a tissue stage. The blood stage consists of gametocytes that are found in the red blood cells of the bird. The tissue stage consists of megalomeronts that are found in the internal organs such as the lungs, liver and spleen¹.
Haemoproteus parasites are transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, biting midges, louse flies and horse flies¹. The life cycle of Haemoproteus involves two hosts: a vertebrate host (bird) and an invertebrate host (insect). The parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in the insect host and asexual reproduction in the bird host. In the bird host, the parasite has two stages: a blood stage and a tissue stage. The blood stage consists of gametocytes that are found in the red blood cells of the bird. The tissue stage consists of megalomeronts that are found in the internal organs such as the lungs, liver and spleen¹.
The diagnosis of Haemoproteus infection can be made by examining stained blood smears under a microscope and looking for large, pigmented gametocytes in the red blood cells. Other diagnostic methods include fecal tests for cysts or trophozoites, ELISA tests for antigen detection or PCR tests for DNA identification² .
The treatment of Haemoproteus infection can be challenging because there are no approved drugs for poultry or pet birds. However, some studies have suggested that pyrimethamine, an antimalarial drug, can be effective against Haemoproteus infection in some bird species . Pyrimethamine inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis in protozoa. Pyrimethamine can be administered orally or by injection at doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day for 5 to 10 days . However, pyrimethamine may have side effects or toxicity such as bone marrow suppression, anemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia and its efficacy may vary depending on the parasite species and strain. Therefore, it is important to consult a veterinarian before using pyrimethamine for Haemoproteus infection.
The prevention of Haemoproteus infection mainly relies on limiting the exposure of pet birds to insect vectors. This can be done by keeping the birds indoors or in screened cages, using insect repellents or traps, removing stagnant water sources or debris that may attract insects and maintaining good hygiene and sanitation² . Additionally, it is advisable to quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing flocks and to monitor the health status of pet birds regularly.
Haemoproteus infection is a potentially serious disease that can affect pet birds. Pet owners should be aware of the signs and risks of this infection and seek veterinary advice if they suspect their birds are infected. Early diagnosis and treatment with pyrimethamine can improve the prognosis and quality of life of pet birds with Haemoproteus infection.
References:
(1) Haemoproteus – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haemoproteus
(2) Parasitic Diseases of Pet Birds – Merck Veterinary Manual https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/parasitic-diseases-of-pet-birds
(3) Laporan Pertama Kasus Infeksi Haemoproteus (Phylum: Apicomplexa, Famili: Haemoproteidae) pada Lovebird (Agapornis sp.) https://repository.unair.ac.id/116423/2/13LAPO~1.PDF
(4) Haemoproteus Columbae in Birds | Lifecycle of the disease, Symptoms & Treatment https://www.backtobirds.com/haemoproteus-columbae-in-birds/
(5) The life-cycle of the avian haemosporidian parasite Haemoproteus majoris, with emphasis on the exoerythrocytic and sporogonic development | Parasites & Vectors | Full Text https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3773-4
(6) Treatment of Haemoproteus columbae infection in pigeons with pyrimethamine | Veterinary Record https://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/133/16/392
