Insights into the Biology of Leucocytozoon Species (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae): Why Is There Slow Research Progress on Agents of Leucocytozoonosis?

Blood parasites of the genus (Leucocytozoidae) only inhabit birds and represent a readily distinct evolutionary branch of the haemosporidians (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa). Some species cause pathology and even severe leucocytozoonosis in avian hosts, including poultry. The diversity of pathogens is r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microorganisms (Basel) 2023-05, Vol.11 (5), p.1251
Main Authors: Valkiūnas, Gediminas, Iezhova, Tatjana A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biology
Birds
Blood
Blood parasites
diversity
Genomes
Haemosporida
haemosporidian parasites
Leucocytozoon
life cycle
Malaria
molecular characterization
Museums
Nucleotide sequence
Parasites
Pathogenicity
Pathogens
Phylogenetics
Phylogeny
Review
Species
Taxonomy
Vectors
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Summary:Blood parasites of the genus (Leucocytozoidae) only inhabit birds and represent a readily distinct evolutionary branch of the haemosporidians (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa). Some species cause pathology and even severe leucocytozoonosis in avian hosts, including poultry. The diversity of pathogens is remarkable, with over 1400 genetic lineages detected, most of which, however, have not been identified to the species level. At most, approximately 45 morphologically distinct species of have been described, but only a few have associated molecular data. This is unfortunate because basic information about named and morphologically recognized species is essential for a better understanding of phylogenetically closely related leucocytozoids that are known only by DNA sequence. Despite much research on haemosporidian parasites during the past 30 years, there has not been much progress in taxonomy, vectors, patterns of transmission, pathogenicity, and other aspects of the biology of these cosmopolitan bird pathogens. This study reviewed the available basic information on avian species, with particular attention to some obstacles that prevent progress to better understanding the biology of leucocytozoids. Major gaps in current species research are discussed, and possible approaches are suggested to resolve some issues that have limited practical parasitological studies of these pathogens.
ISSN:2076-2607
2076-2607
DOI:10.3390/microorganisms11051251