Abstract
In order to evaluate prevalence and intensity of apicomplexan hemoparasites in free-ranging reptiles from Romania, blood smears were collected from European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis), sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), and spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca). All three host species were positive for blood parasites, with prevalence of infected individuals between 60.71% and 100% and variable intensity. Similarities and differences with other epidemiological data are discussed.
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Acknowledgements
This research was funded by grant no. CNCSIS 33968/2003/86/32. The first author is indebted to his wife Linda for great help during field work with T. graeca.
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Mihalca, A.D., Racka, K., Gherman, C. et al. Prevalence and intensity of blood apicomplexan infections in reptiles from Romania. Parasitol Res 102, 1081–1083 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-0912-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-0912-9