Hematology, molecular phylogeny and ultra-structure of Trypanosoma corvi in a Shikra

Abstract

A wild-caught, juvenile Shikra (Accipiter badius) was evaluated for rehabilitation to Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit (KURRU) with a history of weakness. Trypanosoma sp. was observed by both light and electron microscopy in blood obtained at day 1. Blood samples collected on day 14 revealed that trypanosomes were consistently found. The striated trypomastigotes were very large with a body length (excluding flagella) 50.5 ± 6.2 μm (n = 50) and body width (nuclear region) 4.9 ± 0.8 μm (n = 50). Ultrastructurally, trypanosomes contained vesicular nucleus, undulating membrane, mitochondrial canal, multivesicular bodies, and dense granular bodies. The partial 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis of blood sample on D14 revealed that Trypanosoma isolate from the Shikra (JN639002) was 100 % identical to Trypanosoma corvi (DQ813299). The Shikra did not receive any treatment, but the collected blood samples at 7 months showed very few trypomastigotes and at 14 months later revealed no trypanosomes. The other two adult male Shikras submitted to KURRU revealed no trypanosomes in their blood smears. The T. corvi-infected Shikra had lower erythrocytic parameters, but higher total solids concentration than those noninfected birds. This case is the first record of T. corvi in a wild Shikra, emphasized on hematological data, molecular characterization, and ultrastructure of the hematozoa.