Anemia in Leucocytozoon simondi infections. I. Quantification of anemia, gametocytemia, and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in naturally infected Pekin ducklings

Authors:
  • GMGarnet J. M. Maley
    Garnet J. M. Maley
  • SDSherwin S. Desser
    Sherwin S. Desser
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Abstract
Anemia, as determined by hematocrit, and gametocytemia are related to the life cycle of Leucocytozoon simondi in naturally infected Pekin ducklings. Anemia begins subsequent to day 4 postexposure to natural infection (PE), contemporary with the maturation of the hepatic schizonts. The peak round gametocytemia (day 9 PE) preceded the maximum anemia (days 10–12 PE), at which time the highest mortality occurred. The maximum elongate gametocytemia was recorded on day 15 PE. The osmotic fragility of erythrocytes, as determined by incubation in saline suspensions of varying concentrations, increased after the maturation of the hepatic schizonts on days 4–6 PE. Erythrocytes were most susceptible to hypoosmotic lysis on days 10–12 PE, contemporary with the maximum anemia, and became less fragile as the primary infection and the anemia abated.

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