First microscopic, pathological, epidemiological, and molecular investigation of Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) parasites in Egyptian pigeons

is an intracellular blood parasite that affects various bird species globally and is transmitted by blackfly vectors. This parasite is responsible for leucocytozoonosis, a disease that results in significant economic losses due to reduced meat and egg production. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiological pattern of leucocytozoonosis and its causative species in Egypt, particularly in pigeons.