What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aimed to detect and characterize blood parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa in European pond turtles.

June 1, 20260 citations

Blood Parasites of the Phylum Apicomplexa and Hematological Values in European Pond Turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Lublin Voivodeship, Eastern Poland.

BPBarbora Pavľáková NKNoemi Kožejová VMViktória Majláthová

Key Points

The research aimed to detect and characterize blood parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa in European pond turtles.
Microscopic analysis identified developmental stages of Haemogregarina
Molecular analyses confirmed species presence, including Haemogregarina stepanowi
Hematologic examinations assessed immune response by evaluating basophil and eosinophil counts.
Mean parasitemia was 29.7 parasites per 10,000 erythrocytes.
Infected turtles exhibited elevated basophil and eosinophil counts, indicating immune response.
Phylogenetic analyses revealed genetic relationships with hemoparasites in other freshwater turtles.

Abstract

This study aimed to detect and characterize intracellular blood parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa in freshwater turtles. Microscopic analysis identified developmental stages of gamonts and premeronts belonging to the genus Haemogregarina, while molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Haemogregarina stepanowi, Haemogregarina spp., and Hepatozoon sp. The mean parasitemia was 29.7 parasites per 10,000 erythrocytes. Hematologic examinations showed elevated basophil and eosinophil counts in infected individuals, indicating an immune response to the infection. Phylogenetic analyses supported the close genetic relationship of isolates from this study with hemoparasites found in other freshwater turtle species. Overall, these results contribute to the understanding of the diversity and genetic relationships of hemogregarine species in freshwater turtles.

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