Diversity of haemosporidian parasites in cranes: description of Haemoproteus balearicae and its phylogenetic position within the H. antigonis clade.

ABSTRACT: Haemosporidian parasites from the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon are significant avian pathogens. This study aimed to identify and characterize these parasites in cranes (family Gruidae), using combined morphological and molecular methods. The results confirmed the presence of Haemoproteus balearicae, redescribed here from Balearica regulorum and associated with cytb lineage hBAREGI210. This lineage, previously assigned to Haemoproteus antigonis, is reassigned to H. balearicae, suggesting possible cryptic speciation within the H. antigonis complex. The findings broaden the known host range and geographic distribution of H. balearicae, detected in captive-born cranes in France and captive cranes housed in conservation facilities in South Africa. Phylogenetic analyses rev

SUBMITTER: Chaisi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12520626 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature