Haemoproteus Columbae Infection and its Histopathological Effects on Pigeons in Qena Governorate, Egypt

Several health problems can affect pigeons but parasitic infections play a major role. The genus Haemoproteus includes a large number of intracellular protozoan parasites. A total of 103 pigeons were captured from different localities of Qena Governorate from March 2013 to April 2014, blood films were obtained, fixed, stained and examined microscopically. Lungs and liver were also examined histopathologically. The study demonstrated different stages of Haemoproteus columbae in the blood, liver and lungs of the pigeons captured with high prevalence (57.2%). In the liver and the lungs, the endothelium of the blood vessels was the main target of the parasite. In cases of high infection, round cell granuloma and massive destruction of the parenchyma of these organs occurred leading to sever illness or even death of the pigeons. There is a high prevalence of Haemoproteus columbae in Qena, Egypt. The parasite can severely affect vital organs like the lungs and the liver that may cause from severe illness up to death of the pigeons.