Some observations on the morphology and developmental stages of Trypanosoma avium bakeri ssp.nov. from the red-whiskered bulbul (Otocompsa jocosa Linn.)

Abstract

Trypanosoma avium bakeri ssp.nov. has been recorded from naturally infected red-whiskered bulbuls (Otocompsa jocosa Linn.). This trypanosome resembles T. avium Danilewsky, 1885 in general morphological features but it is larger in every respect. The parasite can also infect chicks, black-breasted quails and pigeons.The division stages of the parasite are also very interesting. Considering the different morphological criteria, division stages and loose host specificity, the parasite is designated as subspecies of T. avium.For the first time division stages of an avian trypanosome have been studied in detail in the peripheral circulation and bone marrow of the bird. The parasite multiplied by longitudinal binary fission and two types of plasmotomy.Our thanks are due to Dr S. Mookerjee, Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology, Presidency College, Calcutta for providing the necessary laboratory facilities and constant encouragement and for going through the manuscript and to Dr J. R. Baker, Department of Medical Protozoology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, for his valuable suggestions in the preparation of this article. The financial support provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research (for H.N.R.) and the University Grants Commission (for D.K.C.) is gratefully acknowledged.