''Haemoproteus columbae'' is a species of blood parasite related to ''Plasmodium'' and other malaria parasites.

Phylogenetic relationships among the
Haemosporidia Haemosporidiasina (Haemosporidia) is a subclass of apicomplexans described by Jacques Euzéby in 1988.Euzéby, J. (1988) Comparative Medical Protozoology, Vol. 3: Apicomplexa, 2: Haemosporidioses, Part 1: Plasmodiids, Haemoproteids, "Piroplasms" ...

''Haemoproteus columbae'' is a true member of the genus ''Haemoproteus'', basal to other avian ''Parahaemoproteus'' species. ''Parahaemoproteus'' species have been subsequently split from ''Haemoproteus'' and are recognized as their own genus, sister to ''Plasmodium''

malaria Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases, it can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, or death. S ...

parasites.

Transmission

''Haemoproteus columbae'' is transmitted by the pigeon louse fly, ''

Pseudolynchia canariensis ''Pseudolynchia canariensis'', the pigeon louse fly or pigeon fly, is a species of biting fly in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. Distribution ''Pseudolynchia canariensis'' are species-specific (Columbidae) obligate ectoparasites potent ...

''.

Pathology or host effects of infection with ''H. columbae''

''Haemoproteus columbae'' infects

pigeons Columbidae () is a bird family consisting of doves and pigeons. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. They primarily ...

. It is usually benign and does not reduce survival of its host. However, it can sometimes be fatal to young pigeons. It is slated for genome sequencing.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q16969506 Haemosporida Poultry diseases Veterinary protozoology Parasites of birds