Haemosporidian Parasites of White-Breasted Waterhens ( Amaurornis phoenicurus ), with a Report and Molecular Characterization of Haemoproteus gallinulae in Thailand

Haemosporidian parasites are vector-borne parasites infecting terrestrial vertebrates as well as avian species, such as the White-breasted Waterhen, a Gruiformes waterbird found in lowlands near wetlands and distributed throughout Thailand. However, information regarding haemosporidia infection in this species is lacking. To establish regional information, 17 blood samples were collected from White-breasted Waterhens. Four haemoparasite lineages were identified in six blood samples: , , , and an unidentified species. was characterized with morphological features in White-breasted Waterhens for the first time; the morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions. was more closely related to species of Passeriformes birds than to those of Gruiformes birds. The parasites infecting these White-breasted Waterhens previously caused severe avian malaria in other host species. The unidentified species had rarely been documented, although it was reported in the vector and was possibly associated with specialist parasites either as host or habitat. Our findings reveal multiple haemosporidian species reflecting the role of this avian host as a carrier of haemosporidians. This study offers species records and molecular materials that may provide critical information for further targeted research into these haemosporidia.