Infectivity of Bufo melanostictus (Amphibia: Bufonidae) to Two New Species of Haematozoan Parasites from Rohilkhand, India

Micro-haematotechniques (hanging drop preparations, microhaematocrit, permanent smears) on blood of Bufo melanostictus revealed 2.10 % prevalence of Trypanosoma bisalpurensis n. sp. (intensity 1.0–2.0/100 RBCs) and Hepatozoon gangwarii n. sp. (intensity 1.0–3.0/100 RBCs). The permanent preparations of the parasites were cyto-morpho-taxonomically compared with the previously described forms. The characteristic ‘S’-shaped body, the unusual close proximity of the nucleus and kinetoplast, the slender and elongated body and a shortened free flagellum of the Trypanosoma species and the differential size, nuclear position and dimensions, nuclear displacement ratio, absence of capsule and gametocyte characteristics of Hepatozoon are regarded as novel identity of the parasites and are being reported as new species with specific characters as provided in this communication. The displacement of the host nucleus is consequential due to Hepatozoon infection and is also described herein.