Novel apicomplexan in the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri

Abstract

An unknown haemoparasite was detected on blood smears from two wild Leadbeater's possums brought into captivity for the purpose of joining the conservation breeding program. The parasite was identified as a novel apicomplexan using molecular techniques. Phylogenetic analyses grouped this parasite with other apicomplexans identified from Australian marsupials. Opportunistic and retrospective testing (PCR on blood or tissue and microscopic examination of blood smears) was undertaken on a total of 31 captive and wild individuals. Haemoparasites were detected in 44.4 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 25.5–64.8) of blood smears and in 83.3 % (95 % CI 58.6–96.4) of blood and tissue samples tested b..