ABSTRACT
An extremely polymorphous intraerythrocytic microorganism occurring in naturally infected turkeys, ducks and fowls has been discovered in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. 2. Studies on the morphology and biology have shown that it is a hitherto undescribed heteroxenous parasite for which the name Neitziella rezendei gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. 3. Its morphological features permit its inclusion in the class Microtatobiotes and order Rickettsiales. 4. Microscopical examination of blood films have shown that the parasitic carrier state in turkeys persists for more than 200 days (endpoint not determined). 5. The natural mode of transmission needs to be determined. 6. The suspicion that the parasite may cause illthrift and deaths in poultry requires confirmation.
