Fig. 1

Primer positions of rDNA primers for standard and real-time PCR (a) and cytochrome b primers for nested PCR for Haemoproteus/Plasmodium (b), and Leucocytozoon (c). Blue bars denote location of the target genes on the mitochondrial genome of Plasmodium relictum (NC012426). The spans of amplified DNA fragments are indicated in parentheses behind each primer pair. Fragments in green are those that we recommend for use in avian haemosporidian detection (a) and amplification by nested PCR (b, c). Primers in red represent new primers developed for avian haemosporidians either herein or in [17]