Morphological and Molecular Identification of Eimeria spp. Infecting Broiler Chicken Farms in Iran

Khoini, Mojtaba; Bahman Shabestari, Afshin; Solgi, Rahmat

doi:10.32598/ARI.81.1.3307

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Eimeria spp. Infecting Broiler Chicken Farms in Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Ab.C., Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran.

² Infectious Disease Research Center, Avicenna Institute of Clinical Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

10.32598/ARI.81.1.3307

Abstract

Introduction: The poultry industry in Iran plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and food security. However, it faces numerous challenges, including parasitic infections such as Eimeria spp. This study aims to provide a comprehensive morphological and molecular characterization of Eimeria spp. infecting broiler chickens in Iran.
Materials & Methods: Fresh fecal samples were collected from chickens (18–45 days old) across 149 farms located in various regions of Iran. The fecal samples were subjected to standard parasitological techniques, including flotation and sedimentation methods, to identify Eimeria oocysts. DNA was extracted from the oocysts, followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers targeting the ITS1 gene of Eimeria spp.
Results: Out of the 149 poultry farms examined, 59.7% tested positive for Eimeria spp. Gheidar County showed the highest infection rate among the samples collected, standing at 81.8%. Molecular methods can successfully prove the morphological studies. The prevalence of these species varied, with E. acervulina being the most common (55.7%) in Zanjan Province, followed by E. maxima (48.3%), E. mitis (20.1%), E. tenella (20.1%), and E. necatrix (13.4%). Mixed infections with two or more Eimeria species were found in 64 out of 103(62.1%) positive samples. The most prevalent combination was E. acervulina, E. maxima, present in 23 out of 101(22.3%) positive samples.
Conclusion: Since vaccination is not currently employed to prevent coccidiosis in Iranian broiler production, the conclusions drawn from this study underscore the significance of implementing reliable chemoprophylactic control measures.

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