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Guinea fowl production is gaining prominence in Ghana and the major health problems associated is helminthosis. However, studies on the use of anthelmintics in guinea fowl had been scanty in literature despite research into more effective drug strategies in controlling helminth infections in poultry. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of piperazine, levamisole and their combination in the control of gastrointestinal worms from August- December 2019. Six-thousand-layer guinea fowls were divided into four groups (1, 2, 3 and 4). Group 1 was treated with piperazine at 100g/100 L of water, Group 2 with levamisole at 100g/200 L of water, Group 3 with a combination of levamisole and piperazine and Group 4 was the control group. All treatments were administered via water medication and the control group was offered plain water. Faecal samples were collected before and after treatment from each bird. Faecal egg count reduction (FECR) rate was determined for each group. Predominant helminth infections from pre- treatment faecal examinations were Ascaridia galli 100 (60.24 %) which was the highest, followed by Heterakis gallinarum 43 (25.90%), Strongyloides avium 15 (9.04%), Raillietina echinobothridia 7 (4.22) and Syngamus trachea 1 (0.6%). Reduction was statistically significant, p-value ˂ 0.0001 at confidence interval of 95%. The percentage reduction in faecal egg count was 143 (35.75%) for piperazine treatment group, 172 (43%) for levamisole treatment group, 350 (87.50%) for piperazine- levamisole combination group and 4 (1.05%) for the control group. The use of piperazine-levamisole combination was more efficacious and recommended in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in guinea fowl.

Introduction The objectives of this study were to evaluate a modified method for isolating geohelminth eggs and to assess the geohelminth contamination in Bangladesh. Methods The efficacy of the modified method was evaluated using naturally contaminated and experimentally seeded soil samples. In total, 240 samples were assessed from four different sites in three geographic contexts. A questionnaire survey with 50 professionals was conducted. Results The modified method showed considerable efficacy in isolating parasitic eggs from naturally contaminated soil (54.0%) and experimentally seeded soils (63.0% for Toxocara eggs and 52.0% for Ascaris eggs). The modified method was described as convenient by the majority of participants. Overall prevalence was 52.5%, with several species of helminth observed, including Toxocara sp., Ascaridia galli/Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaris sp., hookworms/strongyles, Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., and taeniids). The contamination rate was found to be higher around livestock farms (76.7%), followed by latrines (63.3%), households (41.6%), and schools (28.3%). Conclusions The modified method was shown to be feasible in terms of field applicability and egg recovery rate, and could be adopted in low-resource settings. A substantial prevalence of geohelminths was observed, with some of the species associated with zoonoses. These findings highlight the urgent need for widespread mapping of geohelminths to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.

Objective: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal dependency and prevalence of gastrointestinal roundworms (nematodes) infecting domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: From August 2017 through July 2019, the investigation was undertaken during each of the four seasons. We tested 400 guts obtained from varied places around the Kashmir valley for nematode infestation. The nematodes found within the digestive tract were collected and identified using a variety of identification keys under the microscope. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the data (version 20). Chi-square (χ2) test was carried out to analyze the sample data. Results: 196 hosts were infected with various nematodes, indicating an overall prevalence of 49% (196/400). The findings revealed that the prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 32.97% (61/185) in the first year and 35.34% (76/215) in the second year. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 20.80% (38/185) in the first year and 24.18% (52/215) in the second year, whereas Capillaria spp. had a prevalence rate of 10.81% (20/185) in the first year and 12.55% (27/215) in the second year. The overall prevalence of A. galli was determined to be 34.25% in both years (August 2017July 2019), with a mean intensity of 4.86. Summer months had the highest parasitic load. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 22.5% and a mean intensity of 26.83. Summer was shown to have the most considerable parasitic burden. Capillaria spp. had an overall prevalence of 11.75% and a mean intensity of 4.59; autumn had the highest parasite load. The most abundant species was identified as A. galli. It was shown that there is a significant (p < 0.01) link between seasonal¬ity and helminth parasite prevalence. Conclusion: The studys findings indicate that these gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous throughout the year, but are particularly abundant in the summer and fall seasons among domes¬tic poultry in the study area. This study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Gallus gallus domesticus demonstrates the seasonality of infection rates and also offers various methods and techniques for framing effective strategies for controlling these helminthes to maximize profit from backyard chicken farming. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 448-453]

Gastrointestinal nematodes are one of the most important constraints of poor geese health and productivity, in addition to being involved in great economic losses for various poultry sectors. This study primarily aimed at determining the epidemiological profile and risk factors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematode parasites in geese in Egypt. The phylogenetic relationships between heterakids were the second aim. For achieving these aims, a total 180 of intestinal samples were screened for the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes over a period of one year from December 2018 to November 2019. Furthermore, A PCR-based DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit1 gene (nad1) was conducted for characterization of adult Heterakis dispar. The current search revealed that the overall prevalence was 33.33% (60/180). Five species of nematode species was encountered in this study, namely Capillaria spp., Heterakis gallinarum (Schrank, 1788), Ascaridia galli (Schrank, 1788), Subulura brumpti (Lopez-Neyra, 1922) and Heterakis dispar (Schrank, 1790). A positive relationship was found between the prevalence of nematode infection and age of tested geese revealing that the high prevalence was found in adults rather than young birds (P = 0.03). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of nematode infection between male and female geese (P > 0.05). Also, there was strong significant seasonal trends in the prevalence of the recovered helminths with the maximum infection was observed in summer season and lowest in winter (P = 0.002). The BLAST analysis of H. dispar nad1 sequence showed a 96.4% similarity with the sequences of H. dispar Heilongjiang. It also showed a lower similarity to the mitochondrial gene sequences of H. gallinarum (84.4%). This is the first molecular identification and report of genetic diversity of Heterakis dispar in geese from Egypt. The current finding initially provides a concise account of knowledge about the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting geese and are considered as a starting point for the implementation of appropriate control and prophylactic schemes for GIT nematodiasis. It also confirms the potential uses of genetic techniques for taxonomic studies of different parasites.

The poultry infections caused by Dispharynx nasuta and Cheilospirura hamulosa nematodes are difficult to be diagnosed by fecal examination because of their egg similarity. In this study, we analyzed DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S region of D. nasuta and C. hamulosa and developed conventional multiplex PCR method using species-specific primers for discriminating between the two species. The method amplified 455-bp and 319-bp fragments specific to D. nasuta and C. hamulosa, respectively, and did not produce them against the other chicken nematode species, Ascaridia galli, Oxyspirura mansoni, Heterakis gallinarum, Heterakis beramporia, and Heterakis indica, suggesting that the multiplex PCR is sensitive and available for species diagnosis.

Parasites constitute a major obstacle to poultry production, leading to significant losses in many poultry farms. This study investigated the parasites status of village chicken (Gallus domesticus) collected from selected communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Nigeria, during January to March 2020. A total of 35 birds were collected from 5 communities: Igbogeni, Tombia, Agudama, Akenfa and Opolo to assess their parasitic status. The procession of the chicken and the identifications of both ecto and endo parasites followed standard techniques. From the results, the prevalence of the ecto parasites and the endo parasites in the chickens were 85.71% and 88.57% respectively. The ectoparasites species in order of increasing frequency were Lice (37.65%), Fleas (32.94%), and Mites (29.41%). Mixed infection of lice & fleas accounted for 34.12%. The prevalence of endo parasites was: Nematode (71.59%) and Cestode (28.41%) respectively. The species specific prevalence of the endo parasites encountered were Ascaridia galli (44.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (22.2%), Capillaria spp. (33.3%), Davainea proglottina (56%), Raillientina spp. (44%) respectively. This present study has provided an insight into parasitic infection of domestic birds across communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Nigeria and recommended that an intensive health education on their public health implications in the spread disease causing pathogens among humans be carried out.

Indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) is reared for both its meat and eggs. Most consumers prefer the meat probably due to its specific texture and taste. The study was conducted to determine the presence of helminth parasites of 240 indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) obtained randomly from 12 divisions in Penang Island, Malaysia. Necropsy findings revealed 14 endoparasite species which parasitized these chickens namely, Acuaria hamulosa, Acuaria spiralis, Amoebotaenia sphenoides, Ascaridia galli, Brachylaima sp., Capillaria spp., Gongylonema ingluvicola, Heterakis gallinarum, Hymenolepis sp., Oxyspirura mansoni, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona, Syngamus trachea and Tetrameres americana. The high abundance of helminth species observed in this study may be attributed to the free-range scavenging production system, where these indigenous chickens were exposed to intermediate or paratenic hosts of helminths which infect poultry. Besides, sustainable methods of helminthic control measure are necessary in order to enhance indigenous chicken production and eventually improve the economy of the rural farmers.

Poultry industry occupies an important position in the provision of animal protein and plays a vital role in the national economy. Helminthiasis caused by helminth parasites is one of the most common infections affecting health of poultry and indirectly leading to great economic loss among small livestock holders. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Gallus gallus domesticus was studied from January 2017 to December 2019 in the parasitology laboratory of Zoology Department, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India. In this study, a total of 557 domestic fowls were examined to identify the different types of gastrointestinal helminth infections. During regular examination of helminth parasites, the highest prevalence was observed for Ascaridia galli (41.7%), followed by Cotugnia diagnopora (17.6%), Raillietina tetragona (11%), Heterakis gallinarum (7.4%) and Raillietina cesticillus (6.64%). In the monsoon season, prevalence was found to be higher than the summer and winter. Females were found to be more infected than the males. There was no trematode infection detected during the study period. The gross pathological lesions were observed in case of Heterakis gallinarum infection. The results of this study suggest that both nematodes and cestodes are prevalent in domestic fowls in the studied area.

Free-range chickens are an integral part of poultry production in many developing countries. In the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the majority of the population own free-range chickens, which serve a variety of purposes including being a source of meat, eggs and use for cultural rituals amongst others. However, there is lack of scientific studies on occurrence of parasitic infections on free-range chickens in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to document common gastrointestinal parasites infecting free-range chickens in four villages of Mafeteng District in Lesotho. A total number of 462 pooled faecal samples were collected from various households in HaKubutu (n = 114), HaMatjeka (n = 120), HaMpalipali (n = 120) and Thabang Villages (n = 108) which were subjected to microscopic examination using McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was as follows: Eimeria tenella (12.8%), Ascaridia galli (10.4%) and Heterakis gallinarum (5%). The prevalence for H. gallinarum and Ascaridia galli were comparatively higher during the hot-wet season (7.1% and 2.8% respectively) than the cold-dry season (3.2% and 1.9% respectively) and varied significantly (P < 0.05). For E. tenella, the oocysts per gram were slightly higher in the cold-dry season than the hot-wet season. Polymerase chain reaction only amplified DNA from six (29%) adult A. galli worms of which two amplicons were successfully sequenced. The obtained cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 partial gene sequences displayed 98–100% identity with South African A. galli isolates. This is the first scientific study on prevalence and molecular characterization of nematodes and coccidia species infecting free-range village chickens in Lesotho. The findings can be used to review management of gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoal parasites of free-range chickens in Lesotho.

This study investigated the prevalence and the specific identity of cestode parasites isolated from the digestive tract of domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Cairo, Egypt. Out of 246 pigeons, 61 (24.79%) were infected by one or more species. Eight helminthes species were recorded; three nematodes; Ascaridia galli, A. columbae and Heterakis gallinarum and five cestodes; Raillietina echinobothrida, R. tetragona, R. sp., Cotugnia digonopora and Choanotaeniainfundibulum. No trematodes were recorded. The morphological observations, using light microscope, were employed for precise identification of cestodes with particular attention to molecular identity of Raillietina spp. using two molecular techniques: RAPD-PCR and SSCP-PCR.

Extensive rearing systems enable higher occurrence of helminths, which is a hindrance in poultry farming, significantly affecting productivity. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in chickens reared in extensive system in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil between December 2017 to September 2018. A total of 5579 specimens were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of most animals (81.55% of prevalence). Of the positive birds, only 41.67% had mixed infections, and of these, more than 90% were nematodes and cestodes co-infections. Three nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria sp.), seven cestodes (Raillietina tetragona, R. echinobothrida, R. cesticillus, Choanotaenia infundibulum, Hymenolepis cantaniana, H. carioca and Davainea proglottina) and two trematodes (Postharmostomum commutatum and Echinostoma sp.) species were identified. The most dominant helminth species was H. gallinarum (60.19%), which also presented higher average intensity (35.46 ± 0.65) and abundance (21.34 ± 3.01) among all recovered species. The tapeworm species correspond to 42.23% of prevalence and the trematodes correspond to only 3.40%. Despite the scarcity of data in the Brazilian literature on poultry helminths reared in extensive systems, regional parasitological surveys are important. It is expected that these results will contribute to the adoption of prophylactic measures and alternative control strategies in order to reduce the risk of helminth infection in poultry Os sistemas de criação extensivos permitem maior ocorrência de helmintos, o que é um entrave na avicultura, afetando significativamente a produtividade. Um levantamento foi realizado para determinar a prevalência de helmintos gastrointestinais em frangos criados em sistema extensivo na cidade de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre dezembro de 2017 a setembro de 2018. Um total de 5.579 espécimes foram recuperados do trato gastrointestinal da maioria dos animais (81,55% de prevalência). Das aves positivas, apenas 41,67% tiveram infecções mistas e, destas, mais de 90% foram coinfecções por nematóides e cestóides. Três espécies de nematoides (Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria sp), sete de cestóides (Raillietina tetragona, R. echinobothrida, R. cesticillus, Choanotaenia infundibulum, Hymenolepis cantaniana, H. carioca and Davainea proglottina) e dois trematódeos (Postharmostomum commutatum and Echinostoma sp.) foram identificadas. A espécie de helmintos mais dominante foi Heterakis gallinarum (60,19%), que também apresentou maior intensidade média (35,46 ± 0,65) e abundância (21,34 ± 3,01) entre todas as espécies recuperadas. As espécies de tênia correspondem a 42,23% da prevalência e os trematódeos correspondem a apenas 3,40%. Apesar da escassez de dados na literatura brasileira sobre helmintos avícolas criados em sistemas extensivos, levantamentos parasitológicos regionais são importantes. Espera-se que esses resultados contribuam para a adoção de medidas profiláticas e estratégias alternativas de controle, a fim de reduzir o risco de infecção por helmintos em aves.

Background Histomonosis is a severe re-emerging disease of poultry caused by Histomonas meleagridis, a protozoan parasite which survives in the environment via the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum. Following infection, the parasites reside in the ceca and are excreted via host feces. In the present work, male birds of conventional broiler (Ross 308, R), layer (Lohmann Brown Plus, LB) and a dual-purpose (Lohmann Dual, LD) chicken line were infected with 250 embryonated eggs of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, respectively, with the latter nematode harboring Histomonas meleagridis, to investigate a co-infection of nematodes with the protozoan parasite in different host lines. Methods In weekly intervals, from 2 to 9 weeks post infection (wpi), individual fecal samples (n = 234) from the chickens were collected to quantify the excretion of H. meleagridis by real-time PCR and to determine the number of nematode eggs per gram (EPG) in order to elucidate excretion dynamics of the flagellate and the nematodes. This was further investigated by indirect detection using plasma samples of the birds to detect antibodies specific for H. meleagridis and worms by ELISA. The infection with H. meleagridis was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect the flagellate in the cecum of representing birds. Results The excretion of H. meleagridis could already be observed from the 2nd wpi in some birds and increased to 100% in the last week of the experiment in all groups independent of the genetic line. This increase could be confirmed by ELISA, even though the number of excreted H. meleagridis per bird was generally low. Overall, histomonads were detected in 60% to 78% of birds with temporary differences between the different genetic lines, which also showed variations in the EPG and worm burden of both nematodes. Conclusions The infection with H. gallinarum eggs contaminated with H. meleagridis led to a permanent excretion of the flagellate in host feces. Differences in the excretion of H. meleagridis in the feces of genetically different host lines occurred intermittently. The excretion of the protozoan or its vector H. gallinarum was mostly exclusive, showing a negative interaction between the two parasites in the same host. Graphic abstract

Simple Summary Nematode infections may increase mortality and welfare problems in laying hens. The two ascarid worms, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, are highly prevalent in laying hens kept in non-cage housing systems worldwide. The ability of a host to expel pathogens is a component of resistance to diseases. The molecular basis of differences between different host animals in their efficiency to expel worms is, however, not well understood. Therefore, we performed a detailed analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two chicken genotypes (Lohmann Brown Plus (LB), Lohmann Dual (LD)), each with a lower or higher infection intensity level of A. galli and H. gallinarum. Our data showed significant upregulation of Guanylate Binding Protein 7 (GBP7) in LD hens. Gene ontology analysis revealed higher transcriptome activity related to “response to external stimulus” in LB hens, implying a higher stress response in this genotype. In contrast, LD hens showed higher transcriptomic expression of genes associated with a higher tolerance to infections. Abstract Here, we describe the first transcriptomic investigation of the peripheral blood of chickens exposed to Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum infections. We investigated differentially expressed gene (DEG) patterns in two chicken genotypes with either a higher (Lohmann Brown Plus, LB) or lower (Lohmann Dual, LD) laying performance level. The hens were experimentally coinfected with A. galli and H. gallinarum, and their worm burdens and infection parameters were determined six weeks post infection. Based on most representative infection parameters, the hens were clustered into lower- and higher-infection intensity classes. We identified a total of 78 DEGs contributing to infection-related phenotypic variation in the two genotypes. Our data showed significant upregulation of Guanylate Binding Protein 7 (GBP7) in LD hens, making it a promising candidate for tolerance to ascarid infections in chickens. Gene ontology analysis revealed higher transcriptome activity related to biological processes such as “response to external stimulus” in LB hens, implying a higher stress response in this genotype. In contrast, LD hens showed higher transcriptomic expression of genes related to ontology classes that are possibly associated with a higher tolerance to infections. These findings may help explain why lower-performing genotypes (i.e., LD) are less sensitive to infections in terms of maintaining their performance.

Brazilian poultry production is growing, mainly due to the cost and benefit that chicken meat provides. The importance of free-range chickens and the susceptibility, to which they are exposed, makes it necessary to know about gastrointestinal parasites and the consequences that large infections can cause for them as such as weight loss. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-range hens raised in an extensive regime in the municipality of Santa Rita, state of Maranhao, Brazil. The studied population was composed of adult chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) acquired from slaughterhouses in the region. The gastrointestinal organs of each chicken were separated and subsequently conditioned in flasks containing Railliet and Henry’s solution and sent to the laboratory, to be analyzed and processed. Of the 100 chickens examined, 227 specimens of helminthes were identified, with a frequency of 32.6% for nematodes and 67.4% for cestodes. Among the nematode the following parasites were identified: Ascaridia galli (27.03%); Heterakis gallinarum (48.65%) and Subulura spp. (24, 32%). Raillietina echinobothrida (100%) was the only cestoda identified. The average infection rate by species of parasite was 1.18 for A. galli, 2.22 for H. gallinarum, 1.06 for Subulura spp. and 9.00 for R. echinobothrida. It is concluded that free-range chickens are parasitized by nematodes and cestoda.

The world’s poultry population is on the ascendency as a result of the high demand for poultry product by consumers. In Africa, poultry meat is estimated to represent almost 25% of all meat, whereas in some areas it covers 100% of the animal protein available. The high demand for poultry products has led to an increase in poultry production in almost all African countries including Ghana, with the domestic chicken being the most kept. The sector has been reported to have recorded a drop in production, partly due to infection of birds by diseases, causing organisms including parasites. The study conducted was to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in local and exotic breeds of chickens in Pankrono–Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Two hundred (200) cloacae of slaughtered birds were collected from slaughtering units in the study area and the faecal samples were examined for the eggs/cysts of gastrointestinal parasites using the simple flotation technique and microscopy. Nematodes and cestodes were recovered in 131 (65.5%) of the samples examined with Ascaridia galli recorded as the most prevalent. Some of the nematodes include Ascaridia galli 65 (32.5%), Heterakis gallinarum 38 (19.0%), and Capillaria spp. 29 (14.5%). Some cestodes were Raillietina spp. 19(9.5%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum 5 (2.5%) with Prosthogonimus spp. 3 (1.5%) being the only trematode recovered. The local breeds recorded a percentage prevalence of 76.0%, making them the most susceptible breed to gastrointestinal parasites. The results obtained attest to the reason behind the reduction in poultry production. It is therefore recommended that farmers are educated on farm managerial practices that will reduce the risk of infection and help increase production to meet the demand of consumers.

Commercial small-scale chicken farms using all-in-all-out production but operating with low standards of hygiene/biosecurity are increasingly common in Vietnam. These conditions facilitate transmission of gastrointestinal helminths. However there are no published data on these parasites in these systems. The aims were: (1) to determine the prevalence/burden of gastrointestinal helminths in small-scale commercial flocks in commercial small-scale flocks in the Mekong Delta region; and (2) to investigate the association between worm burdens and birds’ weight and disease status. Randomly selected chickens (n=120) (‘normal’ flocks) were investigated at the end of their production cycle (∼18 weeks), as well as 90 chickens with signs of respiratory and/or severe disease. The gastrointestinal tract of chickens was dissected and all visible helminths were identified. 54.2% and 54.4% healthy and diseased chickens contained helminths. Diseased, colonized chickens harboured a higher mass of helminth worms (3.8 ±SD 8.6g) than colonized, healthy chickens (1.9 ±6.3g). Eight species were identified, three nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Cheilospirura hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum), four cestodes (Hymenolepis, Raillietina cesticillus, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona,) and one trematode (Echinostomatidae). Heterakis gallinarum was the most prevalent helminth (43.3% and 42.2% in healthy and sick chickens, respectively), followed by A. galli (26.7% and 41.1%). Colonized chickens weighed 101.5g less than non-colonized birds. Colonisation was significantly higher during the rainy months (May-November) for both H. gallinarum and A. galli. Anthelminthic usage was not associated with reduced helminth burdens. We recommend upgrading cleaning and disinfection and limiting access to ranging areas to control helminth infections in small-scale commercial chicken flocks.

Domestic pigeons and backyard chickens are reared by a large number of people in Iraq for several purposes including meat, egg, commerce, and hobby. They are infected with different types of parasites which cause high mortality rate and great economic loss. The present study was conducted in two districts in Garmian region, Kalar and Khanaqin to study the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic pigeons and backyard chickens. A total of 720 fresh fecal samples from (401 backyard chickens and 319 domestic pigeons) were examined using direct microscopy and standard floatation technique. The overall prevalence of parasites was 38.61 %. The rate of infection in chickens was 32.91% (132/401) and the rate of infection in pigeons was 45.76% (146/319). Five genera of nematodes were identified in chickens: Ascaridia galli (5.98%), Heterakis gallinarum (4.48%), Capillaria sp. (3.24%), Oxyspirura mansoni (1.74%) and Trichostrongylus tenuis (0.75%). Two cestodes were also identified, Choanotaenia infundibulatum (6.73%) and Raillietina sp. (0.75%) and one protozoan, Eimeria sp. (15.96%). Five genera of parasites were identified in domestic pigeons as follows: three nematodes, Ascaridia columbae (2.82%), Heterakis gallinarum (1.25%) and Capillaria sp. (0.62%), one cestode, Raillietina sp. (1.56%) and one protozoan, Eimeria sp. (42%). Sexes of the birds had no effect on the rate of infection p>0.05. Regarding locations, pigeons from Khanaqin were highly infected with parasites compared to Kalar p

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and worm burden of gastrointestinal parasites in Thai indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) kept under extensive backyard conditions in Northern Thailand. A total of 211 male (N = 98) and female (N = 113) chickens from 11 smallholder farms were selected randomly between December 2016 and May 2017. At slaughter, fecal samples were collected to estimate fecal egg counts (presented as eggs per gram of feces) and oocyst counts (oocyst per gram of feces). The gastrointestinal tract of each animal was examined for the presence of parasites. The percentage of FEC- and FOC-positive samples was 33.7 and 55.4%, respectively. On average, 111 ± 328 ascarid eggs and 2,983 ± 11,641 coccidian oocysts were found. From the post mortem examination, 3 nematode species and cestodes were recovered. A total of 156 (73.9%) of the sampled chickens were infected with at least 1 helminth species. Average worm burden per chicken was 46.7 (SD = 50.9, median = 30). The most prevalent species were the nematodes Heterakis gallinarum (70.6%) followed by Ascaridia galli (60.2%) and Capillaria spp. (44.1%). The overall prevalence of cestodes was 27.7%. Apart from A. galli with higher prevalence in males than in females (P ≤ 0.05), gender did neither affect prevalence nor worm burden (P > 0.05). Growth performance was not negatively affected by helminth infections. In conclusion, the vast majority of Thai native chickens are subclinically infected with at least 1 helminth species under the studied backyard conditions.

The poultry industry is an infant but fast growing sector in Ethiopia. However, it is largely dependent on local chicken managed under backyard production system. The sector is facing different challenges, mainly emanated from prevalence of infectious diseases such as helminth parasite species. Hence, this study came up with an aim to determine the infection rate and identify helminth parasite species in chickens managed under different production systems, in Mekelle, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was employed, from November 2015 to March 2016. Postmortem (N=138) and fecal (N=410) samples of chicken were considered for necropsy and coproscopic examination to see both adult and eggs of helminth parasites, respectively. Similar gastrointestinal helminth parasites infection rate of chicken was obtained from both examination approaches (necropsy, 90.60%; and coproscopy, 90.97%). The study attested high prevalence (87.7%) of mixed infection with helminth parasites of chicken. Heterakis gallinarum (72.5%) and Ascaridia galli (68.8%) were found as the most dominant species (necropsy). During coproscopic examination cestode (89%) infections showed a relatively higher prevalence than nematodes (84.4%), although no difference was observed during that of necropsy examination results. Chickens of local breed from backyard production system had shown more likelihood of getting helminth infection when compared with their corresponding relatives (coproscopy). However, the variation was not statistically significant during that of necropsy finding. Therefore, the higher prevalence of parasitism and mixed infection observed in the study area would warrant for an urgent intervention with regular deworming scheme, and strict attention should be given towards hygienic measures and other health related management activities.

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites of local chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) from Lalitpur district, Nepal. It was carried out from February 2014 to March 2015. A total of 125 samples (93 alimentary canals of freshly killed chicken and 32 stool samples from ground and fowl runs) were collected. Out of 93 alimentary canals 17 were collected from free range chicken and 76 were from slaughtered house i.e. from poultry farm chicken. The faecal samples were collected in the sterile vials containing 2.5 percent potassium dichromate. Depending upon the convenience, post mortem examination method, differential floatation method and direct smear method were used for the examination of samples. The present study showed only 40 percent of all the poultry examined as infected. Overall 5 species of nematodes, 1 species of cestode and 4 unidentified species were found to be prevalent in chicken from Lalitpur district. The highest prevalence rate was found with Heterakis gallinarum (22.4%) followed by Capillaria species (16%), Ascaridia galli (10.4%), unidentified species (4.8%) and Raillietina tetragona (4%). Statistically there was a significant difference in the prevalence of helminth species (χ2=33.83; p< 0.05; α=1). Likewise, there was significant difference in the prevalence rate of helminth parasites in free range chicken and poultry chicken (χ2=22.055; p< 0.05; α=1).

Worm expulsion is known to occur in mammalian hosts exposed to mono-species helminth infections, whilst this phenomenon is poorly described in avian hosts. Mono-species infections, however, are rather rare under natural circumstances. Therefore, we quantified the extent and duration of worm expulsion by chickens experimentally infected with both Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, and investigated the accompanying humoral and cell-mediated host immune responses in association with population dynamics of the worms. Results demonstrated the strong co-expulsion of the two ascarid species in three phases. The expulsion patterns were characterized by non-linear alterations separated by species-specific time thresholds. Ascaridia galli burden decreased at a daily expulsion rate (e) of 4.3 worms up to a threshold of 30.5 days p.i., followed by a much lower second expulsion rate (e = 0.46), which resulted in almost, but not entirely, complete expulsion. Heterakis gallinarum was able to induce reinfection within the experimental period (9 weeks). First generation H. gallinarum worms were expelled at a daily rate of e = 0.8 worms until 36.4 days p.i., and thereafter almost no expulsion occurred. Data on both humoral and tissue-specific cellular immune responses collectively indicated that antibody production in chickens with multispecies ascarid infections is triggered by Th2 polarisation. Local Th2 immune responses and mucin-regulating genes are associated with the regulation of worm expulsion. In conclusion, the chicken host is able to eliminate the vast majority of both A. galli and H. gallinarum in three distinct phases. Worm expulsion was strongly associated with the developmental stages of the worms, where the elimination of juvenile stages was specifically targeted. A very small percentage of worms was nevertheless able to survive, reach maturity and induce reinfection if given sufficient time to complete their life cycle. Both humoral and local immune responses were associated with worm expulsion.

Since the EU ban on battery cages, many studies have listed Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum as the most common roundworms in the European laying hen population. A complicating factor is that the eggs of these parasites are almost identical. Thus, lack of molecular diagnostic approaches has driven epidemiological studies to take on necropsy for species discrimination, which is labor and cost intensive. Here, we describe a novel diagnostic tool based on droplet digital PCR for simultaneous identification and absolute quantification of the eggs of both of these ascarids in chickens' droppings using two different genus-specific primer-probe sets targeting the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2) in the nuclear ribosomal (rRNA) gene array. No cross-reaction was observed when different combinations of DNA and species-specific primers and probes were tested. The lowest obtained frequency threshold for the detection of H. gallinarum in the presence of a constant A. galli DNA concentration was determined to be 0.8 %. After validation, we used the assay to analyze field samples collected from several Swedish laying hen farms. Out of 134 samples, 86 (64 %) were positive for A. galli while 11 (8.3 %) samples were positive for H. gallinarum. These samples were initially analyzed with flotation technique for detection of ascarid eggs. The results of the Cohen's kappa indicated substantial agreement (85.8 %) between the two tests. In conclusion, we have validated a novel molecular-based diagnostic tool for quantification and differentiation between intestinal parasites of major importance in chickens with high precision. Although this study focuses on identification of parasites of laying hens, the findings may well have a bearing on all types of chicken production systems. The present study lays the groundwork for future research into epidemiology of these two important chicken parasite species.

Background : Free-range chickens are quite common in Brazil. In this alternative rearing system, the animals are rustic and raised in an extensive system. Free access to “bare soil” results in the increased occurrence of intestinal parasites since larvae and / or eggs of helminths and protozoa oocysts find favorable conditions for their survival and dissemination in the soil. Although the occurrence and importance of parasitic infections in free-range chickens is well known, the objective of this study is to report an outbreak of endoparasites in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra - BA, in view of bird susceptibility associated with scarcity of studies in western Bahia. Cases : The chickens were kept free, in a bare soil yard in a household at the urban perimeter of the municipality of Barra - BA. Feeding consisted of whole corn grains, thrown directly in the soil. The drinking fountains were dirty and the animals had no history of vaccination or deworming. Symptoms Anorexia, difficulty in eating and in locomotion, presence of seromucous secretion in the oral cavity, emaciation and diarrhea were all observed symptoms. One of the birds presented excessive vocalization, drowsiness and flaccid paralysis of the neck. Necropsy was performed on 3 chickens: 2 females (cases 1 and 2) and 1 male (case 3). Macroscopic analysis revealed the presence of seromucous secretion in the upper respiratory tract of all animals. Specimens of Ascaridia galli were observed in cases 1 and 2, Heterakis gallinarum in cases 2 and 3, Raillietina sp . in cases 2 and 3 and Davainea proglottina in case 1. Microscopically, the animals had an inflammatory infiltrate in the liver and intestines. Some animals presented necrosis of the tracheal epithelial cells, as well as of the epithelial cells present at the apex of the villi. No significant results were found in the coproparasitological exam. Discussion : The diagnosis of endoparasitosis in this outbreak was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in free-range chickens is linked to factors such as age, high animal density, absence of sanitary hygienic measures, as well as environmental temperature and humidity. The appearance of injuries in the intestinal mucosa is influenced by characteristics such as parasitic load, concomitant infections, age and the host's immune status. During necropsy of the birds were found 2 helminths of the Nematoda class ( Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum ) and 2 of the Cestoda class ( Davainea proglottina and Raillietina sp.). A. galli , seen in 2 cases, is considered low pathogenicity for adult chickens, however young birds are susceptible and can die due to intestinal obstruction and hemorrhages. H. gallinarum is responsible for causing typhlitis, with diarrhea and weight loss, this helminth was found in 2 animals in the present study, however only 1 had changes in the digestive tract. D avainea proglotina and Raillietina spp. might cause, respectively, severe hemorrhagic enteritis and nodule formation in the small intestine mucosa. In Brazil, even though it is notable that intestinal parasitism is one of the key problems in alternative poultry farming, there are few studies that evaluate the presence of endoparasites in chickens raised in alternative production systems, with animals being more frequently exposed to nematodes and cestodes. The multiparasitism observed in this study probably stems from flaws in the rearing system, mainly related to sanitary hygiene management. Therefore, the reduction in the occurrence of these helminths is closely related to the performance of basic prophylactic measures, such as offering good quality food and water in clean containers, separating lots by age, performing sanitary emptiness and deworming. Keywords: livelihood creation, nematode, cestode, multiparasitism, avian pathology. Surto de endoparasitose em galinhas caipiras ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) na Bahia, Brasil Descritores: criacao de subsistencia, nematoide, cestoide, multiparasitismo, patologia aviaria.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites are a concern for the poultry industry worldwide as they can affect the health, welfare, and production performance. A systematic review of the prevalence over time in different countries may improve our understanding of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in chickens and subsequently lead to improved poultry health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an overview of the published information regarding the epidemiology and the diagnostic approaches of chicken helminth infection. Six databases were searched for studies, and a total of 2,985 articles published between 1942 and 2019 were identified and subsequently screened for eligibility using title or abstract and full text assessment, resulting in 191 publications to be used in the study. Postmortem diagnostics (73.8%) and the flotation technique (28.8%) were commonly used to detect helminth infections with a pooled prevalence of 79.4% ranging from 4 to 100%. More than 30 helminth species in chicken populations were identified including Ascaridia galli (35.9%), Heterakis gallinarum (28.5%), Capillaria spp. (5.90%), and Raillietina spp. (19.0%) being the most prevalent. The reported prevalence of helminth infection decreased over time in developing countries while it increased in the developed world. Chicken kept in backyard and free-range systems had a markedly higher pooled prevalence of helminth infection (82.6 and 84.8%, respectively) than those housed in cage production systems (63.6%). This may indicate the need for more rigorous control and prevention measures in free-range and backyard production systems using regular deworming coupled with access to early and accurate diagnosis allowing for early intervention.

In the spring of 2019, adult (75 wk old) brown laying hens from a commercial, pen-free, egg-laying facility (11,000 birds per house) located in northwest Arkansas were obtained for the purposes of sourcing robust and evenly dispersed cestode infections for anticipated anthelmintic evaluations. To that end, four birds from each of six discrete sites (northwest, northcentral, northeast, southwest, southcentral, and southeast) in one production barn were obtained on two occasions, 8 days apart, and necropsied for helminth counts. A definite, repeated, location-to-location variation in infection incidence and magnitude was seen for each of the two cestode parasite species present and for one of the two nematode parasite species present. Burdens of Ascaridia galli were generally similar regardless of bird location, with site-specific mean totals per bird over both sampling days between 31 and 80. For the remaining helminths, infections were greatest for birds from the southern half of the building as opposed to the northern and from the western end of the barn as opposed to the central or eastern portions. Location-specific mean worm burdens over both sample dates ranged from 340 to 1133 (Heterakis gallinarum), 14 to 277 (Raillietina cesticillus), and 1 to 35 (Choanotaenia infundibulum). The greatest individual bird infections were 299 (A. galli), 3575 (H. gallinarum), 1015 (R. cesticillus), and 102 (C. infundibulum). The above counts are for all developmental stages combined (A. galli and H. gallinarum) and for scolexes only (R. cesticillus and C. infundibulum), as determined via standard collection and quantification procedures using both intestinal contents and overnight soaks. Immediately before the mapping study outlined above, birds were obtained from the east end of the source barn and used for the nematocidal evaluation of fenbendazole in the water (5 mg/kg body weight [BW] for 1 day), levamisole in the water (8 mg/kg BW for each of 2 days), herbal mixture in the feed (1 gm/4.5 kg BW each day for 5 days), diatomaceous earth (2% of total feed for 10 days), and a nutraceutical mixture feed supplement (2% of feed for 7 days). Based on arithmetic means for adult forms, control trial efficacies for A. galli and H. gallinarum were 0% and 12% for the nutraceutical feed additive, 0% and 22% for the diatomaceous earth feed additive, 0% and 26% for dietary herbals, 87% and 63% for levamisole, and 82% and 84% for fenbendazole, respectively. Only adult burdens of A. galli and H. gallinarum for fenbendazole- and levamisole-treated birds were significantly different from control bird levels (P ≤ 0.05).

Background : Parasitic diseases are among the problems that most affect birds. The Ascaridia spp. is one of the genera which is responsible for the main infections, and the Ascaridia. galli is the most frequent species found in birds. The Ascaridia spp. egg is oval and present a smooth shell which could be mistaken with the Heterakis gallinarum eggs, once they are the most frequent parasites in birds. Therefore, this case report describes the occurrence of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum in a guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) feces and gut. Case : In January 2017, rain season in northern Brazil, a visit was performed to a free range avian breeding property in the municipality of Sao Miguel do Guapore in the state of Rondonia, Brazilian Amazonian Region. The property breeds two chicken species: Gallus gallus domesticus and Numida meleagris as well as one quail species. The problem was related to the guinea fowl breeding which was composed by 50 adults and 45 young birds about two or three weeks old. All 45 young guinea fowl were presenting various clinical signs, which included: yellowish catarrhal diarrhea, isolation, loss of appetite, body weight, ruffled feathers, drooping wings and sternal prominence. All animals that presented the clinical signs as ruffled feathers, drooping wings and sternal prominence died on an average of 24 h and the mortality was of 65.9% (29/45). Subsequently, a three-week old bird corpse was necropsied, and it was observed that its intestines presented a large amount of endoparasites besides presenting thickening. As there were a lot of helminths, they were collected along with the intestinal content for examination. The parasitological examinations of the feces were performed by Willys Molay's technique. As a result of the fluctuation technique, were observed and identified large quantities of Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia galli eggs. The adult worms of H. gallinarum and A. galli were identified using dichotomous key. Discussion : Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum infection were reported in guinea fowl in a free range chicken breeding property in the municipality of Sao Miguel do Guapore in the state of Rondonia, Brazilian Amazonian Region. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum eggs have already been identified in free-range chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) by flotation techniques, as Willys Mollay and Faust and they are the main species of helminths housed by chickens. However, these parasites are not commonly reported in guinea fowl worldwide, especially in the Numida meleagris species. Regarding necropsy, intestinal wall thickening is generally a common finding which has been reported in chickens, however it is not commonly reported in guinea fowl. Additionally, the presence of clinical signs of nematode parasitosis frequently occurs in birds with high parasitic load. In this report, we believe that the guinea fowls births on the rain season was one of the factors to the high parasites incidence found, since both nematodes species are frequently identified in the rain seasons. Additionally, the management adopted by the breeder, using concomitantly the same nursery for guinea fowl and chicken, added up to inadequate sanitary management, seems to have directly influenced the contamination and recontamination of the different brood litter of guinea fowls. It is concluded that guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) located in the state of Rondonia were affected by high amounts of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum and caused high mortality in the young specimens and consequently causing economic losses to the proprietary .

Poultry is considered to be one of the best sources of high quality protein for humans. Following recent changes in husbandry systems for poultry in Europe from cage to other, alternative husbandry systems such as free-range systems, increased prevalence of helminth infections, predominantly Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, was observed. The basic principles for the effective control of helminth infections in poultry farms are a combination of preventive measures such as biosecurity and disinfection with broad-spectrum anthelmintic therapy. The benzimidazoles (BZs) flubendazole and fenbendazole have been certified for treatment of chicken nematodes within the European Union and are widely used as save broad-spectrum anthelmintics in poultry. Benzimidazole (BZ)-resistance is widespread and a significant problem in several parasitic nematodes of ruminants and horses and was correlated with the presence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ��-tubulin isotype 1 gene of strongyle nematodes. However, BZ-resistance has so far not been reported in the chicken parasitic nematodes but the risk for resistance development has to be considered as existant and will increase with parasite infection intensity and treatment frequencies. Therefore, it is necessary to establish sensitive and reliable diagnostic tests for detection of BZ-resistance at least for the most important nematodes of chicken. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ��-tubulin gene, particularly at the three specific codons F200Y, E198A and F200Y, are used as markers for the molecular detection of BZ-resistance in-several strongyle nematodes in veterinary medicine. Among the molecular tests, pyrosequencing is considered an excellent technique for quantification of BZ-resistance associated ��-tubulin alleles even when the allele frequency is still quite low. Here, partial cDNAs representing a single ��-tubulin isotype were obtained using degenerated primers. The obtained nine A. galli sequences were 100% identical to a previously published sequence while the 40 new H. gallinarum sequences were 93-99% identical to each other and 88% identical to the A. galli sequence. The 1497 bp full-length ��-tubulin isotype 1 cDNA sequence with an 1353 bp open reading frame of poultry the nematode H. gallinarum was identified using 3'/5' RACE protocols. Phylogenetic maximum-likelihood analysis revealed that both A. galli and H. gallinarum ��-tubulin cDNAs cluster together with high statistical support values and share a close phylogenetic relationship with the other ascarid nematode ��-tubulins. Overall, there is a clear separation between ��-tubulins from clade V and clade III nematodes. The latter form a highly supported group. This together with the fact that in both clusters several ��-tubulin paralogs are found per species prevents to identify clear one-to-one orthologs between the ascarid ��-tubulins and those of Caenorhabditis elegans and strongyles. Even worse, such one-to-one orthologs cannot even be identified in comparison to the pig roundworm A. suum since the sister group in the phylogenetic tree to the A. galli and H. gallinarum group contains A. suum tbb-1 and tbb-2 cDNAs. Pyrosequencing assays for the quantitative analysis of potentially BZ-resistance associated SNPs in the ��-tubulin isotype 1 genes of A. galli and H. gallinarum were successfully developed. Plasmids with artificially synthesised inserts carrying combinations of SNPs were combined in defined ratios to evaluate sensitivity and linearity of the assays. The correlation of calculated and observed frequencies for the SNP determination at codons F167Y, E198A and F200Y was very high. Pyrosequencing assays carried out for A. galli collected from naturally infected chicken on Swedish farms showed no evidence for increased frequencies of potentially BZ-resistance associated SNPs. The developed assays offer the tools to screen for the presence and to quantify the relative frequency of BZresistance associated SNPs in populations of important poultry parasites. The assays have the potential of detecting the development of resistance in an early phase before it becomes clinically apparent. This offers the chance to implement measures to counteract further selection before resistance becomes widespread., Gefl��gel wird als eine der besten tierischen Proteinquellen f��r Menschen angesehen. Nach k��rzlichen ��nderungen in den Haltungssystemen f��r Gefl��gel in Europa von K��fig- zu alternativen Haltungsformen wie Freilandhaltung, wurden erh��hte Pr��valenzen von Infektionen mit Helminthen, insbesondere Ascaridia galli und Heterakis gallinarum, beobachtet. Die grundlegenden Prinzipien f��r eine effektive Kontrolle von Helmintheninfektionen beim Gefl��gel vereinen eine Kombination von pr��ventiven Ma��nahmen wie Biosicherheit und Desinfektion mit der Anwendung von Breitspektrum-Anthelminthika. Die Benzimidazole Flubendazol und Fenbendazol wurden f��r die Behandlung von H��hnernematoden in der Europ��ischen Union zertifiziert und werden weithin als sichere Breitspektrum-Anthelminthika beim Gefl��gel eingesetzt. Benzimidazol(BZ)-Resistenz ist ein weit verbreitetes und bedeutendes Problem bei zahlreichen parasitischen Nematoden von Wiederk��uern und Pferden und wurde insbesondere mit dem Vorhandensein von drei Einzelnukleotidpolymorphismen (engl. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, SNPs) im ��-Tubulin Isotyp 1 Gen von Strongyliden korreliert. Benzimidazol-Resistenz wurde jedoch bisher nicht f��r parasitische Nematoden der H��hner beschrieben. Grunds��tzlich ist allerdings das Risiko f��r die Entwicklung von BZ-Resistenz bei Gefl��gelnematoden als gegeben einzusch��tzen und wird mit erh��hter Infektionsintensit��t und Behandlungsfrequenz steigen. Daher ist es notwendig, sensitive und zuverl��ssige diagnostische Tests f��r die Detektion von BZ-Resistenz zumindest f��r die wichtigsten Nematoden der H��hner zu etablieren. Einzelnukleotidpolymorphismen im ��-Tubulin Isotyp 1 Gen, insbesondere in den drei spezifischen Codons F200Y, E198A und F200Y, werden in der Veterin��rmedizin als Marker zur Detektion von BZ-Resistenz in einigen Strongylidenspezies verwendet. Von den verf��gbaren molekularen Verfahren wird Pyrosequenzierung als eine exzellente Technik f��r die Quantifizierung von mit BZ-Resistenz assoziierten ��-Tubulinallelen angesehen, selbst wenn die H��ufigkeit dieser Allele noch gering ist. Hier wurden partielle cDNAs eines bestimmten ��-Tubulinisotyps mit Hilfe degenerierter Primer erhalten. Die neun gewonnenen A. galli cDNASequenzen waren 100 % identisch untereinander und zu einer zuvor publizierten Sequenz w��hrend die 40 neuen H. gallinarum 93-99% identisch untereinander und 88% identisch zu der A. galli Sequenz waren. Es wurde eine 1497 bp umfassende, vollst��ndige ��-Tubulin Isotyp 1 cDNASequenz mit einem offenen Leseraster von 1353 bp des Gefl��gel Nematoden H. gallinarum identifiziert. Eine phylogenetische Maximum-Likelihood Analyse zeigte, dass die beiden A. galli und H. gallinarum ��-Tubulin cDNAs zusammen eine Gruppe bildeten und die gleiche phylogenetische Beziehung zu den anderen ��-Tubulinen aus Ascariden aufweisen. Insgesamt ergab sich eine klare Aufteilung zwischen ��-Tubulinen von Klade V- und Klade III-Nematoden. Die letzteren formten eine Gruppe mit hoher statistischer Unterst��tzung. Dies, zusammen mit der Tatsache, dass in beiden Gruppen mehrere Paraloge je Spezies gefunden wurden, verhindert die Identifizierung von eins-zu-eins Orthologen zwischen den ��-Tubulinen von Ascariden und denen von Caenorhabditis elegans sowie denen der weiteren Strongylidenspezies. Zudem k��nnen solche eins-zu-eins Orthologe auch nicht im Vergleich zum Schweinespulwurm Ascaris suum identifiziert werden, denn die Schwestergruppe im phylogenetischen Baum zu der Gruppe aus A. galli und H. gallinarum enth��lt die A. suum tbb-1 und tbb-2 cDNAs. Pyrosequenzierungsassays f��r die quantitative Analyse der potentiell mit BZ-Resistenz assoziierten SNPs in den ��-Tubulin Isotyp 1-Genen von A. galli und H. gallinarum wurden erfolgreich entwickelt. Plasmide mit artifiziell synthetisierten Insertionen wurden in definierten Verh��ltnissen gemischt, um die Sensitivit��t und Linearit��t der Assays zu evaluieren. Die Korrelation zwischen berechneter und gemessener Frequenz f��r die Bestimmung der SNPs in den Codons F167Y, E198A und F200Y war sehr hoch. Pyrosequenzierungsassays, die mit A. galli aus nat��rlich infizierten H��hnern von schwedischen Farmen durchgef��hrt wurden, ergaben keinen Nachweis f��r erh��hte H��ufigkeiten von mit BZ-Resistenz assozierten ��-Tubulin SNPs. Die entwickelten Assays erlauben es, die Entwicklung von Resistenz schon in einer fr��hen Phase nachzuweisen, bevor die Resistenz klinisch sichtbar wird. Dies er��ffnet die Chance Ma��nahmen zu implementieren, die einer weiteren Resistenzentwicklung entgegenwirken.

This cross sectional survey was conducted from July to December 2015 in order to investigate the burden of gastrointestinal helminthes among guinea fowls in Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of six hundred fowls (viscera) were purchased from six randomly selected slaughter slabs. Out of the 600 birds examined, 479 (79.83%; 95% CI: 76.4, 82.9) were found harbouring one or more gastrointestinal helminthes. Of this, 238 birds (39.7%; 35.8, 43.6) were infected by nematode species and 392 birds (65.3%; 61.4, 69.0) by cestode species. A total of nine nematodes and seven cestodes species were recovered from these birds. There was no any trematode observed among the studied birds. The prevalences of the nematodes identified in descending order were: Ascaridia galli 56.7% (52.7, 60.6); Ascaridia numidae 38.0% (34.2, 42.0); Heterakis gallinarum 17.2% (14.4, 20.4); Heterakis meleagridis 8.3% (6.4, 10.8); Strongyloides avium 3.5% (2.3, 5.3); Subulura brumpti 3.2% (2.0, 5.0); Gongylonema ingluvicola 2.2% (1.3, 3.7) and both Dispharynx spiralis and Tetrameres numidae had 0.7% (0.3, 1.7). While for cestodes: Raillietina tetragona 72.8% (69.1, 76.2); Raillietina echinobothrida 67.3% (63.5, 71.0); Raillietina cesticillus 50% (46.0, 54.0); Raillietina magninumida 25.7% (22.3, 29.3); Hymenolopsis cantaniana 17.3% (14.5, 20.6); Davainea nana 4.2% (2.8, 6.1) and the lowest was observed in Choanotaenia infundibulum with 2% (1.2, 3.5). Infection rates did not differ significantly based on sex (P > 0.05). However, the occurrence of mixed infection as compared with single infection was statistically significant in both cestodes and nematodes (P

Heterakis gallinarum, H. beramporia, and H. indica are common nematodes in gallinaceous poultry in Asian countries, and the infections occasionally lead to declining health of the hosts. These three Heterakis spp. can be identified by the morphological characteristics of the male worms; however, the female worms and eggs cannot be identified because they have no reliable morphological characteristics for discrimination. In addition, H. gallinarum is a well-known vector of fetal protozoan Histomonas meleagridis, making the discrimination between these three Heterakis species important in basic and clinical veterinary parasitology. We analyzed nuclear ribosomal 18S-ITS1−5.8S-ITS2−28S DNA sequences of these three Heterakis species. The 18S, 5.8S, and 28S DNA sequences had very high homology between the species; however, the ITS1 and ITS2 sequence similarity was 68.5 %–93.2 %. H. gallinarum, H. beramporia, and H. indica were divided into separate clades in the ITS1 and ITS2-concatenated phylogenetic tree. Therefore, to develop a multiplex PCR method for discriminating between the three Heterakis species, we designed species-specific reverse primers within the ITS2 region as follows: H. gallinarum-specific HgI2-R, H. beramporia-specific HbI2-R5, and H. indica-specific HiI2-R. The multiplex PCR amplified 396-bp, 272-bp, and 482-bp fragments specific to H. gallinarum, H. beramporia, and H. indica DNA, respectively, and did not amplify the fragments using other chicken nematode DNAs such as Ascaridia galli, Oxyspirura mansoni, Dispharynx nasuta, and Cheilospirura hamulosa. These results suggest that the multiplex PCR would serve as a useful tool for identifying and diagnosing infections of H. gallinarum, H. beramporia, and H. indica in poultry.

The present study determined the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) between November 2012 and August 2013. One hundred and twenty domestic chickens were purchased from villages in four districts of Phayao province; Mae Chai, Dok Khamtai, Chun and Chiang Kham. Morphological differences were used to identify the helminth species, and HAT-RAPD technique was used to differentiate among closely related species. The results revealed that the total prevalence of infection was 99.2%. Cestode and nematode infections showed the highest prevalence in rainy season, while trematode infections were low and only found in hot season. The species and their prevalence were: Ascaridia galli (50.8%), Heterakis gallinarum (86.7%), Prosthogonimus macrorchis (1.7%), Echinostoma revolutum (0.8%), Raillietina echinobothrida (48.3%), Raillietina tetragona (57.5%), Raillietina cesticillus (12.5%), Raillietina sp. (35.8%), Cotugnia chiangmaii (14.2%) and Cotugnia sp. (32.5%). The prevalence of helminth infections did not differ significantly between male and female chickens. HAT-RAPD analysis, the specific fragment of 400 and 250bp indicated that Raillietina sp. and Cotugnia sp. found, respectively, differ from other closely related species. This study has confirmed that HAT-RAPD technique can be used to differentiate among related species combined with morphological observations.

Heterakis gallinarum is a widely distributed cecal nematode that parasitizes gallinaceous birds including chickens and turkeys. H. gallinarum infection poses a problem for the poultry industry as the nematode egg serves as a vector for the protozoan parasite, Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of histomonosis. The only means of detecting H. gallinarum in the environment is microscopic identification of the eggs in soil or feces; however, H. gallinarum eggs are often mistaken for those of Ascaridia galli. Three primer sets were designed from sequences cloned from the H. gallinarum genome to develop a diagnostic PCR. Each of these primer sets amplified a single product from H. gallinarum, but were unable to amplify DNA from H. meleagridis, Ascaridia galli, or Cestode sp. H. gallinarum DNA was amplified from Lumbricus sp. (earthworms) and Alphitobius diaperinus (darkling beetles), confirming that the earthworm acts as a paratenic host for H. gallinarum and suggesting that the darkling beetle may be a carrier for this nematode.

Helminths, causing various diseases, have a negative impact on the quality of meat, egg production, productivity and other characteristics of domestic waterfowl that is an important sourсe of a number of ration components. To prevent the above facts, for the first time from 2014 to 2018, complex helminthological studies were carried out in all regions of the Nakhchivan AR (Babek, Julfa, Sharur, Kengerli, Shahbuz, Ordubad and Sederek) and 359 domestic waterfowl hosts were subjected to complete helminthological autopsy to find 14 helminth species (three species of cestodes – Fimbriaria fasciolaris, Tschertkovilepis setigera, Drepanidotaenia lanceolata, two species of trematodes – Notocotylus attenuatus, Hypoderaeum conoideum and 9 nematode species – Amidostomum anseris, Trichostrongylus tenius, Capillaria obsignata, Ganguleterakis dispar, Tetrameres fissispina, Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Porraceum crassum and Thominx contorta). Of these, 11 species were observed in domestic geese and 12 species in domestic ducks. Common for both geese and ducks are 9 species (3 species of cestodes, 2 species of trematodes and 4 species of nematodes). The presence of such a large number of common species of parasites for both species of birds can be explained by keeping these birds under identical conditions with similar nutrition in the same farms. The percentage of helminth infection of geese and ducks in general for the Nakhchivan AR is 46.5%. Separately, the percentage of infection in the AR in geese is 45.1%, and in ducks 48.0%. The largest number of species of parasites by regions was recorded: Babek – 12 species, Sharur – 9 species and Kengerli – 8 species. Of the 14 species of helminths recorded on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, three species (G. dispar, A. anseris, T. tenius) were recorded in all 7 regions with high prevalence and intensity of infection. The finding of these all 3 species of nematodes in different regions differing from each other in ecological conditions and their widespread distribution in these hosts can be explained by the fact that they have a simple cycle of development, and most importantly, that all of them are specific parasites of domestic waterfowl.

The main objective was to investigate whether selection for divergent performance directions resulted in a different ability to cope with nematode infections. Therefore male and female birds of divergent genotypes developed either for meat or egg production or for both purposes were separately investigated. The worm expulsion and associated immune responses have been studied in the chicken host, too. It was found that tolerance to nematode infections is dependent on both growth rate and laying performance level in male and female chickens, respectively. In males the infection reduced the body weight in the fast-growing chickens only, whereas infection had no effect on slower growing genotypes. Differences found between male birds may be associated with a mismatch between the genotype-specific nutrient requirements and the nutrient supply during infectious challenges. In females, the laying rate (LR) of the high performing genotype was reduced by infection in the early infection period, whereas the LR of the lower performing genotype was reduced in the advanced infection period only. The time dependent impairment in laying performance was likely due to differences in genetic programming for production peak and persistency of the two genotypes. Both the host individual performance level as well as the nutrient supply appears to play a key role in tolerance against nematode infections in chickens. Resistance to infections, however, is dependent on the type of infection (i.e., experimentally vs. naturally infections). While overall resistance against infections likely depend on the host immunity and the intestinal conditions of the host, susceptibility to re-infections, which finally determines the risk for an infection, may be associated with host behaviour. Worm expulsion was found to take place non-linearly in three distinct phases, in which juvenile worms were especially targeted. Expulsion of the worms was associated with humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.

Purpose Heterakidosis is a common parasitic infection caused in domestic birds by Heterakis species: Heterakis gallinarum, H. isolonche, and H. dispar. Among them, the best described species is H. gallinarum, noted mainly in gallinaceous birds. In waterfowl, H. dispar is the predominant species. The variations in morphology and host specificity qualify H. dispar as a different species, but the phylogenetic relationships between heterakids were unclear for a long time, because of a lack of H. dispar sequences. Methods The authors provided the molecular data for H. dispar and analyzed the obtained sequences of the partial 18S rRNA gene and region ITS1-5.8SrRNA-ITS2 with the homological sequences. Results The 18S rRNA PCR product of H. dispar was about 800 bp, and the ITS-5.8S-ITS2 PCR product was about 920 bp, noticeably smaller size compared to H. gallinarum product. The BLAST analysis of H. dispar 18S sequence showed a 99% similarity with the sequences of Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia galli, 98% with A. nymphii, but only 94% with the sequence of Heterakis sp. Our ITS sequence of H. dispar was almost identical to the H. isolonche isolate, there is only one nucleotide of difference among the 943 sites analyzed. It also showed a lower similarity to the ITS sequences of H. gallinarum (88%), H. spumosa (87%), and H. dahomensis (87%). Conclusions In our phylogenetic analysis, it is the first attempt at the reconstruction of relationships within this superfamily Heterakoidea based on 18S rDNA and ITS region.

IntroductionTimely and valid diagnostic of parasitic diseases are prerequisites for profitable traditional poultry breeding, which enables adequate prophylaxis and effective therapy. This research is retrospective of the prevalence of endoparasites in 880 hens, 291 ducks, 171 geese and 302 turkeys in extensive poultry breeding in the Republic of Serbia.Materials and MethodsQualitative parasitological examination was done by conventional gravitational flotation method and sedimentation method. In rare cases of animal death, an autopsy was performed.ResultsIn the period from 2012 to 2017, in 12 examined localities in the Republic of Serbia, single or mixed infections with endoparasites Eimeria spp., Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria contorta, Amidostomum anseris and Syngamus trachea were diagnosed. The highest prevalence of ascaridiosis was detected in hens (15.69-24.05%), trichostrongylidosis in ducks (20.53-30.19%), heterakiosis (20.89- 25.86%) and capillariosis (20.68-26.08%) in geese, and syngamosis (23.39%) and capillariosis (14.28- 24.17%) in turkeys. Endoparasites were the most prevalent in hens in south Serbia (63.21%), in ducks in central Serbia (54.71%) and in geese (46.55%) and turkeys (58.24%) in north Serbia. Among mixed infections predominant was polyparasitism of Heterakis spp. and Capillaria spp.ConclusionsAn epizootiological and clinical diagnostic approach based on the results of parasitological screening is very important from the aspect of organic poultry farming.

Gastro-intestinal nematodes are very common in chickens and indulge deleterious effects on health and productivity, resulting colossal economic losses. Here, we study the prevalence and some epidemiological factors of common nematodes that affects gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) by examining GIT of 500 indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domisticus) from November 2011 to November 2014 We also conducted a structured questionnaire survey for demographic information and poultry raising practices. By morphologic and morphometric analysis, we identified A. galli and H. gallinarum from the GIT of chickens. The overall prevalence was 61% and prevalence of A. galli (282, 56%) was significantly higher than H. gallinarum (126, 25%). Prevalence of A. galli was significantly (P0.05) were observed on the prevalence of the worms in chickens reared in scavenging system or semi-scavenging system. Though, there were no significant differences on the prevalence, however, lower number of parasites (A. galli 38% and H. gallinarum 14%) were recovered from chickens treated with anthelmintics. Prevalence was higher in chickens (A. galli 61% and H. gallinarum 31%) reared in mud made and when chickens of different age group reared together. Significantly (P [J Bangladesh Agril Univ 2021; 19(4.000): 500-504]

During the study period of two years the prevalence of helminth parasites in domestic fowl from Gurez valley were analysed. A total of 137 domestic fowl were examined for helminth parasites from May 2013 to April 2015. A high rate of helminth infection (40.14%) was observed. One cestode Raillitina tetragona and two nematodes, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were encountered during the study period. High prevalence of infection was observed during summer (41.86%) followed by autumn (34.21%), spring (33.33%) and winter (30.76%). Males (36.96%) were more infected than females (34.37%). The young ones were more infected than adults. Nematodes were more prevalent than cestodes.

This study evaluated the germination capacity of Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) fungus after its passage through the gastrointestinal tract of domestic chickens and its interaction with Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum eggs. Twenty-two domestic chickens were divided in two groups: control group (G1) received shredded corn substrate without VC4; and treatment group (G2) received a single dose of 29 g corn substrate containing 3.3 × 106 conidia/chlamydospores (VC4). Subsequently, chicken fecal samples were collected at intervals of 0, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18 and 24 h. Petri dishes from fecal samples of the treated group (G2) were subdivided (G2a and G2b), and then replicated in 2% agar-water medium for the microbiological test. After VC4 growth, approximately 200 eggs of A. galli (G2a) and H. gallinarum (G2b) were added to each subgroup to evaluation of ovicidal activity. There was fungal viability after passage through chicken gastrointestinal tract and egg predation of 59.9% and 43.2% for A. galli and H. gallinarum, respectively. The present work demonstrates the ability of the fungus P. chlamydosporia to survive after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of domestic chickens, an extreme environment (low pH, enzymes, microbiota and mechanical action), and still germinate after being excreted with feces.

The prevalence of ecto-, blood and gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infection was conducted among free-ranging wild birds in Benin City, Nigeria. Birds were collected by traps and cages, identified and the parasites were collected following standard procedures. A total of 224 wild birds comprising 24 species were used for this study (107 were examined for ecto- and gastrointestinal helminth parasites respectively while 117 were examined for blood parasites only). Ninety-nine (92.52%) were infected with ectoparasites which included mainly Columbicola columbae, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes melagridis while 105 (98.13%) with gastrointestinal helminth parasites comprising majorly Ascaridia galli, Raillietina cesticillus, Heterakis gallinarum, however, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Thirty-eight birds (32.48%) of the 117 were infected with blood parasites out of which 34 (29.06%) were infected with Plasmodium species while 4 (3.42%) with Leucocytozoon sp. Columbicola columbae was the most abundant ectoparasite recorded and M. plegadis, Ixodes sp and Dermanyssus gallinae occurred with two individuals each. The most abundant gastrointestinal helminth parasite recorded was R. cesticillus while Choanotaenia infundibulum and A. galli occurred with intermediate abundances. The highest number (43, 35.83%) of ectoparasites was recorded in Ploceus cucullatus, Streptopelia roseogrisea was the most infected with gastrointestinal helminths (76, 69.72%). Some of the parasites recovered are of both economic and public health importance, thus they may affect the population and biodiversity of wild birds. These birds may therefore, serve as reservoirs of infection for man and his domestic animals. Keywords : Wild birds; prevalence; Columbicola columbae ; Raillietina cesticillus ; Plasmodium sp.