HEBA A. H. KADIM
College of Dentistry, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq
GHAZI Y. A. AL-EMARAH
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
WASFI A. AL-MASOUDDI
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Eimeria species are significant pathogens in poultry, causing coccidiosis and resulting in substantial economic losses. Accurate identification and characterization of Eimeria species are essential for effective control strategies. Objective: This study aimed to characterize and identify Eimeria species infecting broiler chickens in Basra Governorate, South Iraq, using both morphological and molecular diagnostic methods. Methods: The study involved the morphological identification of Eimeria species based on oocyst morphology and molecular confirmation using nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region. Results: Morphological analysis identified four Eimeria species in the intestinal samples, with infection rates of 13% for E. acervulina, 5% for E. praecox, 1% for E. necatrix, and 1% for E. tenella. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of these species, with specific amplicon sizes: E. acervulina (321 bp), E. necatrix (285 bp), E. tenella (278 bp), and E. praecox (368 bp). Conclusion: This study provides robust morphological and molecular evidence of Eimeria species infecting broiler chickens in Basra Governorate. The findings highlight the importance of integrating molecular tools for precise species identification, which is crucial for developing targeted coccidiosis control measures.
Keywords: Coccidiosis, Broilers, Eimeria spp.
