International Journal of Medical Laboratory
Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences
Sun, Sep 20, 2026
[Archive]
Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (15 Views)
Introduction: Coccidiosis, caused by host-specific Eimeria species, is a major parasitic disease threatening the turkey industry. This study aimed to isolate and identify Eimeria species circulating in turkeys from central Iran using morphological and molecular methods.
Materials and Methods: A total of 500 samples (280 from slaughterhouse digestive tracts, 120 from litter of 6 industrial farms, and 100 from traditional farms) were collected from Alborz, Tehran, Zanjan, and Qazvin provinces. Samples were examined using direct smear and sucrose flotation. Oocysts from positive samples were purified, sporulated, and identified morphometrically. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was used for molecular confirmation. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed for selected isolates.
Results: Only 12 samples (2.4%) were positive, all from asymptomatic turkeys on traditional farms. Morphological identification revealed four species: Eimeria meleagrimitis (n=8), Eimeria meleagridis (n=2), Eimeria dispersa (n=1), and Eimeria gallopavonis (n=1). PCR results were 100% concordant with morphometric identification.
Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of four Eimeria species in Iranian turkeys, with E. meleagrimitis being the most prevalent. The complete agreement between morphological and molecular methods validates this diagnostic approach. The isolation of these species from asymptomatic traditional flocks highlights their role as reservoirs, emphasizing the need for integrated control strategies.
Materials and Methods: A total of 500 samples (280 from slaughterhouse digestive tracts, 120 from litter of 6 industrial farms, and 100 from traditional farms) were collected from Alborz, Tehran, Zanjan, and Qazvin provinces. Samples were examined using direct smear and sucrose flotation. Oocysts from positive samples were purified, sporulated, and identified morphometrically. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was used for molecular confirmation. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed for selected isolates.
Results: Only 12 samples (2.4%) were positive, all from asymptomatic turkeys on traditional farms. Morphological identification revealed four species: Eimeria meleagrimitis (n=8), Eimeria meleagridis (n=2), Eimeria dispersa (n=1), and Eimeria gallopavonis (n=1). PCR results were 100% concordant with morphometric identification.
Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of four Eimeria species in Iranian turkeys, with E. meleagrimitis being the most prevalent. The complete agreement between morphological and molecular methods validates this diagnostic approach. The isolation of these species from asymptomatic traditional flocks highlights their role as reservoirs, emphasizing the need for integrated control strategies.
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
