Molecular and histopathological characterization of Ascaridia galli and Eimeria tenella co-infection in Numida meleagris

Mohamed T. El-Saadony^1*Marwa M Attia²Mahmoud A Mahmoud³Mohamed Abdelsalam⁴Layla A Almutairi⁵Mohammed A Alqahtani⁶Sultan Mohammed Areshi⁷Khaled A El-Tarabily⁸Heba M. Salem⁹

• ¹Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
• ²Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt, cairo, Egypt
• ³Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt, cairo, Egypt
• ⁴Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt iru, cairo, Egypt
• ⁵Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ⁶Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61413 Abha, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ⁷Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
• ⁸Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
• ⁹Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt, Giza, Egypt

Abstract Introduction: The helmeted guineafowl is a ground-dwelling bird native to Africa, easily recognized by its bald, bluish-gray head and the distinctive horn-like casque (helmet) on top of its head. Methods: This study investigated the cause of mortality in helmeted guineafowl on a private farm. Clinical examination, necropsy, parasitological analysis, molecular characterization, and histopathological examination were conducted. Results: Preliminary findings indicated a mixed gastrointestinal parasitic infection, with Ascaridia galli and Eimeria tenella identified as the causative agents of co-infection. Molecular analysis targeting the ITS rDNA and COX1 regions of A. galli and the ITS and 18S rDNA regions of E. tenella confirmed their identities and revealed genetic diversity among the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the isolates within well-supported clades of their respective species. Clinical signs included depression and sporadic hemorrhagic droppings, while postmortem lesions varied, featuring enteritis, hemorrhagic typhlitis, splenic necrosis, and hepatic lesions. Histopathological examination revealed severe intestinal damage, including hemorrhage, epithelial desquamation, and the presence of multiple parasite developmental stages. The co-infection led to a 10% mortality rate. Discussion: The current study offers insights into the impact of A. galli and E. tenella co-infection in helmeted guineafowl, underscoring the importance of molecular surveillance in monitoring poultry parasite populations. Additional research is recommended to establish routine parasitological monitoring, implement targeted deworming initiatives, enhance sanitation, and enforce biosecurity protocols to reduce parasite load and prevent epidemics.