Pathology and molecular detection of coccidiosis in experimentally infected domestic pigeon

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to study the experimental infection in domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica), its pathological interpretation and molecular detection of coccidia due to Eimeria sp. During the present investigation, experimentally infected birds showed the symptoms of droopiness, ruffled feathers, slight diarrhoea, greenish coloured faeces and blood tinged droppings. During the experimental infection, oocyst shedding was observed from 5th day of oral infection of coccidia. At necropsy, different developmental stages of coccidia oocysts were seen in the enterocytes with histopathological changes like mild congestion in the small and large intestine, diffused areas of haemorrhage in intestinal mucosa. PCR employed for amplification of ITS-1 gene of Eimeria genus showed clear band at 510 bp.