New insights into recently emerged Leucocytozoon caulleri infection in Egyptian broiler flocks through clinical, pathological, hematological, and molecular investigation

Faculty Veterinary Medicine Year: 2025
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Scientific Reports Springer Nature Volume:
Keywords : , insights into recently emerged Leucocytozoon caulleri    
Abstract:
Leucocytozoonosis is a vector-borne blood protozoal disease that affects birds worldwide. Although Egypt has a large-scale poultry industry, data on Leucocytozoon infections in broilers remain limited. This study reports the first detection of leucocytozoonosis in 24 broiler farms (180,000 birds) in El-Sharkia governorate, Egypt. The affected broiler flocks were raised in open poultry farms located near agricultural rice fields and water sources during the late summer season, which are conditions favorable for vector proliferation. Clinically, infected birds exhibited depression, anorexia, weight loss, and anemia, with mortality rates ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Postmortem examination revealed widespread hemorrhages across multiple organs and a large pool of blood in the abdominal cavity. Microscopic examination of blood smears and cell block preparations showed the presence of various gametocytes within leukocytes and erythrocytes. Histopathological examination identified characteristic megaloschizonts in multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, muscles, heart, intestine, pancreas, and spleen, accompanied by hemorrhages, necrosis, and mononuclear cell infiltration, primarily lymphocytes and macrophages. Molecular identification using real-time PCR confirmed L. caulleryi infection, corroborating the hematological and pathological findings. This study provides key insights into L. caulleryi diagnosis, promotes awareness among veterinarians and poultry producers, and highlights the need for improved biosecurity.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

    Department Related Publications

    • Ahmed Abdoh Said Muhmmd, "Effect of Corynebacterium cutis extract on the Immune response of Brucella vaccinated buffalo valves", لايوجد, 1900 More
    • Alsayed Ahmed Abdelazeez, "Studies on the toxic effects of an aqueous extract of Astragalus kahiricus DC. orally adminstered to rats ", لايوجد, 1900 More
    • Alsayed Ahmed Abdelazeez, "studies on the toxic effects of the aqueous extract of Euryops arabicus orally administered to rats ", لايوجد, 1900 More
    • Sawan Mohamed Mohamed Ali Elsheakh , "The antibiotic activity of tricophyton violaceum extract.", لايوجد, 1900 More
    • Sawan Mohamed Mohamed Ali Elsheakh , "The in-vitro effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha and oxytocin on the uterus of camel", لايوجد, 1900 More
    Tweet