Title : Detection of microsporidial infections in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in northwest Iran
Abstract:
Microsporidia, are unicellular and obligate intracellular eukaryotes considered as emerging opportunistic human and animal pathogens. To determine microsporidiosis in domestic pigeons in Iran privately-owned pigeons (n=100) presenting weight loss and diarrhea were tested for microsporidia spp. through histopathological and molecular methods. Indeed, a multiplex/nested-PCR assay, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the genomic DNA of fecal samples. Moreover, histological sections of the liver, kidney, brain, lung, heart, and small intestine were examined microscopically. PCR findings showed 57%, 30%, and 14% positivity for the presence of Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon, and mixed infection in the fecal samples, respectively. Consensus sequences of detected parasites revealed infection of pigeons with Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon hellem. At the histopathological examination, non-suppurative enteritis, nephritis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis associated with focal necrosis and diffused mixed inflammatory cell infiltration with dominant macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed. Data shown herein presents the higher prevalence of pigeons’ microsporidiosis ever reported. Considering that both detected microsporidia species are zoonotic parasites, findings claim for a public health risk assessment of this host.
Audience take away:
? PCR findings showed 57%, 30%, and 14% positivity for the presence of Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon, and mixed infection in the fecal samples, respectively.
? Consensus sequences of detected parasites revealed infection of pigeons with Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon hellem.
? This is the highest rate of cryptosporidiosis in pigeons ever reported
? The data have important implications for public health in Iran.
