Research Article

Molecular diagnosis of Eimeria species affecting naturally infected Gallus gallus

Published: May 31, 2011
Genet. Mol. Res. 10 (2) : 996-1005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-2gmr1043
Cite this Article:
F.S. Carvalho, A.A. Wenceslau, M. Teixeira, G.R. Albuquerque (2011). Molecular diagnosis of Eimeria species affecting naturally infected Gallus gallus. Genet. Mol. Res. 10(2): 996-1005. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-2gmr1043
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Abstract

We used PCR to test various protocols and define a technique for DNA extraction directly from chicken-shed stool samples for the identification of Eimeria species that parasitize birds. It was possible to extract and amplify DNA of seven Eimeria species from field stool samples, using both protocols tested; extractions made with phenol/chloroform protocols gave the best results. The primers were specific and sensitive, allowing amplification of samples containing as few as 20 oocysts, both in individual and in a multiplex PCR. Individualized PCR with the phenol/chloroform DNA extraction protocol detected a larger number of Eimeria species. Molecular diagnosis was found to be practical and precise, and can be used for monitoring and epidemiological studies of Eimeria.

We used PCR to test various protocols and define a technique for DNA extraction directly from chicken-shed stool samples for the identification of Eimeria species that parasitize birds. It was possible to extract and amplify DNA of seven Eimeria species from field stool samples, using both protocols tested; extractions made with phenol/chloroform protocols gave the best results. The primers were specific and sensitive, allowing amplification of samples containing as few as 20 oocysts, both in individual and in a multiplex PCR. Individualized PCR with the phenol/chloroform DNA extraction protocol detected a larger number of Eimeria species. Molecular diagnosis was found to be practical and precise, and can be used for monitoring and epidemiological studies of Eimeria.