Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Columba livia hunting pigeons of AL- Qadisiyah province

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii were detected and diagnosed in 80 Columba livia birds at the province of Al-Qadisiyah during the period started from January 2016 until June 2016 using latex test and rapid cassette test ,Moreover molecular diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Rraction technique for identification of B1 gene had been also used Results showed that antibodies were detected in 11 samples out of 80 (13.75%). of Columba livia pigeons in Al-Qadisiyah province, Since significant highest (P≤0.05) titration were indicated at 1/80 (36.37%),whereas the lowest titer indicated at 1/40 (9.09) and According to type of antibodies in Columba livia toxoplasmosis suspected samples using rapid test cassette, results were indicated that Six samples out of 80 (7.5%) were found positive. However IgG, IgM and IgG plus IgM were found in (33.34%),(16.66) and (50) respectively with no significance difference, furthermore results of PCR technique for detection of B1 gene revealed that 5% of samples from the Columba livia were only found positive ,Moreover the B1 gene were had a molecular weight of the private 399bp.It had been concluded that Columba livia birds were found infected with T.gondii with possible transmission to human being