Molecular detection of toxoplasmosis in biting lice (Menacanthus stramineus) on naturally infected chickens using polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

The study aim to prove the role of biting lice Menacanthu stramineusto in transfer of Toxoplasma gondii to the chickens by using PCR technique. Thirty local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) more than 4 months age, have dense lice infestations were collected from the local markets of AL-Diwaniya city. Five ml of blood were collected from each bird, and all samples were tested by serological test using latex agglutination test to detect Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Results were indicate (17) 56.66% positive samples of Toxoplasma gondii parasite, and the highest proportion were recorded at the titer of 1/80 (41.17%) and the lowest at 1/40, and 1/640 (5.88% for each one). Result of conventional PCR reveals 12 (54.54%) positive out of 22 examined lice samples in which presence of the specific B1(399bp) gene of T. gondii were registered in lice tissue indicating the presence of parasite. In conclusion the study proves the presence of Toxoplasma parasite in lice tissue, and the ability of the lice to transmit the parasite within his body parts.