Ascaridia galli, a common nematode in semiscavenging indigenous chickens in Bangladesh: epidemiology, genetic diversity, pathobiology, ex vivo culture, and anthelmintic efficacy

Abstract

Ascaridia galli is the most common nematode in chickens. Ascaridia galli is highly prevalent in chickens reared in scavenging or semi-scavenging systems. Here, we studied the epidemiology, pathology, genetic diversity, ex vivo culture protocol and anthelmintic sensitivity of A. galli prevalent in indigenous chickens in Bangladesh. Through morphological study and molecular analyses, the isolated worms were confirmed as A. galli. Of the chickens examined, 45.6% (178 out of 390) were found infected. The male and young chickens were significantly (p<0.05) more prone to A. galli infection. Prevalence of the infection was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the summer season. In heavy infections, A. galli blocked the small intestine. Marked inflammation, increased mucus production and petechial hemorrhages were evident in the small intestine, particularly in the duodenum. Also, there were desquamation and adhesion of the mucosal villi; degeneration, necrosis of the epithelial cells and goblet cell hyperplasia. The mucosal layer was infiltrated mainly with eosinophils and heterophils. We developed a hen egg white-based long-term ex vivo culture protocol which supported the survival and reproduction of A. galli for more than a week. Levamisole (LEV) and ivermectin (IVM) efficiently killed A. galli. However, albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ) and piperazine (PPZ) did not kill the worms even at higher concentrations. Taken together, our results suggest that A. galli is highly prevalent in semi-scavenging chickens in Bangladesh. Ascaridia galli can be easily maintained ex vivo in egg white supplemented M199 medium. LEV and IVM, but not ABZ, MBZ and PPZ, can be used for treating and controlling A. galli infections in chickens.