Molecular identification of Eimeria spp. and Eimeria bovis in water buffaloes, Iraq

Abstract

Eimeria is a protozoan parasite of many wild and domestic animals including buffaloes resulting in a widespread disease known as coccidiosis that may impact production, well fare and health status. This study was designed to identify the prevalence of Eimeria spp. and E. bovis in buffaloes using conventional molecular technique. An overall 281 buffaloes of different sexes and ages of many rural areas in Wasit province were subjected during November (2022) to February (2023) to direct collect of fecal samples from the rectum. After molecular examination of all fecal samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the results showed that 25.98 and 35.62% buffaloes were positive to Eimeria spp. and E. bovis, respectively. Furthermore, significant prevalence of Eimeria spp. being higher in  1 year than older ones and Al-Kut than other study region, but not between females and males; while, E. bovis was more prevalent in  1 year, Al-Kut and Al-Hay, and females. Additionally, values of odds ratio and relative risk were elevated significantly in  1 year female buffaloes of Al-Kut region. From our point of view, this represents the first molecular study identifies E. bovis in buffaloes from Iraq. In conclusion, molecular based-PCR revealed a high efficacy in identification of E. bovis, and can be used in epidemiological investigations of coccidiosis in entire country. However, we suggest that the DNA sequence variation in ITS1 region of different Eimeria species should be conducted to view genetic mutations as well as genetic association with other worldwide strains. Also, extensive investigation is necessary to bridge the knowledge gap and providing for diagnosis this parasite in buffaloes as well as in other field animals. Keywords: Coccidiosis, PCR, Bubalus bubalis, calf, wasit province. Iraq