Epidemiologia molecular e caracterização de Leucocytozoon spp. em frangos caipiras na ilha de São Luís - MA

Abstract

Subsistence poultry farming is an activity present in the life of rural communities in the state of Maranhão, having an important cultural and economic role. In domestic poultry breeding sites, it is common to witness the interaction and breeding of these animals with wild and migratory bird species. These aspects can favor the dispersion and occurrence of several infectious and parasitic agents, since these animals can act as potential biological carriers or mechanical transporters, allowing them to colonize new areas and parasitize susceptible hosts. Avian leukocytozoonosis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leucocytozoon spp. Its transmission occurs through the bite of dipteran insects, belonging to the Simuliidae and Ceratopogonidae families. Given the above, the objective of this work was to verify the occurrence of Leucocytozoon spp. in free-range chickens that live with migratory birds on the island of São Luís, Maranhão. 100 blood samples were collected from free-range chickens from the four municipalities that are part of the island of São Luís - MA. To identify the parasite, the Nested PCR technique was performed. However, of all the samples analyzed, none showed a positive result for Leucocytozoon spp. Although the presence of Leucocytozoon spp. has not been identified, future studies are needed to help determine the geographic distribution of the parasite, since the island of São Luís is part of the migratory route of coastal birds that can carry several pathogens, in order to avoid the occurrence of hemosporidian in subsistence poultry farms