Title: Molecular Detection and Species Identification of Eimeria spp. in Broiler Farms near by Anand, Gujarat, India
Authors: Author name: Jatin R. Thakare, Maulik R. Rajvi, Dhwani R. Oza, Vandip D. Chauhan, Nilima N. Brahmbhatt
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 322-325
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
Coccidiosis is one of the most economically important protozoan diseases affecting the poultry industry worldwide. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of Eimeria species infecting commercial broiler farms in Anand district, Gujarat, India. A total of 22 broiler farms comprising 400 birds were surveyed. Faecal and litter samples were collected and examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques. Positive samples were subjected to sporulation using 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and subsequently analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for species identification. Microscopic examination revealed that 15 out of 22 farms were positive for coccidiosis, indicating an overall prevalence of 68.19%. Molecular confirmation using genus-specific primers targeting the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene amplified an approximately 810 bp fragment confirming the presence of Eimeria species. Species-specific PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region identified six Eimeria species, namely Eimeria acervulina (321 bp), Eimeria brunetti (311 bp), Eimeria mitis (306 bp), Eimeria necatrix (285 bp), Eimeria tenella (278 bp), and Eimeria maxima (145 bp). Eimeria tenella was the predominant species, occurring as a single infection in 40% of positive farms, while mixed infections were observed in the remaining farms. The findings indicate that coccidiosis remains highly prevalent in broiler farms of Central Gujarat and that PCR-based diagnosis provides a sensitive and reliable approach for species identification. Routine molecular surveillance coupled with integrated control measures is recommended to reduce production losses associated with avian coccidiosis.