Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification LAMP Assays for the Species-specific Detection of Eimeria that Infect Chickens
Published on: February 20, 2015
Molecular detection and genotyping of microsporidia species in chickens in Turkey
Nuri Ercan1, Onder Duzlu2, Alparslan Yildirim2
1Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Agriculture, Kirsehir, Turkey.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that infect various hosts including invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite the importance, knowledge on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of microsporidia in chickens is limited, and no data are available for Turkey. A total of 300 fecal samples from chickens in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were analyzed by using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for the common microsporidia species. Corresponding PCR amplicons from the positive samples were sequenced for genotyping. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified in 22 (7.3 %) samples, whereas Encephalitozoon spp. was not detected. The prevalence of E. bieneusi was 63.6 % in Kayseri and 36.4 % in Nevsehir provinces, and 8.8 % in soft fecal samples and 9.7 % in diarrhoeic samples. No infections were found in Kirsehir Province. Significant differences were found for the distribution of E. bieneusi among provinces and fecal conditions. Infections were found only in free-range chickens. As a result of ITS region sequencing, two genotypes were characterized. The novel genotype ERUNT1 (n = 21), belonging to zoonotic group 1, was the most common genotype throughout the study area. The other known genotype, ERUSS1 (n = 1), had a restricted distribution and was previously detected in cattle and sheep in the same region. Our study provides the first data on microsporidia species from chickens in Turkey. None of these genotypes have been reported in humans; thus, the risk potential for public health is limited but needs further investigation.
Insights
This study found Enterocytozoon bieneusi microsporidia in 7.3% of Turkish chickens, with a novel genotype ERUNT1 identified. Further research is needed to assess public health risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are significant intracellular pathogens affecting diverse hosts.
- Data on microsporidia prevalence and genetics in chickens, particularly in Turkey, is scarce.
- Understanding these infections is crucial for animal health and potentially zoonotic disease surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of microsporidia in chickens in Turkey.
- To identify specific microsporidia species and genotypes present in fecal samples.
- To provide the first molecular data on microsporidia in Turkish chickens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 300 chicken fecal samples from Turkey's Central Anatolia Region.
- Utilized nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.
- Sequencing of PCR amplicons for microsporidia genotyping.
Main Results:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi detected in 7.3% of samples; Encephalitozoon spp. not found.
- Prevalence varied by province (Kayseri 63.6%, Nevsehir 36.4%) and fecal consistency.
- Two genotypes identified: a novel ERUNT1 (zoonotic group 1) and a known ERUSS1 (previously found in cattle/sheep).
- Infections exclusively occurred in free-range chickens.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first molecular identification of microsporidia in chickens in Turkey.
- The novel ERUNT1 genotype is prevalent, while ERUSS1 has a limited distribution.
- Current genotypes do not appear to pose an immediate public health risk, but further investigation is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy