Histomonosis in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Parasitology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Histomonosis, caused by Histomonas meleagridis, severely impacts turkey health, causing high mortality rates.
• The withdrawal of nitarsone in 2015 has left the poultry industry without approved treatments or preventatives for histomonosis.
• While chickens can be affected, the disease is primarily devastating to turkeys, with lesions in the liver and ceca.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on combating Histomonas meleagridis infection in poultry.
• To explore potential therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, including phytogenic compounds and vaccines.
• To summarize advancements and identify future research needs for histomonosis control.

Main Methods:

• Review of published literature on Histomonas meleagridis treatments and prevention.
• Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo studies on phytogenic compounds for chemoprophylaxis.
• Analysis of experimental vaccine development using live-attenuated isolates.

Main Results:

• Phytogenic compounds show varied but encouraging results for chemoprophylaxis against histomonosis.
• Experimental vaccines using live-attenuated Histomonas meleagridis isolates demonstrate safety and efficacy.
• Recovered turkeys and chickens develop some resistance to re-infection.

Conclusions:

• Recent research offers promising avenues for developing new treatments and vaccines against histomonosis.
• Further investigation is required to optimize vaccine administration (age, dose, route) for commercial use.
• Developing effective strategies against Histomonas meleagridis is crucial for the poultry industry.