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International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences Research Article

Pathological and physiological alterations induced by intestinal helminths infecting domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica

Nada A. Ibrahim, Ehssan A. Hassan, Tarek I. Moawad and Mahi A. Ghobashy

Year : 2018 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 212-219

doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1314252

Received on: 03/24/2018

Revised on: 04/27/2018

Accepted on: 04/29/2018

Published on: 04/30/2018

  • Nada A. Ibrahim, Ehssan A. Hassan, Tarek I. Moawad and Mahi A. Ghobashy( 2018).

    Pathological and physiological alterations induced by intestinal helminths infecting domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica

    . International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences, 3( 2), 212-219.

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Abstract

Four helminths were recorded in intestine of Columba livia domestica, pigeon; one nematode (Ascaridia columbae) and three cestodes (Cotugnia polyacantha, Raillietina beveridgei and Raillietina echinobothrida). 120 C. L. domestica pigeons were purchased from Ismailia, Egypt during the period from December, 2015 to November, 2016 and examined for presence of helminths, with highest prevalence of infection in summer (73%) and the lowest in winter (43.3%). The total prevalence of infection with helminths in males (64.8%) was higher than females (48.9%). Pigeons with greater weight revealed higher percentage of infection (61.1%). The intestine of the infected pigeons showed a number of histopathological alterations; coagulative necrosis of the villi columnar epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory lymphocytic cells as well as blood vessels congestion, leading to an increase in the concentration of MDA (Malondialdehyde as a marker for lipid peroxidation) in both liver and intestine tissues of the infected pigeons compared with uninfected ones. There was a significant decrease in the level of antioxidants (GSH, GST, CAT, and SOD) in the intestine (P<0.05), while the decrease was non- significant in liver of the infected pigeons. In conclusion, helminths infections affect physiological status of C. L. domestica and induced remarkable pathological changes which may result in economical loss for the breeders. Further attention should be considered regarding intestinal helminths infecting C. L. domestica. In addition, biological factors that play an essential role in affecting helminths community should be studied.  

Keywords

Biological factors, C. L. domestica, Helminths, Histopathology, Oxidative stress.