Molecular characterization, spatial distribution and risk factors for occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in carrier pigeons (Columba livia) for introduction of management good practices in breeding

• Grant number: 18/12136-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
• Grantee: Elís Domingos Ferrari
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. by molecular methods, to evaluate spatial distribution and risk factors and use the results to guide bird breeders about good practices of management in carrier pigeons breeding. We will collect 1500 samples total, 500 from each principal period of annual management (reproduction, molt season and competition) of carrier pigeons in 12 breeders. Geographical coordinates will be registered for a localization of the study area. All the samples will have their DNA extracted to use it in molecular characterization by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. and for SSU rRNA gene of Giardia spp. amplification and sequencing of amplified fragments. Positive samples will be also amplified and sequenced by nested PCRs for other genes. The results will be analyzed by descriptive statistics, inferential analysis to evaluate the association between presence and absence of the pathogen with each variable studied by questionnaires. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

FERRARI, Elís Domingos. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in carrier pigeons (Columba livia) during competition, reproduction and molting seasons. 2021. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária. Araçatuba Araçatuba.