Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in carrier pigeons (Columba livia) in reproduction and competition phases

• Grant number: 19/21274-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2020
• End date: December 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
• Grantee: Gabriely Vicente Campos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pigeons have public health importance because of their ability to spread zoonoses and act as reservoirs of various diseases, including parasitic ones. The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence and to perform molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in carrier pigeons (Columba livia) during reproduction and competition phases. Fecal samples will be collected from 100 pigeons in the reproductive phase and 100 pigeons in the competition phase, from 10 breeders. DNA extraction will be performed using QIAamp® DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen) and will be performed nested PCR for amplification of 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all samples, followed by nested PCRs for other genes, in positive samples, and sequencing of amplified fragments. Data analysis will consist of descriptive statistics and inferential results, using the proportions test to compare the positivity between the two life stages of carrier pigeons. The statistic will be considered significant when p <0.05.