Molecular characterization of Eimeria zaria in domestic chickens raised in alternative production systems in the state of São Paulo

• Grant number: 24/08773-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles
• Grantee: Maria Julia dos Santos Jucowski
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMVA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study is to perform the identification and molecular characterization of Eimeria zaria in domestic chickens raised in alternative production systems, not vaccinated against coccidiosis. DNA samples previously positive for E. zaria originated from 17 municipalities in the state of São Paulo. The samples will be subjected to two species-specific PCR protocols for E. zaria, followed by genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, using the protocol of Jaramillo-Ortiz et al. (2023). With the exception of the study of Jaramillo-Ortiz et al. (2023), there is no study related to studies on the genetic variability of E. zaria from the domestic chicken. There is a need to determine the occurrence and molecular characterization of E. zaria in the national territory, to determine their economic importance and their impact on bird health, as well as to determine the possible ineffectiveness of vaccines in which this species is not included.