Estandarización de un sistema de detección de hemoparásitos en Gallus gallus domesticus

Abstract

Hemoparasites pose a significant problem for the poultry industry in tropical regions due to their ability to cause severe disease in domestic birds, thereby negatively affecting meat and egg production, food security, and public health. Currently, identifying these parasites is challenging due to limitations in existing detection methods. Therefore, there is a need to standardize a more efficient, accurate, and reliable identification process to enhance food security and public health. In Ecuador, the poultry sector is a key economic driver; consequently, the presence of hemoparasites in birds can significantly impact meat and egg production and quality, while also posing a public health risk. The project's overall objective is to establish a detection process for hemoparasites in *Gallus gallus domesticus* by evaluating various techniques, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and reliability and mitigate the potential impact of hemoparasites on the poultry industry. A study was conducted at the ESPOL Experimental Farm in Guayaquil. Preliminary analysis of the chickens was performed to assess their physical condition, including nutritional status and external characteristics such as weight and plumage. Twenty-four blood samples were collected from 12 chickens; 12 samples were used for hemoparasite detection via conventional microscopy, and 12 were used for PCR analysis. Microscopy identified *Plasmodium* spp. and *Leucocytozoon* spp. with prevalence rates of 83.33% and 50%, respectively. PCR analysis identified the species *P. gallinaceum* and *L. sabrazesi*, with prevalence rates of 33.33% and 8.33%, respectively. While the microscopy technique successfully detected hemoparasites of the *Leucocytozoon* and *Plasmodium* genera, it suffers from low specificity and requires significant time and a specialist for identification. The high prevalence of hemoparasites in the birds studied may be due to geographical conditions and management practices at the rearing site. The results suggest that microscopy and PCR should be considered complementary in studies on hemoparasites.