First microscopic, pathological, epidemiological, and molecular investigation of (Apicomplexa: ) parasites in Egyptian pigeons.

Introduction: is an intracellular blood parasite that affects various bird species globally and is transmitted by blackfly vectors. This parasite is responsible for leucocytozoonosis, a disease that results in significant economic losses due to reduced meat and egg production. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiological pattern of leucocytozoonosis and its causative species in Egypt, particularly in pigeons.

Characterization and assessment of naturally mutant non-pathogenic O27 strain and their potential use as poultry probiotics.

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the molecular characteristics of naturally mutant non-pathogenic O27 strain of and its efficacy as probiotic in broilers and determine the best age at which it can be administered.

Materials And Methods: A total of 24 virulence genes using 24 sets of primers were detected using the polymerase chain reaction technique. For probiotics experiments, 60 chicks (day 1 old) were divided into three groups, 20 per group, and reared for 4 weeks.