Molecular subtyping and phylogeny of Blastocystis sp. isolated from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations in Penang, Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.38.4.101
- Author:
Siti Alawiyah, J.A.N.
1
;
Rauff-Adedotun, A.A.
1
;
Aishah, S.
1
;
Rusydi Abdul Hafiz, R.
2
;
Zary Shariman, Y.
1
;
Farah Haziqah, M.T.
1
Author Information
1. School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
2. Department of Veterinary Services, Jalan Bukit Tengah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Blastocystis;
Malaysia;
Penang;
protozoan;
turkey
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2021;38(No.4):578-589
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Most poultry farms in Malaysia preferred rearing chickens either for eggs or/and meat than
turkeys. This is due to several challenges such as parasitic load and heat stress in rearing
turkey. Blastocystis is one of the most common protozoan parasites infecting poultry. As no
study was conducted on Blastocystis infection in turkey in Malaysia, this study aims to
determine the current status, the morphological characteristics and subtyping of Blastocystis
from turkey reared either in closed house or free-range system in Penang, Malaysia. It was
found that the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection in turkeys were moderately high with
41.6% (25/60) in the closed house and 45.0% (45/100) in free-range system as infection was
higher in the female turkeys with no gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. Vacuolar form
was the most common form found in the in vitro culture ranged between 5 to 20 μm in
diameter with a rough surface coat and undulating cell surface viewed under the scanning
electron microscope. Meanwhile, the ultrastructure of the cells from turkey isolates were
varies with partially expanded electron-opaque vacuoles to electron-dense in fully distended
vacuoles. Interestingly, sequence analysis for 30 positive Blastocystis isolates from turkeys
revealed one subtypes with three alleles namely, ST7 allele 99 (73.4%, n=22), ST7 allele 100
(23.3%, n=7) and ST7 allele 101 (3.3%, n=1). Findings from this study added to our understanding
on Blastocystis infection in turkey production.
- Full text:8.2021my1301.pdf
