Light and scanning electron microscopic identification of Cryptosporidium parasite in backyard chickens in Mosul, Iraq

The findings of the present study provide information on the prevalence of infection and the features of several phases of the life cycle of cryptosporidiosis in backyard chickens within the research region. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in backyard chickens was found to be 54%, based on diagnosis using the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and flotation method. Cryptosporidium oocysts were spherical in shape and 4–6 μm in size. In addition, they had a distinct reddish-pink and transparent halo around them. Using the flotation technique, the oocysts appeared significantly thick-walled, smooth, and colourless. Histological examination of intestinal tissues of infected chickens revealed the appearance of Cryptosporidium gametocyte stages, schizonts, and oocysts in the intestinal epithelium, compared to other intestinal regions, with an infection rate of 51.9%. On the other hand, the appearance of several phases in the life cycle of Cryptosporidium was diagnosis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) backyard chickens' intestinal content. The current study's findings offer the first information on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in backyard chickens in Mosul -Iraq