Using species-specific PCR technique to detect Toxoplasma gondii in broiler chickens

Two groups of broiler chickens were used in this study. One was reared under typical conditions at the animal house of Veterinary Medicine College/Mosul University- Iraq, while the other group was reared under common commercial farm conditions. Fifty and 80 birds from the two respective groups were sacrificed at 49 days of age for detecting Toxoplasma gondii by using Species-specific PCR technique. Results of Latex agglutination test indicated, principally, that 29.3% and 49.2% of the serum samples were positive for the birds of both groups, respectively. Titer figures ranged between 1:20 to 1:320 where the highest value was 1:160 (39.3%) and the lowest was 1:20 (5.8%). Confirmation of 38 and 64 serum samples, using Latex agglutination test was performed by PCR technique, from the two respective groups of chickens. Of those, 8 samples from the college birds and 35 from the commercial farm birds were confirmed positive by giving band of 133 bp, according to specific primers designated on gene B1.Based on these results, pursuing the PCR technique is considered, so far, a most sensitive method for Toxoplasma gondii detection. Also, positive PCR results are counted on as an early marker for reactivation and useful means in monitoring therapies.