Work

First Molecular Detection of the Poultry Pathogen Protozoan Histomonas meleagridis from Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Our study reports the first molecular detection of the protozoan pathogen Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of histomonosis, in the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Mite samples were collected from a commercial poultry farm and a backyard flock in Hungary and analyzed using PCR assays that targeted the COX1 gene in mites and 18S rRNA gene in H. meleagridis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identity of D. gallinae and revealed distinct genetic lineages between farm and backyard isolates. H. meleagridis DNA was detected in 10 of 17 mite samples, representing multiple variants within Genotype 1. No histomonosis was detected in the examined poultry, although one hen harbored Simplicimonas sp. The findings suggest that D. gallinae could serve as a carrier for H. meleagridis, potentially facilitating the persistence and transmission of the pathogen. This novel host–pathogen association highlights the need for further research into the epidemiological role of poultry ectoparasites in the spread of histomonosis.

Source: Parasitologia

DOI: 10.3390/parasitologia5040059

Authors: Patrícia Kóczán, László Kovács, Adrienn Örkényi, Dorottya Kovács, László Kőrösi, Edit Eszterbauer

Institutions: HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine, National Food Chain Safety Office

Language: English

Topic: Bird parasitology and diseases

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207