Molecular detection of toxoplasmosis in domestic pigeons {Columba livia domestica) in Baghdad, Iraq

摘要

VPrevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Baghdad, Iraq is reported. RT-PCR was done on blood from 11 males and 13 female pigeons. The total infection rate was 20.83% with 2/11 in males and 3/13 in females withno association between rate and gender suggesting that gender is not a risk factor. The difference in the infection rate in Iraq may be due to the contamination of the environment (sand substrate) that spreads toxoplasmosis by ingested feces from cats commonly observed in the vicinity with birds. According to our knowledge the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii using the Real -TM PCR is the first study performed in domestic pigeons in Iraq.