Vol. 7 No. 01 (2026)
Articles

Study of the Intestinal Protozoan in some Local Chickens (Gallus domesticus) and Pigeons (Columba livia domesticus) in Misurata, Libya

PDF
  • Layla O Elmajdoub,
  • Khdija SM Ali,
  • Kholoud A. Emshiheet,
  • Fatma M. Abushiba,
  • Sara E. Elzwawy,
  • Mabrooka M. Abushalaha,
  • Hana M. Shaklawoon,
  • Rowida S. Alagme,
  • Huda A. Hman,
  • Huda H. Elgerani,
  • Marwa Ali Alsideeg Ageela,
  • Fatima F. Eshtiwi,
  • Aisha I. Shaqlouf,
  • Hanin I. A. Alayeb
Layla O Elmajdoub Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Khdija SM Ali Department of Zoology, College of Science, Aljufra University, Aljufra, Libya
Kholoud A. Emshiheet Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Fatma M. Abushiba Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Sara E. Elzwawy Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Mabrooka M. Abushalaha Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Hana M. Shaklawoon Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Rowida S. Alagme Department of Biology, Science School, Libyan Academic in Misurata, Libya
Huda A. Hman Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Huda H. Elgerani Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Marwa Ali Alsideeg Ageela Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Fatima F. Eshtiwi Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Aisha I. Shaqlouf Research and Consultation Centre / Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Hanin I. A. Alayeb Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya

Published 2026-04-05

Keywords

  • Protozoa infections,
  • Gallus domesticus,
  • Coulumba livia domesticus,
  • intestinal infections

Copyright (c) 2026 Layla O Elmajdoub, Khdija SM Ali, Kholoud A. Emshiheet, Fatma M. Abushiba, Sara E. Elzwawy, Mabrooka M. Abushalaha, Hana M. Shaklawoon, Rowida S. Alagme, Huda A. Hman, Huda H. Elgerani, Marwa Ali Alsideeg Ageela, Fatima F. Eshtiwi, Aisha I. Shaqlouf, Hanin I. A. Alayeb

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Study of the Intestinal Protozoan in some Local Chickens (Gallus domesticus) and Pigeons (Columba livia domesticus) in Misurata, Libya. (2026). Journal of Life and Bio-Sciences Research, 7(01), 11-15. https://doi.org/10.38094/jlbsr701176

Abstract

Parasitic diseases rank among the primary limitations to poultry production. Among the intestinal protozoan infections, particularly those caused by Eimeria species and Entamoeba spp. are frequently encountered in domestic fowl. This study investigated the prevalence and morphological characteristics of intestinal protozoan parasites in local chickens (Gallus domesticus) and domesticated pigeons (Columba livia).  A total of 151 birds were examined, consisting of 100 local chickens and 51 pigeons, which were collected from various random markets in Misurata. A total of 64 birds (42.4%) were infected. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in local chickens (51, 79.7%) than in domesticated pigeons (13, 20.3%). The protozoan species differed between local chickens and pigeons. In local chickens, Entamoeba cysts (70.6%) were the most common infection, followed by coccidian oocysts at 29.4%. In pigeons, coccidian oocysts (77%) were more prevalent than Entamoeba cysts (23%). By sex, there were significant differences in infection rates (P <= 0.05) among local chickens; males had higher infection rates for Entamoeba cysts (61.8%) than females (26.3%). The prevalence of coccidian oocysts was 73.7% in females and 38.5% in males. Otherwise, in pigeons, females showed greater susceptibility to both coccidian oocysts and Entamoeba cysts (85.7% and 63.7%, respectively) than males (14.3% and 33.3%), respectively. Based on these findings, the study concludes that implementing an integrated parasitic control programme for local chickens and pigeons is essential.

PDF

References

  1. Abdalsalam, N.A.S., Ali, H.A., Boulabyidh, A. (2026). Identification of gastrointestinal parasites and their effects on blood parameters in free-range chickens. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 16 (1), 18-22.
  2. Adang, K.L., Oniye, S.J., Ajanusi, O.J., Ezealor, A.U., Abdu, P.A. (2008). Gastrointestinal helminths of the domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica GMELIN, 1789 Aves: Columbidae) in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Science World Journal, 3(1).
  3. Agba, A.A., Abu, A.O., Bashaku, Y.D. (2024). Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in some poultry slaugther at Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences, 6(12), 25-31.
  4. Al-Agouri, S., Alrwab, N., Amgawer, H., Sadaga, G., Alshelmani, M.I. (2021). Prevalence of coccidia in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica Gmelin, 1789) in Benghazi city, Libya. Aceh Journal of Animal Science, 6(2), 52-56.
  5. Alasadiy, Y.D.K., Mahmood, R.M., Alhasnawi, A.N. (2022). Comparative study of parasitic infections in domestic and wild pigeons in Iraq. Arch Razi Inst, 77(2), 709-715.
  6. Alkharigy, F.A., El Naas, A.S., El Maghrbi, A.A. (2018). Survey of parasites in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Tripoli, Libya. Open Vet J. 8(4), 360-366.
  7. Atsineka, O.K. Banke, R.O.K. (2006). Gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of Demestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Book of Abstracts, 3rd Annual Conference of Zoological Society of Nigeria (Keffi 2006) 7th–10th November.
  8. Attia, Y.A., A.K. Aldhalmi, I.M. Youssef, F. Bovera, V. Tufarelli, M.E.A. El-Hack, K.H. El-Kholy, M. Shukry. (2024). Climate Change and Its Effects on Poultry Industry and Sustainability. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 397.
  9. Blake, D.P. (2025). Eimeria of chickens: the changing face of an old foe. Avian Pathology, 54(3), 267-278.
  10. Curtis, C.M., Chiodini, P.L. (2010). Chapter 108 - Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract, Editor (s): Jonathan Cohen, Steven M. Opal, William G. Powderly, Infectious Diseases (Third Edition), Mosby, 1130-1142.
  11. Eljadar. M., Saad, W., Elfadel, G. (2012). A study on the prevalence of Endoparasites of domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) inhabiting in the Green Mountain Region of Libya. J. Am. Sci. 8(12), 191–193.
  12. El-Salama, A., Dyab, A., Arafa, M., Nasr, A., Abd-Elrahman, S. (2025). Protozoal and rickettsial infections among clinically Ill pigeons in Assiut, Egypt: Prevalence, Biodiversity, and Potential Public Risk. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal, 71(184), 672-683.
  13. Fowler N.G. (1996). How to carry out a field investigation. In: Jordan ETW, Pallison M (eds) Poultry diseases, 4th ed. Saunders WB Company, London, 422–456.
  14. Gómez-Osorio, L.M., Vasiljevic, M., Raj, J., Chaparro-Gutierréz, J.J., López-Osorio, S. (2024). Mycotoxins and coccidiosis in poultry – co-occurrence, interaction, and effects. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1387856.
  15. Györke, A., Pop, L., Cozma, V. (2013). Prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species in broiler chicken farms of different capacities. Parasite, 20, 50.
  16. Hafez, H.M., Attia, Y.A. (2020). Challenges to the poultry industry: current perspectives and strategic future after the COVID-19 outbreak. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 516.
  17. He, X., Fang, X.M., Qiao, Y.T., Su, J.L., Tang, S.Q., Weng, Y.B., Lin, R.Q. (2024). Molecular identification and biological characterization of Eimeria columbarum from domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Guangdong, China. Veterinary Quarterly, 44(1), 1-11.
  18. Jatau, I.D., Sulaiman, N.H., Musa, I.W., Lawal, A.I., Okubanjo, O.O., Isah, I., Magaji, Y. (2012). Prevalence of Coccidia infection and preponderance Eimeria species in free range indigenous and intensively managed exotic chickens during Hot-wet season, in Zaria, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Poultry Science, 6, 79-88.
  19. Khan, M.Q., Irshad, H., Anjum, R., Jahangir, M., Nasir, U. (2006). Eimeriosis in poultry of Rawalpindi/Islamabad area. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 26(2), 85-87.
  20. Lawal, J.R., Jajere, S.M., Ibrahim, U.I., Geidam, Y.A., Gulani, I.A., Musa, G., Ibekwe, B.U. (2016). Prevalence of coccidiosis among village and exotic breed of chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Veterinary World, 9(6), 653-659.
  21. Martínez-Díaz, R.A., Herrera, S., Castro, A., Ponce, F. (2000). Entamoeba sp. (Sarcomastigophora: Endamoebidae) from ostriches (Struthio camelus) (Aves: Struthionidae). Veterinary Parasitology, 92(3), 173-179.
  22. Negbenebor, H.E., Ali, M. (2018). Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Local Chickens (Gallus Gallus Domestica) in Kano, Nigeria. Annals of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 1(4), 45-49.
  23. Soulsby E.J.L. (1982). Helminths, arthropods and protozoa of domesticated animals, 7th ed. The English Language Book Society and Bailliere Tindall, London.
  24. Yousaf, A., Shahnawaz, R., Jamil, T., Mushtaq, A. (2018). Prevalence of coccidiosis in different broiler poultry farms in Potohar region (distract Rawalpindi) of Punjab-Pakistan. J Dairy Vet Anim Res, 7(3), 87-90.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)