TITLE:
Histopathological Changes in the Intestine of Infected Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) by Helminth Parasites from Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
AUTHORS:
Mashael A. Aldamigh, Amaal H. Hassan, Ahlam A. Alahmadi
KEYWORDS:
C. l. domestica, Histopathological Changes, Helminth Parasites, Intestine, Saudi Arabia
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.9 No.6,
June
29,
2022
ABSTRACT: It has been reported that parasite infection can significantly harm domestic pigeons. In this study, we wanted to assess the histopathological changes caused by helminth infection. A total of thirty-five domestic pigeons (C. l. domestica) purchased from Al-Qassim region in Saudi Arabia were included in this study. Among those, nine pigeons (25.71%) were infected with helminth parasites of a cestode (Raillietina species) and a nematode (Ascaridia columbae). It was observed that the infected pigeons demonstrated growth retardation, emaciation, weakness, droopiness, and diarrhea. Several histopathological changes were observed in the intestine of infected pigeons including atrophy and distortion of villi, infiltration of inflammatory lymphocytic cells, erosion, and loss of the intestine integrity, necrosis in villi, and blood vessels congestion. We concluded for the first time from Al-Qassim region in Saudi Arabia that the infection with helminth parasites can cause significant histopathological changes in the intestine of the infected pigeons. Consequently, this may lead to a high mortality rate of the infected pigeons. Future studies are required to determine the prevalence and biological factors that have a significant impact on the helminth parasites infection from different regions in Saudi Arabia.