Molecular Characteristics and Effects of Ascaridia galli Infection on Intestinal Microbiota Isolates in Wenzhou, China

Background: Ascaridia galli (A. galli) is a parasitic nematode that infects the small intestine of chickens, causing widespread parasitic infections in poultry. Infected chicks exhibit growth retardation, digestive disorders, alternating diarrhea and constipation and ultimately succumb to emaciation. Methods: In this study, A. galli samples were isolated from chickens in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China and analyzed using molecular biological techniques for identification. Phylogenetic analysis of the COX1 genetic sequence revealed slight variations compared to A. galli isolates from other regions. The impact of A. galli infection on chicken intestinal microbiota was evaluated by 16S rRNA sequencing. Result: The results indicated that the abundance of Desulfovibrio, a pathogen known to potentially harm both human and animal health, was significantly increased in A. galli infection group. This study not only provides valuable insights into the healthy breeding of chickens but also offers critical scientific data for the prevention and control of opportunistic pathogens associated with parasitic infections, which has significant public health implications.