Leucocytozoon caulleryi discovery utilizing indirect-ELISA in East Java, Indonesia as a new approach in detecting leucocytozoonosis.

BACKGROUND

Leucocytozoonosis, caused by Leucocytozoon caulleryi, is a significant parasitic disease in poultry and can cause substantial economic losses in the broiler chicken industry while the golden standard of examination is currently absent.

AIM: This study aimed to detect the presence of L. caulleryi in broiler chickens in East Java Province using two different diagnostic methods.

METHODS

Blood samples were taken from the brachial vein of death broiler chickens from several farms recorded as endemic areas of leucocytozoonosis in East Java, Indonesia. Parasite detection was performed by parasitological examination (blood smear) and ELISA serological examination.

RESULTS

The results showed a prevalence of L. caulleryi was 13.43% based on blood smear examination, whereas ELISA serological examination showed a higher prevalence (27.78%). This difference in results indicates that serological tests have a higher sensitivity in detecting L. caulleryi infections than parasitological methods.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the importance of using appropriate diagnostic methods to control leucocytozoonosis in broiler chicken farms. Furthermore, the results of this study can serve as a basis for developing more effective control strategies against this disease in East Java Province.