Molecular Identification of Ascaridia galli in Chickens from Traditional Markets in Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: Ascaridia galli is pathogenic in chickens and causes substantially reduced growth rates, weight loss, low egg production and death in infected chickens. It is necessary to carry out research on the molecular identification of A. galli in chickens in traditional markets in Surabaya using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with the COX-1 mtDNA gene primer. Methods: This research was carried out from April to July 2023. The number of samples used in this research was 100 chicken small intestines taken from traditional markets in Surabaya, Indonesia. A. galli worms obtained from worm collections were identified according to the morphology of the A. galli worms. DNA extraction was carried out followed by PCR laboratory procedure. The specific primers utilized were designed to target the COX-1 gene and the amplified products were visualized in 1.5% agarose. Result: The A. galli worm has a long body posture. Male A. galli worms measure 30-50 mm long; while, adult female A. galli worms measure 65-80 mm long. The results of electrophoresis with a 2% agarose gel run for 30 minutes at 100 Volts and visualized under ultraviolet light using a UV Transilluminator (Geldoc) showed the presence of a single band of the COX-1 mtDNA gene in the 533 base pair. Infection with A. galli worms often causes reduced growth rates and decreased body weight, which is associated with increased worm weight.