Molecularand Phylogenetic Characterization Of Cryptosporidium Species In The Saffron Finch Sicalis Flaveola

Cryptosporidium is the most common protozoan that can infect a wide variety of animals, including mammals and birds. Fecal samples of saffron finches, Sicalis flaveola, from a commercial establishment were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium by the modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique and nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. The species Cryptosporidium galli was identified in six saffron fiches, in addition to Cryptosporidium andersoni in one of the birds, indicating a mixed infection. Only two birds had feathers that were ruffled and dirty with feces. Concomitant infection with Isospora spp. was observed in all birds. In conclusion, this is the third report of parasitism by C. galli in S. flaveola and that this bird is a possible host of C. andersoni .