Serologic Incidence of Cryptosporidial lnfection in Broiler Flocks in Shiraz, Iran

An antigen from the isolated propagated, and purified oocysts of Cryptosporidium bai/ey was prepared. To evaluate the serologic prevalence of Cryptosporidium in broiler flocks in Shiraz area a Cryptosporidiumspecific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent as say (ELISA) was developed by using the antigen. Both the sensitivity and specifity of the ELISA was compared with an indirect immunofluorescent (HF) test using the purified oocysts of the isolated C. bai/eyi as antigen. 125 out of 1522 (8.2%) serum samples from 26 broiler flocks were positive against Crytosporidium. Upon the result, previous reports on faecal shedding of Cryplosporidium in poultry farms was confirmed and C. bai/eyi can be added to the list ofrespiratory pathogens in Iran poultry industry