Helminth Infections in Poultry Production Systems
Summary
Helminth infections represent a major health challenge across diverse poultry production systems worldwide. Gastrointestinal worms—principally nematodes and cestodes—impair intestinal integrity, disrupt nutrient absorption and elicit inflammatory responses that reduce weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and egg production. Disease impact varies with farming model, from high-density intensive units to free-range and semiscavenging operations, and is shaped by biosecurity standards, climatic conditions and anthelmintic use. Emerging insights into host–parasite interactions encompass immunological mechanisms, shifts in metabolic pathways and ecological drivers of transmission. Contemporary control strategies integrate targeted drug treatments, improved hygiene, biocontrol agents and precision diagnostics to mitigate economic losses and enhance bird welfare.
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Helminth Infections in Poultry Production Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in helminth infections in poultry production systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Helminth: A parasitic worm, including nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, that infects poultry.
Nematode: A type of roundworm inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of birds.
Metabolomics: The comprehensive study of small molecules (metabolites) within biological systems.
Patency: The stage of infection when adult worms produce and shed eggs.
Ex vivo culture: Maintenance and growth of parasites outside the host in controlled laboratory conditions.
Coproantigen ELISA: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that detects parasite antigens in faecal samples.
References
- 1H-NMR based-metabolomics reveals alterations in the metabolite profiles of chickens infected with ascarids and concurrent histomonosis infection. Gut Pathogens (2023).
- Ascaridia galli, a common nematode in semiscavenging indigenous chickens in Bangladesh: epidemiology, genetic diversity, pathobiology, ex vivo culture, and anthelmintic efficacy. Poultry Science (2023).
- Pattern and repeatability of ascarid-specific antigen excretion through chicken faeces, and the diagnostic accuracy of coproantigen measurements as compared with McMaster egg counts and plasma and egg yolk antibody measurements in laying hens. Parasites & Vectors (2023).
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