Molecular detection of cestoda in black francolin (Francolinus francolinus) of Babylon Province, Iraq

Cestodes or tapeworms (Class Cestoda, phylum Platyhelminthes) are widespread parasites of birds, as they cause various damages, which may lead to the death their hosts, especially when infection is severe. The Black Francolin belongs Phasianidae family pheasants and, in order Galliformes, gallinaceous and it called Francolinus francolinus. Considering a local bird Asia, was referred black partridge. current study conducted from January October 2019 determine Cestoda infections within F. Thirty-five birds francolinus were examined for presence cestoda, 17 (48.57%) infected with cestoda parasites. Molecular diagnosis based on sequences cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene regions performed confirm this cestoda. This revealed close identification up 93.44-100% COI other species obtained GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis supported placement three families, Davaineidae, Taeniidae, Hymenolepididae, relationships previously described Raillietina sp., R. mahnerti, hymenolepidoides, Ophryocotyloides dasi, Rodentolepis nana Hydatigera parva regions. first Iraq diagnose by molecular methods, where five parasitic recorded time Iraq.