Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease that affects various animal species, including sheep. This study aimed to detect Eimeria spp. and the degree of infection in the fat-tailed sheep breed in Malang. This study used fecal samples from 62 fat-tailed sheep. Detection of Eimeria spp. was performed by using the flotation method and then observed the morphology of the oocysts found in the fecal samples of fat-tailed sheep. The positive sample was followed by the McMaster test to calculate oocysts per gram (OPG). The results showed that 20 (32%) samples were positively infected by Eimeria spp. with the degree of infection in the severe category.

Coccidiosis, caused by the protozoan Eimeria, is a significant disease in poultry farms worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. Triazines, benzene-aceto-nitrile derivatives, are widely employed in the field of veterinary healthcare to combat the hazardous impacts of protozoan parasite infestation comprising coccidiosis. The current research was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of diclazuril, a member of triazines, in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) and domestic pigeons (Columba livia) following single oral administration at 0.3 mg/kg body weight. 78 Quails (male: female, 1:1, 7 weeks old) and 78 pigeons (male: female, 1:1, 4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 13 groups for each species (n=6 birds/ group). Plasma samples were obtained at various time intervals (at time 0 [preceding diclazuril administration], and 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours after diclazuril administration) to determine its concentration utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The non-compartmental approach was applied to assess the pharmacokinetic parameters via the aid of WinNonlin 8.3 software. In quails and pigeons, the peak plasma concentrations were 5.35 and 9.14 μg/mL attained at 8 hours, respectively. Additionally, the elimination half-lives (T1/2λz) were 30.74 and 26.48 hours, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last sample (AUC0-last) values were 155.67 and 343.57 μg h/mL, respectively. The mean residence time was 30.71 hours in quails and 39.68 hours in pigeons. Diclazuril exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics after oral administration at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg in quails and pigeons. However, to adjust the dosage regimen for curing coccidiosis, a future study is warranted to determine the clinical efficacy against coccidia infection. Moreover, further investigation is needed to evaluate the tissue residues and calculate the withdrawal time of diclazuril in quails and pigeons.

Quails are an important alternative to chicken production for protein sources, offering many advantages over other poultry species. However, raising quail faces certain challenges, such as a shortage of specified hatcheries and the lack of local markets for quail eggs and meat, particularly in Egypt. In addition, there is less interest in quail's medication and vaccine production. A significant disease affecting the health and productivity of quails is coccidiosis, which is associated with poor feed conversion ratio, lower growth performance, heightened mortality, and high cost of vaccination and treatment. Attention to quail coccidiosis and its clinical forms, diagnosis, morphological characterization, control, and prevention is very critical for improving quail meat and egg production. This review compiles scientific data on quail coccidiosis, with a focus on literature from Egypt, for classification, data analysis, and processing.

The present study is undertaken to compare the efficacy of alcoholic extracts of Black Peppers (Piper nigrum ) and Chutra leaves (Urtica dioica ) with a patent drug Esb3 against coccidiosis in chicken. 16 Fayoumi breed chickens were collected from a local farm and divided into four groups; A, B, C and D, each consisting of four chickens, Group A (control), Group B (alcoholic extracts of Black Peppers @ 9ml/kg bd wt.), Group C (alcoholic extracts of Chutra leaves @ 9ml/kg bd wt.) and Group D ( Esb3 @ 1 ml/ liter drinking water). All the treated chickens were kept under close observation for 18 days and data was collected at 3 days interval. In group B, two chickens died within 4-7 days of treatment and in group C one chicken died on 5th day of medication. All the chickens of control group died within 5-7 days of medication. Oocyst was counted for per gram of feces in all groups. Biochemical parameters like SGPT and haematological parameters like Total erythrocyte count (TEC), Haemogl...

Background Conventional broilers are currently one of the most efficient protein converters. Although decades of progress in genetic selection and feed formulation have lead to high standards of efficient broiler production, still a lot of variability is found between farms and between successive flocks. The aim of this study was to investigate risk- and/or protective factors for poor health and performance in conventional broiler-farms in Europe by developing eight multivariable linear mixed models. Three different models were used to investigate mortality (overall, first week, after first week), three models for performance variables (growth, feed conversion, European production index) and two models were related to slaughterhouse data (i.e. dead on arrival and condemnation rate). Results Several factors related to management and housing were significantly associated with health and performance of broilers. The following factors were associated with increased mortality: floor qual...

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Bishoftu from November 2015 to May 2016 to determine the prevalence of poultry coccidiosis, identification of the circulating Eimeriaspecies and identification of the associated risk factors in different poultry production systems. A total of 312 clinically sick and dead chickens of different age, sex and type were collected from small scale and large scale intensive poultry production systems. Direct examination of smears of intestinal scrapings and fecal specimens, floatation of intestinal content/ fecal samples, post mortem examination of the site and the nature of gross lesions and Histopathological examinations were conducted. The result revealed that out of 312 examined chickens 88 (28.2%) were found to be positive for poultry coccidiosis of which 46 (39.7%) were from small scale intensive production system and 42 (21.4%) were from large scale intensive production system. There was statistically significant difference (x =11....

The poultry industry is one of the main providers of protein for the world's population, but it faces great challenges including coccidiosis, one of the diseases with the most impact on productive performance. Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, which are a group of monoxenous obligate intracellular parasites. Seven species of this genus can affect chickens (Gallus gallus), each with different pathogenic characteristics and targeting a specific intestinal location. Eimeria alters the function of the intestinal tract, generating deficiencies in the absorption of nutrients and lowering productive performance, leading to economic losses. The objective of this manuscript is to review basic concepts of coccidiosis, the different Eimeria species that infect chickens, their life cycle, and the most sustainable and holistic methods available to control the disease.

Eimeria spp. are parasites specialized in invade and replicate in the intestine, causing coccidiosis, an enteric disease of major economic importance worldwide. The disease causes losses in production and high morbidity ranging from bloody enteritis, with high mortality, to being subclinical silent but affecting feed intake and efficiency. However, intestinal lesions of the infection vary, depending on the species of coccidia. The most important Eimeria species in poultry are: E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. praecox and E. brunetti. All those species affect different anatomic sites of the intestine. Thus, they alter the homeostasis of the host reducing nutrient absorption and utilization. Nutritional factors are key players in several steps of the coccidiosis disease. Firstly, as a susceptibility or protection factor, secondly, during the process of infection and pathogenesis, and thirdly, in the recovery and compensatory growth of the bird. Otherwise...

The aim of this study was to evaluate parasitism kinetics and tissue lesions in the first week of infection by Neospora caninum in dogs fed Gallus gallus chorioallantoic membranes (CMs) previously infected in ovo. Five two-month-old pups were used. Each dog was given five CMs that were previously infected with N. caninum via the oral route. Four animals were euthanized in the first week of infection. All four dogs had their stools examined one week prior to and up to the day they were euthanized. The stools of the uneuthanized dog were collected for 30 days. After euthanasia, organ sections were utilized for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluorescent tissue reactions, PCR and real-time PCR to detect parasites. Necropsy revealed that the small and large intestines, spleen, and lungs were affected. No oocysts or N. caninum DNA were identified in the stool samples. Real-time PCR was the most sensitive technique used to detect the protozoa in tissues, which were id...

Background. Enteric diseases are an important concern to the poultry industry and coccidiosis is imposing a significant economic burden worldwide.Objectives. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in free-range chicken in Sidi Thabet, northeast Tunisia.Methods. Six hundred and thirty free-range chickens along with fecal samples were collected from 15 flocks in this region and two hundred chickens were found positive for oocysts ofEimeriaspp. Intestines were dissected and examined for macroscopic lesions. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using parasitology methods. The mean lesion scores were usually low (<2+) in different intestinal portions of different types of chicken and high scores (>2+) were attributed mainly to the caeca.Results. The overall rate of coccidiosis was 31.8%:E.tenella(61.5%),E.maxima(12%), andE.acervulina(1.5%). MixedEimeriaspecies in...

The study included examination of 3200 stool sample selected randomly for taken from patients attending gynecological and obstetrics hospital in alramadi city , for period 1-6-2001 to 30-6-2012 , C. parvum parasite discovered by two ways : Direct test using Zehil-Neelsen and ELISA. we showed that ELISA test was best from direct method by using Zehil-Neelsen modified stain. parasite purification and crashing and injection in rabbits for extraction IgG antibodies and using for infection parasite treatment after mice group infection and compared antibodies treated with chemical treatment and noticed Oocyst ejected with feces after examination some blood analysis and Examination IgG , IgM , IgA , C 3 , C 4 in blood f as a sign to inflammation get and infection remaining or finishing , show the study result clear increase in outside Oocyst number Known in positive control treatment , Wrong treatment rest others , was showing low significant in outside Oocyst number Known. Was treatments best for blood signs and outside Oocyst number Known and antibodies and complements it Spiramycin + Azithromycin treatment (6µm) following IgG treatment for giving in oral method .

This study investigated the efficacy of different ionophore-nicarbazin combination products using 400 male, day old, Ross 308 birds divided into wired floor battery cages (5 birds each) in 8 groups: 1) Uninfected Untreated Control (UUC); 2) Infected Untreated Control (IUC); 3) Monensin 50 ppm + nicarbazin 50 ppm; 4) Salinomycin 50 ppm + nicarbazin 50 ppm (SAL+NIC); 5) Narasin 50 ppm + nicarbazin 50 ppm (NAR+NIC); 6) Maduramicin 3.75 ppm + nicarbazin 40 ppm (MAD+NIC); 7) Semduramicin 15 ppm + nicarbazin 40 ppm (SEM+NIC low) and 8) Semduramicin 18 ppm + nicarbazin 48 ppm (SEM+NIC high), with 10 replicates per treatment. Birds were individually weighed at day 14 and provided with feed supplemented according to the allocation above. At d16 all birds, except for the UUC group, were individually gavaged with 1 ml of a mixed coccidia inoculum containing 130 000 Eimeria acervulina, 22 000 E. maxima and 8 000 E. tenella sporulated oocysts, all of them, from a recent field isolate originating from the Netherlands. All remaining feed was weighed at day 23. Half of the birds from each group were individually weighed, sacrificed and lesion scored at day 22, and the remaining birds followed the same protocol at day 23. Oocyst shedding (OPG), intestinal mean lesion scores for the three major Eimeria spp. used for the challenge and total mean lesion score (TMLS) as a sum of the above, body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded and compared between treatments. All treatments provided an improvement of DWG compared to IUC. Highest improvement was recorded in the SEM+NIC high group, which was the only group not differing from UUC (P > 0.05), completely alleviating the effect of the challenge. According to Chapman (1980) this indicates sensitivity for the respective treatment. All other treatments were significantly different (P < 0.05) to both UUC and IUC indicating partial resistance (reduced sensitivity). However, none of the treatments demonstrated complete resistance. The least effect was recorded in the NAR+NIC treatment, where DWG was significantly lower than all other combination treatments (P < 0.05). Feed intake was impaired in all treatments, except for both SEM+NIC low and high groups where it was not different from the UUC (P > 0.05). All treatments improved FCR compared to IUC (P < 0.05), with highest improvement in the SAL+NIC group. Lesion scores in all treatments except NAR+NIC were significantly reduced compared to IUC (P < 0.05). The highest reduction of TMLS was recorded in SEM+NIC high which was significantly lower than all other treatments (P < 0.05), except for SAL+NIC. None of the treatments significantly reduced E. acervulina lesions compared to IUC (P > 0.05). E. maxima lesions were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in SEM+NIC high, SAL+NIC and MON+NIC compared to IUC and only NAR+NIC did not significantly reduce the lesions of E. tenella in comparison to IUC. None of the ionophore-nicarbazin combination treatments reduced oocyst shedding in comparison to IUC (P > 0.05).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic product (Integri-Phi®) containing Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera saponins and polyphenols, known to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell mediated immune response, on intestinal integrity, welfare, and performance of broilers under typical production environment in Belgium. Three commercial farms with two identical poultry houses each differing in Quillaja and Yucca product (QYP) supplementation only, one control (CTRL) and one QYP supplemented (Integri-Phi® at 250g/t), were monitored for two consecutive production cycles with a total of 464 000 Ross308 broilers; each poultry house cycle serving as a replicate. Conventional industrial farming and commercial feed supplemented with in-feed anticoccidials were applied and were identical for each QYP/CTRL paired replicates. Performance data: average body weight at processing (BW), average daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) corrected at 2500 g BW, European Poultry Efficiency Factor (EPEF) and liveability; total mean lesion scores (TMLS) for the three major Eimeria spp. and dysbacteriosis lesion score from five random birds per replicate at day 21 and 35; and food pad dermatitis (FPD) score for 100 birds per replicate at day 35, as an indicator of birds' welfare, were collected and subjected to statistical analysis by paired t-test with a multiple linear regression analysis that adjusts for slaughter age and feed program. QYP significantly improved BW with 38g (CTRL 2587g and QYP 2625g p=0.018) and DWG with 1.2g (CTRL 65.63g and QY 66.87g p=0.018). FCR was improved numerically with 3 points (CTRL 1.54 and QY 1.51 p=0.142) and EPEF with 16 points (CTRL 408 and QY 424 p=0.116). Liveability did not differ significantly (CTRL 96.725% and QYP 97.462 p=0.495). Coccidiosis control was effective and TMLS were not significantly different between the two groups (CTRL 0.83 and 0.60 and QYP 0.83 and 0.63 at 21 and 35 days with p=0.553 and 0.884 respectively). While non-specific enteritis (dysbacteriosis) scores were significantly lower at 35 days in the QYP group (CTRL 2.63 and 4.00 and QYP 2.80 and 3.50 at 21 and 35 days with p=0.611 and 0.028 respectively). In line with reduced enteritis score at 35 days QYP provided close to significant reduction of FPD at 35 days (CTRL 58.33 and QYP 40.17 p=0.086). Overall results suggest that QYP can reduce intestinal inflammation and improve birds' performance and welfare under commercial farming conditions.

Advances in the development of vaccines for bovine neosporosis. Neosporosis, a disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum, produces abortions in cattle. The severe economic losses in cattle industry justify the need to develop control measures for preventing bovine abortion. Apicomplexan parasitic resistance is associated with T helper 1 immune response mediated by CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the production of interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor and immunoglobulin G2. The reduction of vertical transmission in subsequent pregnancies and the low levels of abortion repetition suggests the existence of protective immune mechanisms. Inoculation with live tachyzoites before mating protects against infection and abortion. Antecedents of the development of live vaccines against other protozoa stimulate research to develop a live vaccine against N. caninum. On the other hand, an inactivated vaccine with low efficacy against neosporosis is use...

Neospora caninum causes abortions in cattle worldwide. The Neospora-cycle of life is heteroxenous. Dogs (Canis familiaris) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are the definitive hosts known at present. Although, transplacental infection is an efficiently mode of transmission in cattle; there are also experimental and field data that prove horizontal transmission. Several techniques are available for diagnosis since neosporosis is recognized as a disease that causes economic losses in cattle. The mechanisms that produce the abortion are not completely understood. The immunomodulation observed during the pregnancy, is associated with a susceptible period where Neospora-abortion can occur. Resistance to the parasite is dependent on T helper cell 1 cytokine responses. This has important repercussions for pregnant female bovine because strong T helper cell 1 cytokine responses are incompatible with successful pregnancy. However, it was demonstrated that chronically infected cows develop immune m...

SummaryBovine neosporosis is an important disease in dairy herds in Argentina. Embryo transfer (ET) technology offers the opportunity to minimize vertical transmission of neosporosis. The objective of this work was to compare the serological status and the incidence of abortion between heifers obtained via natural service and heifers obtained by ET from Neospora‐infected cows. Progeny from eight Neospora‐infected cows belonging to a commercial dairy farm where ET was routinely performed were studied. Between 1996 and 2001, 16 and 15 heifers were obtained by natural service and ET, respectively. Serostatus and reproductive performance were recorded in both progeny. Serostatus was determined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). All heifers obtained by natural service were seropositive and six of 16 pregnancies ended in abortion. All heifers obtained by ET were seronegative and only two abortions of 15 pregnancies were recorded.

SUMMARYMaximum entropy ecological niche modelling and spatial scan statistic were utilized to predict the geographical range and to investigate clusters of infections for Neospora caninum and Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle farms in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, using the Maxent and SaTScan programs, respectively. The geographical distribution of Neospora and Coxiella with the highest level of probability (P &gt; 0·60) covers central Catalonia and spreads towards northeastern Catalonia which contains a high concentration of dairy cattle farms. The most important environmental factor that contributed to the ecological niche modelling was precipitation of driest month followed by elevation. Significant clusters (P &lt; 0·001) were detected for Neospora and Coxiella infections in the western and eastern regions of Catalonia, respectively.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites, they share many common hosts, and can cause neurological diseases in dogs. Dogs can have close contacts with humans and livestock and therefore they can act as reservoirs of these parasites. The aim of this study was to survey the seroprevalence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum and their co-infection rate in dogs in Korea. In total, sera from 553 domestic dogs were collected from different breeds, sexes, and ages of dogs from nine provinces across the country of Korea during 2006 and 2007. The presence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum was analyzed using the latex agglutination test (LAT) with a cut-off value of 1:32, and the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) using a serum titer of 1:100. In the total dog population, 71 (12.8%) dogs were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies and only 20 (3.6%) were positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies. Relatively higher seropositive...

Objectives: Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria sp. inhabiting the liver and intestine. The present study investigated the coccidiosis in rabbits in terms of age, humidity, sex variations and temperature and chemotherapy was used in the form of allopathic and herbal drugs. Methods: A total of 112 rabbits possibly infected during coccidiosis outbreak were obtained from different locations of Lahore, Pakistan. The faecal examination was performed using direct smear, floatation to observe the oocyst of Eimeria spp. Results: It was observed that females were slightly more susceptible (47.2 %) than males (44.7 %); also the incidence of coccidiosis was more prevalent in baby kits from 1-3 months (25.3 %) as compared to adults (15.2 %). Month-wise analysis depicted that, the infection was more prevalent in the month of March, and July (58.3 %, 60.7 %, and 73.9 % respectively due to high humidity. Coccidiosis also changes in blood parameters with increased level of WBCs (20.8 %), neutrophils (17.5 %), monocytes (29.1 %) and basophils (11.3 %) while decreases RBCs (44.9 %), lymphocytes (18.3 %) and haemoglobin level (35.4 %). Chemical drugs minimize OPG (Oocyst per Gram) dramatically such as Sulphadimidine sodium and toltrazuril efficiently decreases the OPG to 48 % and 74.4 %, respectively. Herbal drugs in the form of Nigella sativa L. seeds (kalonji) minimized the OPG gradually 57 % and 53.4 % oocysts respectively in 14 days. Garlic extract reduces 57.8 % oocytes in faeces. Conclusions: The chemotherapy suggested that toltrazuril is more efficient for quick action compared to Sulphadimidine Sodium. In addition, we found that garlic and black seeds were more effective in reducing the OPG level.