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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. Methods: A total of 30 White New Zealand rabbits of both sexes, aged 4-6 weeks and weighing 600-700 g, were divided into three groups. The first group of rabbits received probiotics (100 mg/L) in drinking water for 12 days, while the second group of rabbits served as a positive control. Both groups were challenged with 1 × 105 Eimeria stiedae oocysts. The third group of uninfected rabbits served as the negative control. The effects of probiotic treatment on fecal oocysts output, body growth gain, liver enzymes, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, packed cell volume, lymphocytes count and histopathological lesions were observed. Results: Compared to the positive control, rabbits treated with probiotics exhibited no diarrhea or mortality, and there was a significant reduction in fecal oocysts output. Additionally, body growth gain was significantly higher in probiotic-treated rabbits compared to the positive control. Furthermore, liver enzymes and white blood cell counts were decreased in treated rabbits, while red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and lymphocyte count were elevated. Severe histopathological lesions were observed in the bile ducts and hepatic parenchyma of positive control rabbits compared to probiotic-treated and negative control groups. The study findings were statistically significant, with P values ranging from less than 0.001 to less than 0.05. Conclusions: Probiotics significantly improve the health performance of rabbits with hepatic coccidiosis by reducing pathological changes and stabilizing hematological parameters. Additionally, this product maintains substantial normal liver enzymes levels in infected rabbits, making it a safe and effective treatment for hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.

(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae, is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers. (2) Methods: We used liver impression smears to detect the coccidian oocysts, and we defined the liver biochemical profile of the infected individuals. (3) Results: Overall, 13.3% of the liver imprints examined were positive for the presence of coccidial oocysts. The activities of liver enzymes, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyltransferase (GGT), as well as globulins (GLOB), were increased while the concentrations of albumins (ALB), total proteins (TP) and the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were decreased in the infected individuals compared to the non-infected ones. (4) Conclusions: This study adds to the current knowledge on the pathogens affecting wild rabbits and those circulating in this population on the island of Lemnos, Greece. Moreover, we showed that E. stiedae infection exerts pathological effects on the hepatocyte integrity and liver function of wild rabbits, as reflected by the abnormal values of liver injury and dysfunction biomarkers.

(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae , is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers. (2) Methods: We used liver impression smears to detect the coccidian oocysts, and we defined the liver biochemical profile of the infected individuals. (3) Results: Overall, 13.3% of the liver imprints examined were positive for the presence of coccidial oocysts. The activities of liver enzymes, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyltransferase (GGT), as well as globulins (GLOB), were increased while the concentrations of albumins (ALB), total proteins (TP) and the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were decreased in the infected individuals compared to the non-infected ones. (4) Conclusions: This study adds to the current knowledge on the pathogens affecting wild rabbits and those circulating in this population on the island of Lemnos, Greece. Moreover, we showed that E. stiedae infection exerts pathological effects on the hepatocyte integrity and liver function of wild rabbits, as reflected by the abnormal values of liver injury and dysfunction biomarkers.

Hepatic coccidiosis is a frequent disease in rabbits. However, limited information is available pertaining to hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver in naturally infected rabbits. Two young emaciated rabbits presented with diarrhea. Microscopic fecal examination identified ellipsoidal oocysts. Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and decreased serum albumin, amylase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were detected. Ultrasonography showed mild ascites, an enlarged liver with heterogeneous parenchyma, dilated hepatic blood vessels, and dilated bile ducts. Despite treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and toltrazuril both rabbits died. Necropsy revealed ascites and an enlarged liver with multiple yellowish nodules. Histologically, distended bile ducts almost completely replaced the hepatic parenchyma, and numerous coccidial gametocytes and oocytes were observed. Microscopic fecal examination, hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver can contribute to diagnose of hepatic coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The attention to rabbit meat production in Indonesia is comparatively less to other farm animals such as cattle and poultry industries. However, future prospect of rabbit to be seriously industrialized seemed quite promising due to rabbit is highly productive and has short reproduction cycle as well as generation interval. One of the diseases infecting many rabbits is coccidiosis caused by protozoan parasite, Eimeria spp. The infectious stage of Eimeria spp. presents ubiquitously in the environment and increases the risk of parasite transmission. Preventive methods such as vaccination are not yet fully developed, while sporadic treatment is not efficiently reduce the cases. In this study, Eimeria spp. infecting rabbits in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, were investigated with the aim for precise diagnosis to determine targeted treatment and as a baseline epidemiological data from rabbit in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Sample collection was performed randomly for 3 months, from March 2017 to May 2017 and covered areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A total of 750 samples were collected. Eimeria species identification was determined morphologically from the samples after sporulation in 2.5% potassium dichromate by COCCIMORPH. Results: Ten species of Eimeria spp. were identified in this study from the positive samples (527/750; 70.3%). Eimeria flavescens was present in 80% of the positive samples, Eimeria coeciola in 78%, Eimeria perforans in 61%, Eimeria exigua in 37%, Eimeria media in 33%, Eimeria stiedae in 31%, Eimeria irresidua in 12%, Eimeria magna in 11%, Eimeria intestinalis in 10%, and Eimeria piriformis in 10%. Coinfection as noted in 80% of the positive samples with 2-6 species in a specimen. E. flavescens and E. coeciola were the most prevalent among all Eimeria spp. (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Eimeria spp. is detected in high prevalence among rabbit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with commonly occurs in mixed infections. In this paper, we describe Eimeria spp. that are circulating in Indonesia and present it as updated information to farmers and veterinarians. To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first information about rabbit coccidiosis in Indonesia.

Abstract Calyptospora species are coccids that commonly cause liver infections in fish all around the world. This paper describes the morphology and histopathological characteristics of liver infection caused by Calyptospora sp. in black piranha Serrasalmus rhombeus, from the Capim River, in the municipality of Ipixuna do Pará, state of Pará (Brazil). Specimens were collected, analyzed and necropsied and tissue fragments containing parasites were prepared for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Parasitism was detected in 33.0% of the analyzed specimens, which had spherical oocysts in the liver, with four pyriform sporocysts presenting sporozoites internally. A histological examination revealed oocysts positioned close to blood vessels, causing necrosis and degeneration of hepatic parenchyma, while the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrate and melanomacrophages indicated the onset of an inflammatory process. This is the first record of the genus Calyptospora in fish from the Capim River.

Hepatic coccidiosis is considered as a major problem in rabbits which mortality rate may go high as a result of unhygienic maintenance with overcrowding. This stu y was aimed to determine abundance and pathologic changes of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits of northwestern Iran. A total of 320 rabbits (110 New Zealand, 110Angora, and 100 Native) in different sex and age groups were randomly selected from rabbitories in northwestern Iran. The rabbits were kept either individually in cages or in groups in floor pens. They reproduced for research and instraction. Fecal samples were collected from cages and floor pens and subjected to flotation techniques. The collected liver tissues fixed in 10% buffered formal saline, sectioned, and stained with Hematoxyline and Eosin (H&E). Results indicated that infection rate with E. stiedae was 26.87%(86/320). The prevalence of E. stiedae was significantly higher in weanling rabbits (5-8 months) (9.69%, 31/320) than other age groups. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. stiedae between male and female rabbits. At necropsy, numerous and scattered white nodules about 0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter were observed on the liver surface. Histopathological lesions included hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium with different developmental stages of coccidian agents. Granuloma tissues encircle the bile duct withinfiltration of inflammatory cells. It was concluded that hepatic coccidiosis was common in Iranian rabbits of the region and with proper management and strict hygine and sanitation can effectively control the rate of infection in the rabbitories.

The present study focuses on the anatomopathological alterations provoked by parasitism by Calyptospora sp. in 40 specimens of Aequidens plagiozonatus collected in Pará, Brazil. Examinations of the fresh material by compression of the hepatopancreas and histological sections showed immature forms and oocysts characteristic of the genus Calyptospora, in addition to a large quantity of melanomacrophagic centers spread throughout the organ. No significant inflammation of the hepatic tissue was observed. The melanomacrophagic centers and the compression of the hepatocytes are part of the response of the host to the parasite. This study represents the first record of parasitism by Calyptospora in A. plagiozonatus.Descreveram-se as alterações anatomopatológicas provocadas pelo parasitismo por Calyptospora sp. em 40 espécimes de Aequidens plagiozonatus, provenientes do município de Peixe-boi, Pará, Brasil. Foram encontradas formas imaturas e oocistos característicos do gênero Calyptospora, nos exames frescos por compressão e cortes histológicos, além de um grande número de centros melanomacrofágicos dispersos por todo o órgão. Digna de nota foi a ausência de inflamação significativa no tecido hepático. Centros melanomacrofágicos e compressão dos hepatócitos estão envolvidos na resposta do hospedeiro ao parasito. Este é o primeiro registro de ocorrência de parasitismo por Calyptospora sp. na espécie estudada.

Calyptospora species are coccids that commonly cause liver infections in fish all around the world. This paper describes the morphology and histopathological characteristics of liver infection caused by Calyptospora sp. in black piranha Serrasalmus rhombeus, from the Capim River, in the municipality of Ipixuna do Pará, state of Pará (Brazil). Specimens were collected, analyzed and necropsied and tissue fragments containing parasites were prepared for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Parasitism was detected in 33.0% of the analyzed specimens, which had spherical oocysts in the liver, with four pyriform sporocysts presenting sporozoites internally. A histological examination revealed oocysts positioned close to blood vessels, causing necrosis and degeneration of hepatic parenchyma, while the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrate and melanomacrophages indicated the onset of an inflammatory process. This is the first record of the genus Calyptospora in fish from the Capim River.

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Hepatic infection involving a parasite of the family Calyptosporidae was recorded in characiform fish from the Tocantins river in the Brazilian Amazon region. In the present study, an integrated comparative analysis of morphological characteristics, histological and structural traits, and the sequence of a partial fragment of the SSUrRNA gene provides support for the identification of a new calyptosporid species, found parasitising the hepatic tissue of the fish Triportheus angulatus, collected from the Tocantins River. This new species was named Calyptospora gonzaguensis n. sp. and had ovoid oocysts with a diameter of 19.6 ± 1.4 μm and four peripheral sporocysts, 9.2 ± 0.6 μm long and 3.9 ± 0.2 μm wide, enveloped individually in fine adhesive membrane, composed of an ellipsoid body and posterior extension, with a mean length of 2.2 ± 0.4 μm., (© 2020 International Society of Protistologists.)

The present study was carried out to investigate the therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa seeds oil emulsion as against Eimeria stiedae experimentally infected rabbits. After isolation of local E. stiedae strain from infected gallbladders, a total of 90 local rabbits (6-8 weeks age) and body weighing (750-1000 gm) were used. They were divided into 6 groups as follow: Group: 1 uninfected and untreated (control group), Group: 2 infected (untreated) with 10,000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae, Group: 3 uninfected and given 200mg/kg B.W. N. sativa L. oil emulsion, Group: 4 infected with 10,000 sporulated oocysts of E. steidae. and treated with N. sativa L. oil emulsion of 200 mg/kg B.W on day 16, post infection, Group: 5 uninfected and given 400 mg/kg B.W N. sativa L. oil emulsion, Group: 6 infected with 10,000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae. and treated with N. sativa L. oil emulsion of 400 mg/ kg B.W on day 16, post infection. Fecal sample were examined for oocyst count (16 days post infection) at each period of experiment (10, 20 and 30 days) 5 animals for each group were sacrificed, and specimens for liver, were excised for histopathological examination. The E. stiedae infected group showed deleterious pathological changes in infected livers. Both treated doses of N. sativa had significant anticoccidial activities as reflected by reduced fecal oocysts shedding and remarkable improvement of liver tissue histopathology. This improvement include restoration of normal hepatic architecture and increase of the binucleated hepatocytes, disappearance of hemorrhage between the hepatic lobules, formation of foreign body granulomas and reduction in the various stages of the parasites and oocysts in the bile ducts .The result showed that changes more rapid when animals were treated with 400 mg/ kg/ B.W of N. sativa seeds oil emulsion than when treated same emulsion at dose 200 mg/ k.g/ B.W without side effects. From the results obtained in the present study N. sativa seeds oil emulsion was safe without side effects and the dose 400 mg/kg/B.W was more effective against E. stiedae infection than dose 200 mg/kg/B.W which may be recommended for use as adjuvant therapy in clinical practices.

Background and Aim: The attention to rabbit meat production in Indonesia is comparatively less to other farm animals such as cattle and poultry industries. However, future prospect of rabbit to be seriously industrialized seemed quite promising due to rabbit is highly productive and has short reproduction cycle as well as generation interval. One of the diseases infecting many rabbits is coccidiosis caused by protozoan parasite, Eimeria spp. The infectious stage of Eimeria spp. presents ubiquitously in the environment and increases the risk of parasite transmission. Preventive methods such as vaccination are not yet fully developed, while sporadic treatment is not efficiently reduce the cases. In this study, Eimeria spp. infecting rabbits in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, were investigated with the aim for precise diagnosis to determine targeted treatment and as a baseline epidemiological data from rabbit in Indonesia., Materials and Methods: Sample collection was performed randomly for 3 months, from March 2017 to May 2017 and covered areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A total of 750 samples were collected. Eimeria species identification was determined morphologically from the samples after sporulation in 2.5% potassium dichromate byCOCCIMORPH., Results: Ten species of Eimeria spp. were identified in this study from the positive samples (527/750; 70.3%). Eimeria flavescens was present in 80% of the positive samples, Eimeria coeciola in 78%, Eimeria perforans in 61%, Eimeria exigua in 37%, Eimeria media in 33%, Eimeria stiedae in 31%, Eimeria irresidua in 12%, Eimeria magna in 11%, Eimeria intestinalis in 10%, and Eimeria piriformis in 10%. Coinfection as noted in 80% of the positive samples with 2-6 species in a specimen. E. flavescens and E. coeciola were the most prevalent among all Eimeria spp. (p≤0.0001)., Conclusion: Eimeria spp. is detected in high prevalence among rabbit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with commonly occurs in mixed infections. In this paper, we describe Eimeria spp. that are circulating in Indonesia and present it as updated information to farmers and veterinarians. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first information about rabbit coccidiosis in Indonesia., (Copyright: © Hamid, et al.)

The article discusses research which investigated anatomopathological alterations due to parasitism by Calyptospora in the fish specie Aequidens plagiozonatus collected from Pará, Brazil. Brief details on the feeding behavior and physical characteristics of the fish are presented. It reports specimen collection and examination performed, noting that prevalence of Calyptospora infection was 35.2 percent. The effects of said parasitism on liver coloration are also described.

Surveillance for pathogens of Atlantic herring, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), Ichthyophonus hoferi, and hepatic and intestinal coccidians, was conducted from 2012 to 2016 in the NW Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey, USA. Neither VHSV nor I. hoferi was detected in any sample. Goussia clupearum was found in the livers of 40 to 78% of adult herring in varying parasite loads; however, associated pathological changes were negligible. Phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit 18S rRNA gene sequences placed G. clupearum most closely with other extraintestinal liver coccidia from the genus Calyptospora, though the G. clupearum isolates had a unique nucleotide insertion between 604 and 729 bp that did not occur in any other coccidian species. G. clupearum oocysts from Atlantic and Pacific herring were morphologically similar, though differences occurred in oocyst dimensions. Comparison of G. clupearum genetic sequences from Atlantic and Pacific herring revealed 4 nucleotide substitutions and 2 gaps in a 1749 bp region, indicating some divergence in the geographically separate populations. Pacific G. clupearum oocysts were not directly infective, suggesting that a heteroxenous life cycle is likely. Intestinal coccidiosis was described for the first time from juvenile and adult Atlantic herring. A novel intestinal coccidian species was detected based on morphological characteristics of exogenously sporulated oocysts. A unique feature in these oocysts was the presence of 3 long (15.1 ± 5.1 µm, mean ±SD) spiny projections on both ends of the oocyst. The novel morphology of this coccidian led us to tentatively name this parasite G. echinata n. sp.

To the Editor: Tularemia is a highly pathogenic zoonosis caused by the gram-negative intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis. F. tularensis causes serious septicemia in animals, especially wild rodents and lagomorphs (rabbits [...]

The rabbits were divided into three groups, of 12 rabbits each. G1 was the (non-infected non-treated) as control, G2 was the (infected-non treated), and G3 was the (infected and treated) rabbits. Each rabbit in the infected groups were given (10(3)) sporuleted oocysts of Eimeria stiedae per rabbit after forty five days exactly. Faecal sample of rabbits from each group were examined each day post infection till oocysts appeared in faeces. The treatment was given by using suitable dosage of garlic according to body weight. After 15, 21, 28, & 35 days post-treatment faecal oocysts were output. Biochemical parameters as serum liver function (ALT, AST, GGT & ALP) that denoted the he-patic cells injury. The results showed a significant differences in the mean values of oocysts shedding and their mean number in bile ducts between Gs 2 &3 from the 15th day post infection (PI) (mean +/-SD:40.33 +/- 16.72 & 25.17 +/- .56 respectively) till the experimental end on the 35th day (55.75 +/- 19.79 & 0.94 +/- 1.43 respectively). The histopathological alterations were in liver of G2 at the experimental end. Coccidiosis in G2 induced histopathological alterations in liver tissue, marked cytoplasmic vacuolations in hepatocytes with clear signs of karyolysis, and dilatation of sinusoids with increase in Kupffer cells. Leukocytic infiltration around congested blood vessels was noticed. Efficacy of garlic on E. stiedae in infected Gs was resident. The liver of G3 regained almost normal appearance compared to control.

Goussia lusca n. sp. is described from the liver of pouting Trisopterus luscus from the NE Atlantic Ocean in Ibero-Atlantic Portuguese and Spanish waters. Mature oocysts were 31.7 (28.8 to 35.4) microm in diameter. Each oocyst contained 4 ellipsoidal sporocysts arranged in an aleatory position, and measuring approximately 13.7 x 9.2 microm. Each sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites. Ultrastructurally, the sporocyst wall consisted of a dense inner layer 115 nm thick, transversely striated, regularly intercalated by thin grooves with electron-lucent spaces, and separated from the outer layer by a thin, light (electron-lucent) space. The outer layer was multilamellated and consisted of parallel dense bands alternating with light spaces. These lamellae formed filamentous extensions of the wall. The dehiscence suture, a characteristic feature of the genus, was present in the sporocysts. No external clinical signs were observed in the host fish. Parasites observed in the liver tissue were often enveloped in a yellowish-brown matrix, generally known as 'yellow bodies'. Sometimes sporocysts were observed in direct contact with the liver cells. Parasites in degeneration and aggregations of amylopectin granules were frequently observed surrounded by host inflammatory cells. In severe infections, we observed large agglomerations of oocysts encapsulated by layers of concentrically arranged connective tissue forming large granulomas, which caused significant replacement of the host liver parenchyma by the parasite.

The objective of this study was to evaluate some coagulation parameters in hepatic coccidiosis experimentally induced with Eimeria stiedai in rabbits. Fourteen healthy New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into two groups. One group received no treatment, the other group was orally inoculated with 40 000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedai in a 1 ml inoculum using a catheter. At day 24 after inoculation, blood samples were collected into sodium citrate-containing tubes to evaluate some coagulation parameters. Although statistically not significant, infected rabbits had prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time compared with rabbits in the control group. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the level of fibrinogen of infected rabbits compared with that of the controls. A slight decrease in thrombocyte counts of infected rabbits was not statistically significant.

Immunization of rabbits against hepatic coccidiosis was tried. The animals were immunized twice with Eimeria stiedae coproantigen in freund's adjuvant with two week intervals. The rabbits were challenged orally with sporulated E. stiedae oocysts one week post last injection. The protection was assessed by number of oocysts output, number of focal liver lesions, clinical sings and antibody response. The immunization resulted in 70% protection from infection and decline in oocysts count. High level of IgG response in immunized rabbits than control infected ones was occurred and being responsible for the recorded protection. The electrophoretic make up of the coproantigen and oocyst antigen showed different patterns of separation. Common as well as specific bands to each antigen were identified. Using the rabbit sera after 3 weeks post vaccination in immunoblot assay, immunogenic components were detected of molecular weight 155, 103, 74, 66, 44, 22KD with coproantigen and 155, 115, 57, 26 KD with oocyst antigen. While, the rabbit sera after 2 and 4 weeks post challenge reacted with oocyts antigen, in immunoblot assay, revealing immunogenic bands of molecular weight 155, 115, 57, 26, 22KD and 155, 115, 57, 25 KD respectively. Bands of 22KD and 155KD are partially responsible for eliciting host protective immune response where they were recognized by immunized sera in coproantigen and by immunized infected sera in oocyst antigen.

The aetiology, epidemiology and pathology of coccidiosis in commercially-exploited populations of Micromesistius poutassou and Trachurus trachurus from Galician waters were investigated. Sporogonic stages of Goussia clupearum and G. cruciata were found in the liver. Although the descriptive statistics of Goussia infrapopulations and demographic infection values were always higher in M. poutassou than in T. trachurus, parasite distribution was highly skewed for both coccidian species. In both fish species, the number of oöcysts showed a similar cumulative effect as parasite counts increased with increasing length and weight of fish, but did not change with host sex or sexual maturity. Pathological changes in infected liver parenchyma of both species were moderate (in T. trachurus) to severe (in M. poutassou), with greatly reduced livers in the most heavily infected fish. Large areas of liver tissue were replaced with oöcysts. Host response to infection included the formation of a fibrous capsule prior to infiltration by melanin and lymphocytes. Although post-recruit individuals of both fish species apparently tolerate a severe infection, there was statistical evidence of a serious contribution by the parasite to poor body condition in M. poutassou shown by changes in the hepatosomatic and K-Fulton indices and in the length- to-weight relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study which investigated the prevalence of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits at necropsy. The findings revealed that 58 out of 468 rabbits examined were infected with the coccodian protozoa Eimeria stiedae. On necropsy, a clear serous transudate fluid within the abdomen of infected rabbits was seen.

Hepatic coccidiosis, usually caused by a member of the genus Eimeria, is common in rabbits but rare in other mammals. We describe the first reported case of naturally occurring hepatic coccidiosis in a goat. An approximately 6-month-old crossbred goat was presented with a history of diarrhea for 1 week and death. The liver had grossly visible, coalescing foci of necrosis measuring up to 6 cm in greatest dimension. Microscopically, areas of coagulative necrosis also had ectatic and hyperplastic bile ducts that contained coccidial meronts, macrogamonts, and microgamonts within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Bile duct lumina contained scattered oocysts. Fibrosis and aggregates of lymphocytes surrounded affected ducts. Microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of coccidian stages were compatible with the genus Eimeria, but the species could not be determined. The small intestine also had coccidiosis; however, it was unclear whether or not the same coccidian species affected both the liver and the intestine.

Five breeds of rabbits, which included the New Zealand, Californian, Spot, Rex and Angora rabbit, were found from a survey of 1,152 rabbits in Taiwan. The prevalence of coccidia in young rabbits (weaning-2 months old) was 95% to 100%. Adult female rabbits usually acted as carriers within the farm and transmitted the parasite to young rabbits, which caused severe infection with clinical signs and even death. Parasitism of hepatic coccidia (Eimeria stiedai) in the rabbit led to severe mortality. Numerous and scattered white nodules about 0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter were seen on the liver surface and dark greenish mucoid exudate was found in intestinal lumen. Histopathologic lesions included hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium with different developmental stages of coccidia within. Oocysts could be seen in the lumen, and granuloma tissues encircle the bile duct with infiltration of inflammatory cells. The other organs were not infected.

Coccidial oocysts were seen in the bile from five goats infected with coccidia either naturally or artificially. The oocysts measured on average 21.3 by 18.3 microns and resembled those of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae. Livers and gall bladders of infected animals showed various degrees of histopathological changes. In the worst case, bile had a thick consistency and contained blood and necrotic debris. Apart from those in the bile, oocysts were seen in liver smears and in the centrilobular vein in two histological sections. Forms resembling meronts and measuring on average 200 by 147 microns were seen in sections of bile duct.

Antibodies to Eimeria stiedae were measured in rabbit serum by complement fixation. The titre rose to a maximum at about the 22nd day after infection, remained at this level for about 20 days and then declined. Antibodies were still detectable up to 160 days after infection. Evidence of past or present slight E. stiedae infection was found in clinically normal rabbits whose sera fixed complement with E. stiedae antigens. Challenge of rabbits which had recovered from a near-fatal infection had no effect upon the complement fixation titres of their sera. The serum of a rabbit which had been injected with alum-precipitated antigen fixed complement with E. stiedae antigens. However, the animal was still susceptible to a superimposed oral infection which had the effect of further increasing the serum titre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eimeria stiedai causing hepatic coccidiosis is a potential threat to the rabbit industry of the state. The relatively less pathogenic intestinal coccidiosis has been very frequently reported in rabbits. The present report on hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits intends to throw light on the occurrence of a pathogenic species in rabbits and discusses the possible clinical signs and treatment measures in case of outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of diclazuril against intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis was studied in artificially infected rabbits. Prophylaxis against intestinal coccidiosis was evaluated using a mixed infection of Eimeria intestinalis, Eimeria magna and Eimeria perforans. Continuous medication in the feed at 1 p.p.m. was 100% effective in reducing oocyst output and faecal scores, and weight gain and feed efficiency were normal. Hepatic coccidiosis induced by Eimeria stiedai was prevented at 0.5 and 1 p.p.m. as shown by negative oocyst counts, normal liver weight, absence of liver lesions, and normal body-weight gain and feed efficiency. Medication at 1 p.p.m. for 7 consecutive days during the prepatent phase of hepatic coccidiosis resulted in large reductions in oocyst counts and lesion scores with a normal liver weight and growth performance. Diclazuril at 1 p.p.m. in the feed prevented both intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits and can be advocated for safe mass medication.

Marked distension of the bile ducts was associated with various stages of a protozoan life-cycle which were identified as schizogony and gametogony. The bile ducts contained oocysts some of which were sporulated and had four sporocysts, each with two sporozoites, thus conforming to the genus Eimeria. This is the first report of a coccidian parasite in the bile duct epithelial cells of birds. It is proposed that this coccidia be named Eimeria grallinida ns.

The activity of a mixture of sulphadimethoxine and pyrimethamine (10:3) as prophylactic medication and prophylactic and therapeutic medication was studied in rabbits experimentally infected with Eimeria stiedai. The haematocrit index (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin levels were studied for assessment of drug toxicity. The activity in serum of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were studied as indicators of hepatic lesions. Parasite development was followed on the basis of the presence of oocysts; other parameters were analysed in order to monitor the performance of infected animals. All the parameters studied showed that the chemoprophylactic medication provided efficient control of the infection and of the hepatic lesions. Serum AST activity was seen to be a good indicator of the effect of the drugs on the liver.

The anticoccidial effect of toltrazuril (Bay Vi 9142) against Eimeria flavescens, E. intestinalis, E. magna, E. perforans and E. stiedai was tested in experimentally-infected rabbits. Continuous administration of 10-15 p.p.m. of the drug in the drinking water was highly effective in reducing oocyst output of all five species and in preventing clinical signs and macroscopic lesions. Sporulation of excreted oocysts was not affected. After 5 weeks of medication, no negative influence was noted on zootechnic performance of growing healthy rabbits. Medication of rabbits with 25 p.p.m. only during schizogony or gamogony (2 days of treatment, repeated after 5 days) quickly reduced clinical signs and oocyst output. When administered during late schizogony or gamogony, toltrazuril allowed development of immunity against reinfection with homologous species.