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Simple Summary: Natural products offer significant potential in the fight against parasitic diseases. Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the Eimeria genus of parasites that infect many animals all over the world. The development of resistance to anticoccidial medications has refocused attention on finding new compounds for alternative therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Holothuria polii extract (HpE) in treating eimeriosis in mice. The results indicated that animals treated with 200 mg/kg of HpE showed a significant decrease in oocyst count and higher expression of the MUC2 gene. In conclusion, HpE functions as an anticoccidial substance. Eimeria is a parasite that causes coccidiosis in a variety of animals, leading to nutritional imbalances, issues with food digestion and absorption, low weight, and intestinal inflammation of varying degrees in its hosts. Anticoccidial medication resistance has become a significant obstacle to disease control efforts, leading to a renewed focus on discovering novel chemicals for alternative therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Holothuria polii extract (HpE) in treating eimeriosis in mice. Five groups of mice were studied, with E. papillata sporulated oocysts (1 × 103) used to infect three groups experimentally. The first group was treated with 200 mg/kg of HpE, the second group with Amprolium (120 mg/kg), and the third group was left untreated as a control. The fourth and fifth groups were uninfected, with one of them treated with 200 mg/kg of HpE and the other used as a negative control. The results revealed that HpE has 10 phytochemical compounds according to GC-MS analysis. Treatment with HpE resulted in a substantial decrease in oocyst output in feces. Also, the parasitic stages showed morphometric alterations, with reductions in the measurements compared with the infected, untreated mice. Moreover, expression of the mucin gene (MUC2) was higher in treated mice compared to infected ones, with significant increases in goblet cell numbers, which provided additional evidence for the activity of HpE as an anticoccidial product. In conclusion, there are a wide variety of natural products and many have been employed in folk medicine for treating a range of parasitic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Coccidiosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects cattle, chickens, goats, and sheep. Its source is the genus Eimeria, which produces coccidian protozoans that cause intestinal damage to their hosts. The oral intake of eimerian oocysts, which release infectious sporozoites within the colon, is the first step in the infection process. Eventually, oocysts are released with feces after they successively enter intestinal epithelial cells, where asexual multiplication occurs. Due to the widespread drug resistance brought on by the widespread use of currently available anticoccidial medicines, research into novel therapeutic approaches is being conducted. Various substances obtained from plants have shown promising and optimal anticoccidial as well as extra-therapeutic effects, in addition to other options. In Saudi Arabia, natural sources have been examined as potential controls for murine coccidiosis. Among these sources is Teucrium polium. Due to the aforementioned characteristics, the objective of this study was to examine T. polium leaf extract's anticoccidial and antioxidant effects in Eimeria papillata-infected mice. Eimeria spp. are responsible for the economic loss of both domestic and wild animals due to coccidiosis, the most common parasitic disease. The resistance to currently available drugs used to treat coccidiosis has been proven. Medicinal plants that contain physiologically active phytochemicals have been widely used in traditional medicine. Teucrium polium leaf extract (TPLE) has been shown to exhibit pharmacological, antioxidant, and anticoccidial properties in different experiments. Here, our investigation focused on how T. polium leaf extract affected the way that Eimeria papillate caused intestinal injury in mice. Thirty-five male Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups, as follows: group I: untreated and uninfected (negative control); group II: uninfected, treated group with TPLE (150 mg/kg b.w); and group III: infected untreated (positive control). Groups III–VII were orally administered 103 sporulated E. papillata oocysts. A total of 60 min after infection, groups IV–VI were treated for five successive days with 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg b.w TPLE, respectively, while group VII was treated with amprolium (120 mg/kg b.w.). The mice had been euthanized on the fifth day post-infection, and the jejunum tissues were prepared for histology and oxidative stress studies. A total of 150 mg/kg of TPLE was the most effective dosage, significantly decreasing oocyst output by about 80.5%, accompanied by a significant reduction in the number of developmental parasitic phases in jejunal sections. In addition, the decrease in the number of goblet cells in the jejuna of mice raised after treatment. Also, TPLE greatly diminished the body weight loss of infected mice. Moreover, our research proved that TPLE reduced oxidative damage due to E. papillata infection via decreasing intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and increasing reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. These results demonstrated that TPLE had potent anticoccidial properties. TPE's efficacy as a natural antioxidant has also been demonstrated in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant systems to mitigate biochemical and histological changes in the jejunum caused by E. papillata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence, epizootological profile, and haematological and serum biochemistry changes in coccidiosis infected pet dogs of Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan. For this purpose, 150 blood and faecal samples were collected from dogs of various breeds. Data regarding the epizootolgical risk factors were collected through a questionnaire at the time of sample collection. The faecal examination illustrated a 16.67% prevalence of coccidiosis in dogs. Data analysis of associated risk factors revealed that locality (P = 0.001), domestication (P = 0.000), and sanitary conditions (P = 0.000) have a significant impact. Whereas there was a nonsignificant association among age, gender, breed and faecal consistency in coccidiosis infected animals. Various hematological parameters were compared and revealed the non-significant difference in coccidiosis positive samples compared to the control group. The biochemical parameters showed significant differences in serum total protein (P = 0.001) and serum albumin (P = 0.003) among infected and control animal samples. This study findings provide baseline data and valuable information to the owners, public health authorities, researchers and the veterinary community on the risk factors, complications and probable transmission of canine coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that is characterized by diffuse diarrhea, dehydration, emaciation accompanied by moderate morbidity and mild mortality in animals and birds. The current study targeted the molecular characterization of Eimeria isolates in captive deer from different localities in Lahore. The host species was the Cervidae family, such as Hog deer (Axis porcinus) and Punjab urial (Ovis aries vignei). The Eimeria crandallis was isolated from zoo animals. The DNA was extracted from oocysts and amplified by using reported oligonucleotide primers that exhibited the 809 bp product. These were analyzed by using the small subunit 18S rRNA gene-based evolutionary relationship with 36 other Eimeria species reported in caprine, cervinae, bovines, avians, and rodents. Light microscopic examination exhibited 3.29% (7/213) Eimeria-positive fecal samples with morphological features, including sub-spherical forms, the presence of micropyle with polar cap, and oocysts diameters (μm) ranging from 24.32 ± 1.61 to 18.94 ± 1.51. The phylogenetic tree constitutes four distinct clusters with relatively higher values. The evolutionary network showed that sequences were clustered in the monophyletic group of Eimeria species reported in caprine and cervinae. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarity matrix analysis exhibited 99.5–99.9% identity of the study isolates with Eimeria crandallis (AF336339). This study provides relevant baseline data to develop strategic control measures for coccidiosis in zoo animals. However, further investigations are required to place the hog deer and Punjab urial-derived E. crandallis into the caprine-originated cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies to control goat coccidiosis traditionally rely on the use of management practices combined with anticoccidial treatments, and limited effort has been made, so far, to address immunological control of caprine Eimeria infections. Previously, we showed that monospecific immunization with X-Rad-attenuated Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae oocysts induced considerable immunoprotection upon challenge. In the present study, we conducted a similar vaccination trial but using a mixture of caprine Eimeria species typically present in natural infected goats. For immunization, sporulated oocysts were attenuated by X irradiation (20 kilorad). All infections were performed orally applying 105 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. per animal. In total, 18 goat kids were grouped as follows: (G1) immunized + challenge infected; (G2) primary + challenge infected; (G3) challenge infection control; and (G4) non-immunized/non-infected control. Overall, goat kids infected with attenuated oocysts (= immunized) shed less oocysts in the faeces and showed a lower degree of clinical coccidiosis than animals infected with non-attenuated oocysts. Animals of both challenge groups (G1 and G2) showed partial immunoprotection upon reinfection when compared to challenge infection control (G3). However, the degree of immunoprotection was less pronounced than recently reported for monospecific vaccination against Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae, most probably due to the complexity of the pathogenesis and related immune responses against mixed Eimeria spp. infections. Nevertheless, the data of the present study demonstrate that immunization with attenuated Eimeria spp. oocysts may be worth pursuing as a strategy to control goat coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift is the property of Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was conducted to investigate the pathogenesis process of E. ahsata and its morphological, pathological, and distribution of lesions in the involved tissues during 42 days of infection. Twelve lambs were randomly divided into two groups including the control and the infected groups after confirmation of their health. The animals in the experiment group were orally infected with 1× 105 sporulated oocysts. From 7 days after inoculation (DAI), the feces were sampled and oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) were individually examined for each lamb. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 DAI, one lamb from each group was necropsied and the abomasum, small and large intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleens, and livers were grossly investigated. From 21 to 42 DAI, mild to severe clinical lesions such as congestion and edema were seen on the mucosal surface of the small intestine associated with white and small foci about 1-2 mm, especially jejunum and ileum. From 7 DAI to the end of the study various stages of the parasite life cycle, infiltration of inflammatory cells, epithelial hyperplasia of villi, and destruction of villi epithelium were seen. The results showed that E. ahsata was pathogenic in lambs and the macro and microscopic lesions were mostly seen in the jejunum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Parasite (1252607X) is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Goat coccidiosis compromises animal welfare, reduces productivity and may cause mortality and delayed growth rates in goat kids around the weaning period worldwide. This field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metaphylactic treatments with two doses of toltrazuril (20 or 40 mg/kg body weight – BW, p. o.), at different timing, in kids naturally infected with Eimeria spp. A total of 97 healthy goat kids (Majorera milk aptitude breed) were divided into five groups, depending on the age of treatment (2 or 7 weeks). One group remained untreated as a negative control until the end of the study. Faecal oocyst shedding, faecal consistency, and body weight of the animals were monitored at day 0 and at weekly intervals. Counts of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) were determined by a modified McMaster technique. Morphometric identification of Eimeria species was carried out on individual faecal samples from each experimental group after oocyst sporulation. Goat kids treated at two weeks of age maintained OPG values close to zero during the 5 weeks post-treatment and, overall, had lower faecal oocyst counts than untreated control animals. No significant differences were observed between the two doses of toltrazuril used in two-week-old treated animals. By contrast, when treatment was carried out at seven weeks of age, the dose of 40 mg/kg BW of toltrazuril reduced oocyst levels for longer and to a greater extent than the 20 mg/kg dose. Irrespectively of the treatment and dose, toltrazuril delayed the appearance of pathogenic Eimeria species, i. e. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and Eimeria arloingi. As a whole, Eimeria christenseni , with a rather moderate pathogenicity, was highly predominant throughout the study period, including the untreated control group, which was probably the reason why clinical signs of coccidiosis were barely observed throughout the experiment. Under these circumstances, the positive effect of toltrazuril on body weight condition observed in some treated groups was difficult to correlate to the timing and doses. Metaphylactic treatments with 20 mg/kg BW toltrazuril given at two weeks of age are sufficient to control oocyst excretion in goat kids; whereas if administered later in 7-week-old animals, thereby coinciding with the frequently observed peak of oocyst elimination in goat kids under field conditions, a higher dose might be advisable to prevent environmental contamination with infectious oocysts. [Display omitted] • Toltrazuril (20 mg/kg BW) is effective against coccidiosis in 2-week-old goat kids. • Toltrazuril (40 mg/kg BW) has a better efficacy against coccidiosis in 7-week-old kids. • Toltrazuril reduces the frequency of pathogenic Eimeria species in goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria, continues to challenge profitable small ruminant production worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of Eimeria and identify the species infecting sheep and goat sold at small ruminant markets in Lagos State. Fresh faeces were collected from 83 sheep and 51 goats. The faecal samples were grossly examined for their consistency and subjected to salt floatation to detect the presence of Eimeria oocysts. Morphometric measurements of oocysts were taken for species identification. The number of oocysts/ml of faeces were estimated using a haemocytometer. Results revealed that 67 (80.7%) sheep and 34 (66.7%) goats were positive for Eimeria. There was no difference in the prevalence of infection between male and female of both animals (P > 0.05). The difference in infection rates between the breeds of sheep were also insignificant (P > 0.05). Goats with diarrheic stool had higher faecal oocyst counts (20400 oocysts/ml) when compared to those with normal stool (5250 oocysts/ml). E. faurei (41%), E. ovinoidalis (36%) and E. intricata (31%) were the most common of the 11 species infecting sheep in this study. Of the 8 species recovered from goats, E. ninakhloyakimovae (51%) and E. alijevi (39%) were the most frequent. The high incidence of pathogenic Eimeria species detected in the study area poses serious economic risks to stakeholders in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Small ruminant farmers and traders are advised to improve biosecurity and sanitary conditions where livestock are kept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of smallholder sheep and goat flocks is constrained by high morbidity and mortality of young stock due to helminthosis and coccidiosis. We hypothesized that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent and may cause severe infections amongst small ruminants in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and December 2019 to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and levels of infection with gastrointestinal strongyle and coccidia in selected smallholder goat flocks in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A total of 257 blood and fecal samples and management data were collected from four farms in Negeri Sembilan. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected by routine sodium chloride floatation, and the McMaster technique was used to quantify the fecal eggs/oocysts per gram outputs (EPG/OPG). The severity of infection was classified as mild (50-799), moderate (800-1200), or severe (>1200). The packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit centrifugation and classified as anemic or non-anemic. Coprological examination revealed an overall prevalence of 78.6% (CI = 72.74-83.44) and 100% flock level prevalence of strongyle and coccidia infection among goats from Negeri Sembilan with a higher infection in flock A-Lenggeng (95.6%) than B-Senawang (87.3%), D-Mendom (80.6%), or C-Seremban (60.0%). The co-infections of strongyle + Eimeria (50.6; CI = 44.50 to 56.64) were more common than single infections of either strongyle (16.7%; CI = 12.66 to 21.78) or Eimeria (4.3%; CI = 2.41 to 7.50). Quantitative analysis has revealed different (p < 0.05) patterns of EPG/OPG in various categories of goats. In total, there were 49.8% mild, 8.6% moderate, and 13.6% severe infections of strongyle and 40.1% mild, 6.6% moderate, and 19.8% severe infections of coccidia among goats. The mean PCV of goats with severe strongyle infection (24.60 ± 0.85) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the moderate (26.90 ± 1.15), or mild (28.23 ± 0.50) infections and the uninfected (30.4 ± 0.71). There were increased odds of infection with strongyle and coccidia among female (OR = 3.2) and adult (OR = 11.0) goats from smallholder flocks in Negeri Sembilan. In conclusion, gastrointestinal strongyles and coccidia occur at high frequency among smallholder goats, and there is a higher risk of infection amongst the adult and female stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical signs of photosensitivity in cattle can occur sporadically and unpredictably. It is believed that cases of photosensitivity may be underreported, causing inaccurate and inflated reports of mortality. Additionally, because secondary photosensitization in grazing cattle occurs with liver damage or dysfunction, photosensitivity can have many potential or associated causes. This case links a previous occurrence of coccidiosis to an outbreak of photosensitivity in grazing Holstein steers. Grazing management staff first observed clinical signs of photosensitivity 17 days after an outbreak of coccidiosis and subsequent turnout to spring pastures. Clinical signs were observed in 25% of the population. The severity of photosensitivity was variable and ranged from blistered skin on the muzzle to sloughing of unpigmented epidermis and thinly haired regions. Severely affected cattle were removed from pasture, housed under shade, monitored for infection, and recovered without treatment. Mild cases remained on pasture and recovered without treatment. Photosensitivity did not reoccur in the cattle that remained on pasture or in mildly affected cattle returned to pasture. Photosensitivity did not appear to be associated with pasture weeds, a specific forage species, or variable or extreme weather conditions that could have resulted in mycotoxin production. The occurrence appears to have been a result of a previous and concurrent coccidiosis outbreak that caused secondary photosensitization through hepatic lipidosis caused by anorexia and dehydration associated with the severe coccidiosis. Although clinical signs appeared suddenly, cattle recovered quickly and without treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A blend of essential oils (EO) and a prebiotic were combined (EOC) to formulate a colostrum-based liquid birth supplement and a separate feeding supplement (Start Strong and Stay Strong, Ralco Inc., Marshall, MN). These products were designed to promote immunity and stimulate appetite to diminish health challenges and stresses experienced by newborn calves. The hypothesis was that calves supplemented with an oral dose of liquid EOC at birth (10-mL aliquot at birth and 10 mL at 12 h of age) when fed the EOC feeding supplement would result in improved growth performance, health, and immunity. The objective was to determine if an additional feeding of liquid EOC at birth in combination with EOC in the milk replacer (MR) would allow calves to demonstrate improved growth, health, and immunity compare with calves only offered EO in MR. Sixty-one Holstein calves (18 males and 43 females) from a commercial dairy operation were blocked by birth date and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments. Treatments were 1) Control (CON): a 24% crude protein (CP):20% fat (as-fed basis) MR; 2) EP: a 24:20 MR with EOC mixed at 1.25 g/d; or 3) EPC: a 24:20 MR with EOC mixed at 1.25 g/d in addition to calves receiving one 10-mL oral dose of liquid EOC at birth and 10 mL again at 12 h. The 24:20 MR was fed via bucket 2 times per day at a rate of 0.57 kg/calf daily for 14 d, increased to 0.85 kg/calf at 2 times per day until 35 d and was reduced to 0.43 kg at 1 time per day at 36 d to facilitate weaning after 42 d. Decoquinate was added to the MR at 41.6 mg/kg for coccidiosis control. Calves were housed in individual hutches bedded with straw with ad libitum access to a 20% CP-pelleted calf starter and water. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED as a randomized complete block design. Calves in this study had similar (P > 0.10) average daily gains, body weight, and growth measurements. Calves fed EPC had significantly (P < 0.05) higher IgA titers on day 0 of the trial compared with calves fed EP or CON, which was expected as calves were supplemented with liquid EOC at birth and 12 h later demonstrating an increase in immune response. The use of a liquid EOC product being administrated after birth can improve IgA titers to improve the immune status of the new born calf to fight off potential diseases and pathogens. A formulation error resulted in the EOC being fed at half the rate of the previous experiment of 2.5 g/d, which appears to be below an efficacious dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease and responsible for enormous economic losses in the rabbit industry. Eimeria intestinalis, one of the highly pathogenic and common Eimeria species infecting rabbits, is considered as an indispensable species for the development of live oocyst vaccines against rabbit coccidiosis. In this study, we report the successful selection of a precocious line (EIP8) from a wild-type strain of E. intestinalis (WT) by successively collecting and propagating the early excreted progeny oocysts. The EIP8 line had a prepatent period of only 132 h compared to 204 h for the WT. Oocysts of EIP8 were notably different from those produced by the WT strain by their significantly larger size (mean length: 29.3 vs 27.6 μm and mean width 20.5 vs 19.8 μm). Examination of tissue sections prepared from EIP8-infected rabbits revealed that this precocious line undergoes only two generations of schizogony before differentiating into gametocytes by 120 h post-infection. In contrast, WT parasites undergo three generations of schizogony and gametocytes are present by 168 h post-infection. EIP8 multiplication capacity reduced by more than 35-fold and a concomitant decrease in pathogenicity was detected. Interestingly, immunization with 103 or 104 EIP8 oocysts provided sufficient protection against homologous challenge with wild-type parasites, as body weight gain of immunized and challenged rabbits was similar to that of untreated animals, as well as more than 90% reduction of oocyst output was detected in immunized and challenged animals when compared to unimmunized and challenged animals. Together, these results show that the EIP8 precocious line of E. intestinalis is an attenuated immunogenic strain and a suitable candidate for the development of a live vaccine against rabbit coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis is an economically significant enteric disease caused by Eimeria species. Control of the disease is achieved through various means, including chemical anticoccidial drugs, ionophore antibiotics, and vaccination. Differences between the vaccines include the number of oocysts per dose (varying by as much as tenfold between vaccines), attenuation status of the oocysts, and the species present within the vaccine. Coccidia vaccines are typically administered via spray cabinet to day old chicks; however, a new gel-based delivery system that claims to elongate preening time and increase oocyst ingestion has been introduced and is specifically recommended for certain low dose vaccines. The purpose of this trial was to compare the application properties between high and low oocyst dose vaccines administered via gel and spray delivery systems to determine if application systems could potentially affect application success. The vaccines were mixed into gel and spray diluents per manufacturer's instructions, and samples were taken to assess how well the oocysts remained in suspension. Gel and spray application patterns were assessed by measuring the size and number of droplets applied onto a plexiglass sheet in a chick basket. Different size droplets were collected and oocyst enumeration and speciation were performed. Results show that no settling occurred after mixing in either diluent. As expected, the number of oocysts per droplet increased as droplet size of the spray administration increased but stayed constant in the uniform droplet size of gel administration. There was also a consistent number of oocysts found in each of the sections across the plexiglass sheet. Taken together, these data will aid poultry producers in deciding which delivery system will provide the best application in their production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiating the Eimeria species causing cecal coccidiosis in turkeys is challenging. To obtain benchmark biological data for Eimeria gallopavonis Hawkins 1952 and Eimeria meleagridis Tyzzer 1929 and to support the stability of the species concept for each, genetically typed, single oocyst-derived lines of E. gallopavonis Weybridge strain and E. meleagridis USAR97-01 were used to redescribe the biological, pathological, and morphological features of these parasites. Oocysts of E. meleagridis and E. gallopavonis overlap in dimensions, but oocysts of the former have a single polar granule compared with multiple in the latter. Mature first-generation meronts of E. gallopavonis were observed histologically as early as 48 h post-inoculation alongside the villi in jejunum (before and after Meckel's diverticulum), ileum, cecal neck and rectum, but not cecal pouches. Three asexual cycles were observed suggesting that early workers apparently overlooked one asexual cycle. Examination of endogenous development of a culture labeled "Eimeria adenoeides Weybridge strain" suggested that this strain (found in a number of publications as a large oocyst strain of "Eimeria adenoeides") matched the species description of E. gallopavonis and so has been renamed herein. Macroscopic lesions induced by E. gallopavonis consisted of caseous material distally from posterior of the yolk stalk through the remaining intestinal tract, excluding the cecal pouches. For E. meleagridis, only the first asexual generation was observed outside of the cecal pouches within the jejunum around the yolk stalk. Second- and 3rd-generation asexual stages developed almost exclusively in the cecal pouches (but not cecal necks). Macroscopic lesions described for E. meleagridis were similar to those of E. adenoeides. Marked corrugation of the cecal serosal surface was observed. Cecal pouches contained creamy colored, caseous material varying from loose material to granular. Distinguishing features of the Eimeria species infecting the lower part of the small intestine are summarized in the present study, and new type specimens were designated for E. gallopavonis and E. meleagridis to provide a stable reference for future work with these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This paper reviews biology of Cystoisospora infections in dogs, including taxonomy, diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. • Endogenous stages of C. canis, C. ohioensis, and C. ohioensis -like coccidia are compared. • Drugs containing toltrazuril were found most efficacious for treating canine coccidiosis. Abstract Until 1970, coccidian parasites of dogs were considered to have a direct fecal-oral life cycle like Eimeria in poultry. They were thought to be non-host specific and infect both dogs and cats. Studies conducted in the 1970s revealed that dog coccidia were host-specific and had transport or paratenic hosts that were infected with an encysted stage containing a single organism, the monozoic tissue cyst. There are still considerable confusion and uncertainties concerning the life cycles and pathogenicity of coccidian parasites of dogs. The present paper reviews the history, taxonomy, life cycles, pathogenicity, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of conventional coccidian parasites previously called Isospora spp., currently designated Cystoisospora spp. that infect canines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Oocysts of eimeriid coccidium are connected with intranuclear coccidiosis of testudines. • Detected coccidium forms a basal branch in the eimeriorine phylogeny. • Oral transmission of intranuclear coccidiosis via sporulated oocysts was confirmed. Abstract Intranuclear coccidiosis of testudines (known as TINC) is an emerging disease in chelonians. Although endogenous stages were repeatedly detected in various tissues, attempts to find the oocysts in faeces failed, leaving the question of the transmission and classification of the causative agent of TINC unresolved. We recorded small spherical oocysts (∼6–7 μm in diameter) of an eimeriid coccidium in faeces of a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis). Sporulated oocysts were used for the experimental oral inoculation of juvenile coccidia-free tortoises representing 5 species (S. pardalis , Testudo graeca , T. hermanni , T. horsfieldii , and Geochelone sulcata). The oocysts' association with TINC was confirmed based on clinical signs, histopathological findings of intranuclear endogenous stages of the coccidium in many organs (including intestine), and by the partial 18S rDNA sequence analysis of the DNA isolated from organs of the experimentally infected animals and from a single naturally infected as well as from all experimentally infected tortoises. Breeding colonies of chelonians should be screened for this pathogen in order to prevent its further spread and unwanted introduction into endangered free-ranging chelonian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This paper reviews biology of Cystoisospora felis and C. rivolta infections in cats. • Impact of C. felis infections on Toxoplama gondii oocyst excretion is discussed. • Taxonomy of feline Cystoisospora species discussed. Abstract Until the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cat feces in 1970, little was known of coccidiosis in cats. Until 1970, three coccidian parasites based on different sized oocysts were recognized, the parasite with large oocysts (∼40 μm long and called Isospora felis), medium sized oocysts (∼25 μm long, called Isospora rivolta), and small sized oocysts (14 μm or less, called Isospora bigemina) were known and they were considered not host-specific. Later, it was demonstrated that these parasites were host-specific and had also extra-intestinal stages. The Isospora bigemina turned out to be more than 25 organisms belonging to T. gondii , Hammondia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Besnoitia spp., and Neospora spp.; these subjects have been reviewed previously in detail. The present paper summarizes biology of Isospora felis , and I. rivolta (now transferred to genus Cystoisospora), including taxonomy, life cycle, diagnosis, and treatment. Re-excretion of T. gondii oocysts from chronically infected cats after superinfection with Cystoisospora felis oocysts is discussed. There are only two species of Cystoisospora species in cats, C. felis and C. rivolta ; Isospora novocati and Cystoisospora frenkeli named for I. rivolta -like parasites of cats are considered synonym of C. rivolta. Clinical coccidiosis occurs more commonly in recently weaned kittens and C. felis infections are more prevalent than C. rivolta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • First cross-sectional study on ovine coccidiosis status in Southeast Spain. • Analysis of different risk factors influencing Eimeria infections in sheep farms. • Age, herd/farm size and animal density significantly impact Eimeriosis in sheep farms. Abstract Eimeria infections are common in sheep industry worldwide nonetheless very little is known on infection dynamics and associated risk factors influencing the outcome of clinical ovine coccidiosis. The aim of the present work was to analyse intrinsic (e. g. host age) and extrinsic (flock size, farm size and animal density) risk factors influencing dynamics of Eimeria spp. infections in sheep farms of the semi-arid region of Murcia in southern Spain. Overall, 64 ovine flocks in Murcia were surveyed and a total of 396 faecal samples were collected between May and July 2015. Flotation and McMaster techniques were performed for parasitological investigation. Excreted oocysts were identified on the basis of morphological as well as morphometric characteristics. In all analysed samples Eimeria spp. oocysts (100%) were found and 11 different Eimeria species were identified. Most prevalent species was E. ovinoidalis (97%) followed by E. parva / E.pallida (97%), E. weybridgensis (90.9%) and E. crandallis (89.4%), respectively. Concomitant infections with more than one Eimeria species were observed in all analysed samples. Analysis of intrinsic/extrinsic risk factor revealed age, herd/farm size and animal density to be the main factors significantly influencing Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces counts (OPG) and overall prevalence of Eimeria spp. infections in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of rabbit coccidiosis (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in North Algeria. Materials and Methods: During the study, 40 rabbit farms were investigated. The farms are located in the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Médéa, and Djelfa which distributed, respectively, into three regions: East Tell Atlas Mountains, Central Tell Atlas Mountains, and High Plateaus. The number of oocyst per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by McMaster technique, and the Eimeria species were identified using morphological criteria. Results: In the farms investigated, the prevalence of coccidian infection was estimated to 90% (80.7-99.3%) in rabbits after weaning. The classification of the farms according to their parasite load allowed us to show that 37.5% of the prospective farms have an oocyst excretion between 104 and 5×104 oocysts per gram and 22.5% excrete >5×104 oocysts per gram. Excretion levels by region show that the region of East Tel Atlas Mountains ranks first with 79% of farms with a parasitic load >104 coccidians compared to the regions of Central Tel Atlas Mountains and High Plateaus. In total, eight species of Eimeria were identified from oocyst-positive samples. Mixed infections with four Eimeria species were common. E. magna is the dominant species in comparison with E. media and E. irresidua with respective frequencies of 42.5% and 17.6% and 14.9% (p<0.001). Our results showed that the farms using anticoccidial drugs for their rabbits were low (25%) and the percentage of farms with poor hygienic conditions was 65%. There was a significant association between increased oocysts excretion and control measures of coccidian infection. Conclusion: The study revealed an overall prevalence of 90% in the three Algerian regions. A strong association was observed between Eimeria infection and hygienic status and preventional chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domesticated Old World camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) are important for the economy of several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, and coccidiosis is an important disease in camels. There is confusion concerning the species of coccidian parasites in camels and their life cycles. Although five species of Eimeria (E. cameli, E. rajasthani, E. dromedarii, E. bactriani, and E. pellerdyi) were named from camels, E. cameli is considered the most pathogenic. Here, development of gametogonic stages and oocysts of E. cameli are described in the lamina propria of the small intestines of naturally infected camels. Only sexual stages have been confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no anticoccidial drugs labelled for rabbits in Kenya and those available are used as extra labels from poultry. The drugs are used in rabbits with limited knowledge of their efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sulphachloropyrazine, amprolium hydrochloride, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole relative to diclazuril when used curatively against experimental and natural rabbit coccidiosis. In a controlled laboratory trial, sixty (60) rabbits were randomly allocated to six treatment groups, namely, 1A, 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E, and 6F, each with 10 rabbits. Groups 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E, and 6F were experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria species while group 1A served as uninfected-untreated (negative) control group. Four of the infected groups were treated with sulphachloropyrazine (5E), amprolium hydrochloride (2B), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (6F), and diclazuril (4D) using dosages recommended by manufacturers. Group 3C served as infected-untreated (positive) control. A field efficacy trial in naturally infected rabbits was then undertaken. The results revealed that sulphachloropyrazine and diclazuril were effective against rabbit clinical coccidiosis by significantly reducing oocyst counts from 149.00±110.39 x 104 to 3.31±0.86 x 104 Eimeria spp. oocysts per gram of feces (opg) and 59.70±12.35 x 104 to 0.0±0.0 x 104 opg, respectively, in the laboratory trial. Similarly, sulphachloropyrazine and diclazuril recorded reduced oocyst counts in the field trial from 280.33±44.67 x 103 to 0.44±0.14 x 103 opg and 473.44±176.01 x 103 to 0.0±0.0 x 103 opg, respectively. Still, sulphachloropyrazine and diclazuril showed superior efficacy by registering lesion scores and fecal scores close to those of uninfected untreated control group. Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole recorded a satisfactory efficacy in the field trial by recording reduced oocyst counts from 266.78±37.03 x 103 to 0.75±0.11 x 103 opg but was not efficacious in the laboratory trial. Amprolium hydrochloride was not efficacious against clinical coccidiosis in both the experimental and field trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Coccidiosis is important as cause of mortality in camels (Camelus dromedarius and C. bactrianus). • Eimeria cameli develops in the lamina propria of the small intestine; only sexual stages were identified. • Cystisospora orlovi causes severe coccidiosis of the large intestines of nursing camels; only sexual stages are known. Abstract Domesticated Old World camels (Camelus dromedarius and C. bactrianus) are important for the economy of several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, and coccidiosis is important as a cause of mortality in juvenile camels. There is confusion concerning the species of coccidian parasites in camels and their life cycles. The objective of the present paper is to review biology of the Eimeria and Cystoisospora species in camels. The following conclusions were drawn. Although five species of Eimeria; E. cameli, E. rajasthani, E. dromedarii, E. bactriani , and E. pellerdyi were named from camels, only E. cameli, E. rajasthani, E. dromedarii have been consistently found in numerous surveys and they are morphologically distinct. We consider E. pellerdyi and E. bacterini as species enquirende/ not valid. E. cameli oocysts are distinctive, dark brown and up to 108 μm long. Its gametogonic stages and oocysts are present in the lamina propria of small intestines; only sexual stages have been confirmed. The remaining species of Eimeria (E. rajasthani and E. dromedarii) in camels are <40 μm long and their endogenous stages are unknown. There is one valid species of Cystoisospora , C. orlovi in camels and is associated with severe disease in young camels, both pastoral and stall fed camels. Camels as young as nine days old can develop severe diarrhea and can die before oocysts are detected in feces. Lesions and endogenous stages are confined to the large intestine. The main lesion is hemorrhagic, diphtheroid to hemorrhagic colitis-associated with sexual stages; asexual stages are unknown. Oocysts are rarely excreted by adult camels, and in low numbers. Therefore, infection in very young camels remains unexplained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E. mitis is ubiquitous in clinical coccidiosis caused by mixed infection of Eimeria species and the infection by E. mitis usually significantly impairs productivity of the infected chickens. To date, however, few protective antigens from E. mitis have been reported. In this study, the molecular characterization and protective efficacy of microneme 3 of Eimeria mitis (EmiMIC3) were analyzed. EmiMIC3 gene was cloned from sporozoites of E. mitis and its MARs (microneme adhesive repeats domain) were predicted. Recombinant EmiMIC3 (rEmiMIC3) was expressed in E. coli and purified and then was analyzed by western blot with anti- E. mitis chicken serum. Meanwhile, native EmiMIC3 from sporozoites was analyzed by anti-rEmiMIC3 rat serum. The expressions of EmiMIC3 in E. mitis sporozoites and merozoites were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The rEmiMIC3-induced changes of T lymphocytes subpopulation, serum cytokines and IgY levels and the protective efficacy of rEmiMIC3 were determined in animal experiments. The results showed that the deduced open reading frame (ORF) of EmiMIC3 was composed of 1145 amino acids, possessing 9 MARs. EmiMIC3 gene was submitted to GenBank (accession number: MG888670). EmiMIC3 could express in sporozoites and merozoites respectively and located at the apex of E. mitis sporozoite. Western blot assay revealed that the rEmiMIC3 could be recognized by serum of chicken infected by E. mitis and the native EmiMIC3 from sporozoites could also be recognized by rat serum against rEmiMIC3. Following vaccination with rEmiMIC3, higher levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, TGF-βand IL-17, higher proportions of CD4+/CD3+ and CD8+/CD3 + T lymphocytes and higher level of IgY antibody were induced compared to the controls. Vaccination with rEmiMIC3 prominently increased the weight gains and decreased oocyst output of the vaccinated chickens after challenge infection. Our result not only enriches protective candidate antigen of E. mitis , but also provides available protective antigen of E. mitis for the development of multivalent vaccines against infection caused by mixture of Eimeria species in clinical coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) is important to the economy of several countries in Asia, and South America and there are also isolated herds in Europe. In India, buffalo is the main dairy animal. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria is an important cause of diarrhea in livestock worldwide. Eimeria species are generally considered host specific. More than 11 Eimeria species are considered common in buffaloes and cattle ( Bos taurus , Bos indicus ). Of the numerous species of Eimeria in cattle, Eimeria bovis , Eimeria zuernii , Eimeria auburnensis and Eimeria alabamensis are considered pathogenic in cattle, but there is no report of their pathogenicity in naturally infected water buffaloes. Instead, Eimeria bareillyi has been documented to be the main pathogenic species in buffalo; it is not transmissible to cattle. There are many reports of Eimeria infections in water buffaloes, scattered in many local journals, and there are conflicting life cycle data on Eimeria species in buffalo. The objective of this paper is to summarize information on history, validity of Eimeria species, life cycle, pathogenicity, prevalence, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of coccidiosis in buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 15 Beetal bucks having an average age of 893.53 ± 52.91 days weighing 50.21 ± 1.75 kg were randomly distributed into three groups to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on faecal oocyst load under stall-fed conditions. Bucks under treatment groups were supplemented with either organic (T1) or inorganic (T2) Zn formulated ration to get Zn concentration of 50 mg per kg DM against negative control (T0) on basal diet with no additional Zn supplementation for a period of 120 days. Zn supplementation improved plasma Zn and maintained higher live body weight (kg) in T1 and T2 against the control. Bucks in T1 and T2 shed significantly (p„T 0.05) less oocysts in 1 g of faeces (22.8 and 24.1%, respectively) compared to the control (53.1%) without any clinical symptoms. It was therefore, concluded that supplementation of Zn can improve performance of Beetal bucks under stall-fed by reducing the subclinical coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis is one of the most important protozoal diseases of the poultry industry, inflicting heavy economic losses in the form of high mortality and morbidity in affected birds. Under these circumstances, the development of nonchemical consumer-friendly strategies for its effective control is of paramount importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse-derived polysaccharides as native immunomodulatory and anticoccidial agents in commercial broilers. Polysaccharides were recovered from sugarcane bagasse (PSCB) and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Five different sugars including melezitose, maltose, glucose, mannose, and fructose were detected in hydrolyzed solution of PSCB. The isolated PSCB were orally administered to the broilers in three graded doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 3 consecutive days, i.e., fifth through seventh days of life. Results showed significantly enhanced ( p < 0.05) lymphoproliferative and humoral responses to T-cell mitogen (PHA-P) and sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) in PSCB-administered chickens. In a challenge experiment, percent protection and daily weight gains were significantly higher ( p < 0.05), whereas mean oocyst counts and lesion scores were lower ( p < 0.05) in PSCB-administered chickens as compared to control. ELISA showed that PSCB significantly enhanced ( p < 0.05) antibody titers against the Eimeria species used for the induction of infection in chickens of PSCB-administered and control groups. In conclusion, PSCB showed the potential to modulate the immune responses in industrial broiler chickens with subsequent protection against coccidial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some challenge has been faced by farmers and among them are the decline of animal performance and mortality rate in the growth phase. One of the main causes of low performance is gastrointestinal problems, most of them caused by parasitic infections. Among the protozoa of major importance that affect the poultry in the first weeks of life, stands out the genus Eimeria, a parasite that causes intestinal malabsorption. The current study used 40 chicks, 1-day old, separated into four groups that received the same diet with different levels of yucca extract and glutamine supplementation. The animals were weighed at 10 and 15 days of age, where five chicks per group were used to evaluate the presence of oocysts, intestinal lesions, and biochemical variables. The addition of glutamine and yucca extract caused positive effect controlling coccidiosis, decreasing the presence of oocysts in both periods (Friedman = 37; p = 0.001); in addition, both served to protect the gut against the injury caused by the infection. Increased total protein values on day 15 (Friedman = 12; p < 0.001) in the control group due to increased levels of globulin (Friedman = 31; p = 0.02), exacerbating an inflammatory response against infection. At the same time, triglyceride levels (Friedman = 28.64; p < 0.001) and uric acid (Friedman = 28.64; p < 0.001) were lower in the control group compared to treated groups, which might be a consequence of malabsorption syndrome seen in cases of coccidiosis. In relation to the antioxidant enzymes, it was observed a reduction on SOD levels (Friedman = 13.51, p = 0.03) and CAT (Friedman = 13.65; p = 0.05) in the supplemented groups in relation to the control group at 15 days, due to lower parasitism and intestinal lesions. Based on the preliminary results, we conclude that the supplementation of glutamine and yucca extract had positive effects on the health and growth of broilers, with coccidiostatic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated some natural products to compare their effects against a synthetic anticoccidial drug in an induced Eimeria spp. infection in broiler during the finisher stage. On day 15, a total of 200 birds (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into 10 treatments. Birds were infected with Eimeria spp. in the positive control and treatment groups. The results indicated that feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between synthetic anticoccidial drug and natural products. Challenged birds had longer small intestines and heavier liver as compared to unchallenged birds. Lesion score and oocysts secretion increased significantly (P<0.05) in the challenged birds, however, synthetic anticoccidial drug had no significant (P>0.05) difference with the natural products. It was concluded from the present study natural products are very effective in comparison with anticoccidial drug to control coccidiosis in broiler chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is an important disease worldwide, particularly in ruminants and poultry. Eimeria infection can result in significant economic losses due to costs associated with treatment and slower growth rates, or even with mortality of heavily infected individuals. In goat production, a growing industry due to increasing demand for caprine products worldwide, coccidiosis is caused by several Eimeria species with E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae the most pathogenic. The aims of this study were genetic characterization of a newly isolated European E. arloingi strain (A) and determination of phylogenetic relationships with Eimeria species from other ruminants. Therefore, a DNA sequence of E. arloingi strain (A) containing 2290 consensus nucleotides (the majority of 18S rDNA, complete ITS-1 and 5.8S sequences, and the partial ITS-2) was amplified and phylogenetic relationship determined with the most similar sequences available on GenBank. The phylogenetic tree presented a branch constituted by bovine Eimeria species plus E. arloingi , and another one exclusively populated by ovine Eimeria species. Moreover, E. arloingi , E. bovis and E. zuernii , which all replicate in host intestinal endothelial cells of the lacteals, were found within the same cluster. This study gives new insights into the evolutionary phylogenetic relationships of this newly described caprine Eimeria strain and confirmed its close relationship to other highly pathogenic ruminant Eimeria species characterized by macromeront formation in host endothelial cells of the central lymph capillaries of the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eimeria species parasites can cause the disease coccidiosis, most notably in chickens. The occurrence of coccidiosis is currently controlled through a combination of good husbandry, chemoprophylaxis and/or live parasite vaccination; however, scalable, cost-effective subunit or recombinant vaccines are required. Many antigens have been proposed for use in novel anticoccidial vaccines, supported by the capacity to reduce disease severity or parasite replication, increase body weight gain in the face of challenge or improve feed conversion under experimental conditions, but none has reached commercial development. Nonetheless, the protection against challenge induced by some antigens has been within the lower range described for the ionophores against susceptible isolates or current live vaccines prior to oocyst recycling. With such levels of efficacy it may be that combinations of anticoccidial antigens already described are sufficient for development as novel multi-valent vaccines, pending identification of optimal delivery systems. Selection of the best antigens to be included in such vaccines can be informed by knowledge defining the natural occurrence of specific antigenic diversity, with relevance to the risk of immediate vaccine breakthrough, and the rate at which parasite genomes can evolve new diversity. For Eimeria , such data are now becoming available for antigens such as apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and immune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) and more are anticipated as high-capacity, high-throughput sequencing technologies become increasingly accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine intranuclear coccidiosis is caused by the protozoans Eimeria alabamensis and Cyclospora spp. Here, we characterized the disease and genetically identified the causative species in Japanese black calves with chronic and refractory watery diarrhea. Histologic examinations revealed atrophy of the jejunal villi and numerous parasites in the nucleus of epithelial cells in the jejunum. Based on molecular analyses using 18S ribosomal RNA gene-specific primers that we designed, the parasites were found to be formed in the same cluster as Eimeria subspherica in the phylogenetic tree, which was separated from those of other related Eimeria spp. These results constitute the first report of E. subspherica as a cause of bovine intranuclear coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the presence of coccidial oocysts and pathological changes in a dairy herd with the history of coccidial outbreak in Faisalabad District. Fecal samples were collected from 541 animals, including cattle (379) and buffaloes (162), and examined for protozoal infection using flotation techniques. Results revealed 2.9% presence of coccidial oocysts in the samples collected. No significant difference was found in coccidial oocysts count in species of the cattle (2.3%) and buffaloes (4.3%), sex and age group. Necropsy revealed no gross lesions in thoracic organs, however, severe hemorrhages and necrotic ulcers were present in the cecum and colon. The striking features of the findings were transverse zebra striping over the mucosal surface of the large intestine of all dead animals. Histological examination of the large intestine revealed desquamation of epithelial lining, mononuclear cellular infiltration in the lamina propria and mucosal scars with severe hemorrhages. Moreover, a massive number of coccidial cells nested in the lamina propria of all infected animals. The presence of coccidial oocysts in the fecal and tissues suggested that the cattle and buffaloes died of coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study samples of feedstuffs were collected from different feed mills and animal farms located in central Italy and analyzed for ionophore coccidiostat residues at carry-over levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Since unavoidable cross-contamination of feedstuffs may occur during their production as well as distribution and storage, the collection of samples covered all these different stages. Residues of lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin and maduramicin were detected in 32.4% of samples, both at production and storage level. The maximum content for unavoidable carry-over set by Regulation (EU) No 574/2011 was exceeded in 11.3% of samples. The variability of the results highlighted the different approach of each investigated feed business operator to avoid any cross-contamination in non-target feed. The method developed in this study can be able to detect ionophore coccidiostats at low concentrations consequent to carry-over. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: An experiment was conducted on day old 168 broiler chicks to study the effect of 0.4% as well as 0.2% Calotropis procera (madar) leaf powder and 0.0125% amprolium supplementation on parasitological parameters of broilers during mixed Eimeria species infection. Materials and Methods: Chicks were randomly divided into seven groups (I-VII) each with two replicates of 12 chicks. On 15th day of experiment, broilers of Group II, IV, VI and VII were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. To evaluate the anticoccidial effect of different feed supplements percent fecal score, percent survival, percent weight gain, performance index (PI), average oocyst production and percent reduction in oocyst production were calculated. Results: It was observed that amprolium supplementation had maximum anticoccidial effect as it gave the best efficacy in terms of all parameters, whereas supplementation of 0.4% madar leaf powder showed nonsignificant difference with amprolium for some parameters such as percent survival, percent weight gain, and PI. Conclusion: It can be concluded that madar (C. procera) leaf powder and amprolium had comparable activity against coccidiosis. Hence, madar leaf powder may be used for the prevention and control of mixed Eimeria spp. infection prevalent in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constant treatment regimens with toltrazuril against Cystoisospora suis infection in piglets are being applied in the intensive production systems for the last two decades, but the possibility of resistance development has not been addressed so far despite limited availability of treatment alternatives. Recently, a pig producer in The Netherlands who routinely used toltrazuril complained about diarrhea in suckling piglets in the absence of bacterial and viral pathogens, and oocysts of C. suis could be isolated from feces of affected litters. Methods: Piglets from two litters were infected with a field isolate of C. suis, Holland-I, and treated with 0 (Holl-Ctrl), 20 (Holl-20) or 30 (Holl-30) mg/kg of body weight (BW) of toltrazuril (Baycox®). The efficacy of toltrazuril was measured by assessment of oocyst excretion, fecal consistency and BW gain. A separate litter was infected with a toltrazurilsusceptible strain of C. suis, Wien-I, and treated with 0 (Wien-Ctrl) or 20 (Wien-20) mg/kg BW of toltrazuril for comparison. Results: Treatment with the recommended (20 mg/kg) dose of toltrazuril completely suppressed oocyst shedding and diarrhea in group Wien-20. The prevalence of oocyst excretion was 100% in the groups infected with Holland-I and 80% in the group Wien-Ctrl. Most days with diarrhea were observed in group Holl-20 with an average of 6.40%, followed by 5.71% in Wien-Ctrl, while in Holl-Ctrl and Holl-30 diarrhea was only seen in 1.79% of the samples (n = 14/piglet). Oocyst excretion, fecal consistency and BW gain did not differ significantly among groups infected with Holland-I, indicating loss of efficacy to toltrazuril. Conclusion: Experimental infections and treatment confirmed toltrazuril resistance against the field isolate even at increased dosage. Such isolates are a potential threat to pig production as no other effective and economically sustainable alternative treatment is currently available. In the absence of a standardized protocol for resistance testing in C. suis, regular parasitological examination and, if possible, experimental confirmation should be considered to evaluate the extent and consequences of toltrazuril resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coccidiosis caused by Eimeria tenella (coccidian) and other species is a serious parasitic disease that affects the global poultry breeding industry. Lactobacillus strains exhibit a number of properties that make them attractive candidates as delivery vehicles for presentation to the mucosa of compounds with pharmaceutical interest, particularly vaccines. Here, the recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (co-expressing SO7 and DCpep gene) was constructed, and its efficacy against E. tenella challenge was evaluated in this study. Broiler chickens were orally immunized with live recombinant L. plantarum NC8-pSIP409-SO7-DCpep for two weeks and were then challenged with 5 × 10 4 E.tenella sporulated oocysts per chicken. During the experiment, body weight gains, cecum lesion scores, fecal oocyst shedding and antibody responses in serum and intestinal washes were assessed as measures of protective immunity. The results indicated that chickens immunized with live recombinant L. plantarum can increase body weight gains and serum antibody responses compared to the control groups. Meanwhile, fecal oocyst shedding in the immunized group was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant L. plantarum can significantly relieve pathological damage in cecum, according to lesion scores and histopathologic cecum sections (p < 0.01). Therefore, these results indicate that recombinant L. plantarum NC8-pSIP409-SO7-DCpep could become a promising oral vaccine candidate against E. tenella infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of copper supplementation in diets varying in amino acid (AA) density on growth performance, apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID), and plasma carotenoids in broilers infected with Eimeria acervulina. Ross 308 male broilers (480 total) were housed in battery cages and allotted to 8 experimental treatments in a factorial arrangement of 2 dietary AA densities [1.00% (LAA) or 1.20% (HAA) digestible Lys], 2 supplemental copper concentrations (zero or 116 mg/kg), and 2 E. acervulina infection states (uninfected or infected). Essential AA ratios relative to digestible Lys were similar in both the LAA and HAA diets, and copper was provided by 200 mg/kg of tribasic copper chloride (58% copper). Chicks received experimental diets from 2 to 21 d post hatch and 6 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage were assigned to each treatment. Broilers were inoculated with zero or 6.3 x 105 sporulated E. acervulina oocysts at 15 d and blood and ileal digesta were collected at 21 days. From 2 to 15 d, body weight gain and G:F of broilers were improved (P < 0.05) with increasing AA density, and an AA density x copper interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for feed intake. Eimeria infection reduced (P < 0.05) plasma carotenoids, growth performance, dietary AMEn, and AID of organic matter, nitrogen, and total AA. There were no interactive effects of dietary treatments with E. acervulina infection on broiler growth performance or dietary AMEn. An AA density x copper supplementation interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for AID of total AA, whereby copper supplementation increased AID of total AA for birds fed the LAA diet and decreased AID of total AA for birds fed the HAA diet. In summary, E. acervulina-induced reductions in nutrient digestibility were dependent on dietary copper and AA status, but changes in digestibility had minimal impact on growth performance of broilers during the E. acervulina infection period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]