Abstract
Experimental transmission of Besnoitia caprae from naturally chronically-infected goats to susceptible ones was achieved by intra-nasal instillation and intra-conjunctival inoculation of cystozoite-containing suspensions, subcutaneous implantation of fascia containing cysts and alternate needle pricking between the infected and non-infected goats. Typical chronic symptoms developed in the fascia-infected does. Cystozoite inoculation into the eyes and mouth did not result in infection. Kids born of dams with acute and chronic besnoitiosis did not contract the infection in utero, suggesting that intra-uterine transmission may not occur. In contrast to does with acute besnoitiosis, which occasionally aborted, the does with chronic besnoitiosis gave birth to healthy kids. Kids below the age of 4 months (pre-weaned period) born of both infected and non-infected does were susceptible to besnoitiosis but appeared to be more resistant than adult goats.
Highlights
While the epidemiology of Besnoitia caprae under field conditions is not yet elucidated, it has been shown that goats can develop clinical signs of besnoitiosis (B. caprae infection) when inoculated intravenously or subcutaneously with cystozoites harvested from chronic cases of caprine besnoitiosis or intravenously with endozoites in blood obtained from goats in the acute phase of the disease[6]
Attempts to reproduce the disease in cattle, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice confirmed that only goats were susceptible to infection with B. caprae[6]
Transmission of B. besnoiti from infected to healthy cattle has been accomplished by intravenous inoculation with cystozoites and endozoites, subcutaneous implantation of fascia containing cysts, alternate needle pricking between chronically infected and healthy cattle, intranasal and intra-ocular administration of cystozoite-containing suspension and aFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kabete, Kenya
Summary
While the epidemiology of Besnoitia caprae under field conditions is not yet elucidated, it has been shown that goats can develop clinical signs of besnoitiosis (B. caprae infection) when inoculated intravenously or subcutaneously with cystozoites harvested from chronic cases of caprine besnoitiosis or intravenously with endozoites in blood obtained from goats in the acute phase of the disease[6]. During an outbreak of the disease in eastern Kenya, Bwangamoi et al.[4] observed that goat kids developed besnoitiosis. It was unclear whether the kids were infected in utero or during the first 4 months of life (pre-weaning period). Transmission of B. besnoiti from infected to healthy cattle has been accomplished by intravenous inoculation with cystozoites and endozoites, subcutaneous implantation of fascia containing cysts, alternate needle pricking between chronically infected and healthy cattle, intranasal and intra-ocular administration of cystozoite-containing suspension and aFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kabete, Kenya.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
