Eimeria Sp Research Articles

Endoparasite survey in Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) under rehabilitation in the Peruvian Amazon

Manatee populations are declining worldwide, and all currently existing species are considered vulnerable by the IUCN. The most common problems during nurturing young Amazonian manatees, Trichechus inunguis, in rescue centres are of gastrointestinal nature leading to inappetence, diarrhoea, cachexia and even death. Endoparasites play an important role in the well-being of wildlife in captivity as well as in the wild, though information about relevant protozoan and metazoan endoparasites in Amazonian manatees is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to find endoparasites in T. inunguis by analyzing faecal samples from 23 Amazonian manatees which were kept in rescue centres in the Peruvian Amazon. The samples were screened for protozoan and metazoan parasites using coproscopical analysis and molecular tools. Out of twenty juvenile animals eleven were positive for at least one Eimeriidae. Two morphologically different, not yet genetically described Eimeria species were identified. One of them seems to be Eimeria trichechi which has only been described once in 1984 in Amazonian manatees from Brazil. It was not found to lead to clinical symptoms of coccidiosis in this study. The second, Eimeria sp. Type B was associated with clinical coccidiosis in a young Amazonian manatee, which showed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea, inappetence and cachexia. No other protozoan or metazoan parasite were detected in any of the samples. The present study is the first to investigate endoparasites in Amazonian manatees using molecular tools and is the first to identify an Eimeria species that could be associated with clinical symptoms in T. inunguis. With information from our study rescue centres can improve monitoring of parasites more effectively to reduce morbidity and mortality rates among rehabilitated manatees as well as improve the health status and fitness of animals for a successful release back into the wild.

Identification, Prevalence, and Degree of Digestive Tract Protozoa Infection in Dairy Cows at KUTT Suka Makmur Grati Pasuruan

The aim of this research is to identify, determine prevalence, and degree infection of protozoa gastrointestinal tract in dairy cow at KUTT Suka Makmur, Pasuruan district. The research was conducted from July until September 2023 by taking 100 dairy cow faeces sample from 4 villages of KUTT Suka Makmur. The samples were examined by sedimentation and floating methods. Species are identified by looking at morphology of protozoa gastrointestinal. There were of 85 (85%) samples positively infected with protozoan. There were 3 species that infect the digestive tract, those are Eimeria sp., Balantidium sp., and Blastocystis sp. The highest infection of protozoa in this research was Balantidium sp. (54%) followed by Eimeria sp. (47%). In this study, we found that 54 samples (54%) infected by one kind of protozoa and 31 samples (31%) infected by mixed protozoa. The result of Chi Square showed no significant difference in the age on the prevalence of digestive tract protozoa. The result of Kruskal Wallis showed no significant difference in the age and degree infection of Eimeria sp.

Molecular evaluation of Eimeria spp. Infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a protected species in Kazakhstan. Little is known about the parasitofauna of these mammals. Therefore, the focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and species diversity of Eimeria spp. infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population. In June 2023, 104 Saiga antelope fecal samples collected from the district of Zhanibek, located in the province of West Kazakhstan were evaluated using microscopic and molecular techniques. Based on coprovoscopy results, Eimeria spp. Oocysts were present in 22 samples (21%). The four fecal samples containing the largest numbers of Eimeria spp. Oocysts per 10x field were selected for further genetic analysis. DNA extraction, nested PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on 91 clones, with 80 clones forming a distinct clade and exhibiting genetic similarity to MT801034 Eimeria sp. Voucher HY3. These clones possibly represent an Eimeria specific to Saiga antelopes and gazelle that has previously been morphologically described as Eimeria elegans (Svanbaev, 1979), underscoring the importance of further research into parasitic infections in this protected species.

Gastrointestinal parasites of Wolffsohn's viscacha (Chinchillidae: Lagidium wolffsohni), an endemic rodent species from the wild Patagonia.

Parasites are ubiquitous in wildlife populations and have a profound impact on population dynamics. Interest in parasites of wildlife has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in those with relevant conservation status. Patagonia is one of the wildest and remote areas of the world. The Wolffsohn's viscacha lives in a small mountainous area of Patagonia. Until now, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species. The aim of this research was to study the gastrointestinal parasite diversity in this rodent from a coprological survey. A total of 125 fecal samples from 25 colonies were examined. Each sample was rehydrated, homogenized, and analyzed using three parasitological techniques: spontaneous sedimentation, Mini-FLOTAC, and centrifugation-flotation in sucrose-saturated solution, followed by examination under optical microscopy. The samples, eggs, and oocysts of parasites were described, measured, and photographed. All colonies were positive for at least one parasite species. A total of 10 parasitic species were identified: Viscachataenia sp., possibly V. quadrata, Monoecocestus sp., an unidentified anoplocephalid, Heteroxynema sp., possibly H. (Cavioxyura) viscaciae, Helminthoxys sp., possibly H. effilatus, an unidentified strongylid-type egg, Trichuris sp., two morphologies of unidentified coccidians and Eimeria sp. This is the first exhaustive study of gastrointestinal parasites in L. wolffsohni and a large number of eggs and oocysts of parasites were found. Our results highlight the use of noninvasive techniques for the study of parasites of wildlife hosts; as in the case of this rodent with a remote habitat, which makes sampling difficult. The results of our study provide baseline information on gastrointestinal parasite infections in this species.

PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF GASTROINTESTINAL PROTOZOAN INFECTION IN BALINESE CATTLE CALVES AT BERINGKIT ANIMAL MARKET, BADUNG REGENCY

Bali cattle are one of the indigenous cattle breeds in Indonesia that are the direct result of domestication from wild bulls. Gastrointestinal protozoan infection is still a factor that often disturbs the health of bali cattle. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal protozoa infection in bali calves breeds in Beringkit Animal Market, Badung Regency. The examination was conducted using the floating method, with fecal samples from 100 bali cattle seedlings and the Mc Master method to determine protozoan infection. The results found 41% of the samples were infected with gastrointestinal protozoa. Based on gender, the prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoa infection in male bali calves was 41.1% and in female bali calves was 40.9%. The types of gastrointestinal protozoa found were Eimeria sp, and Balantidium sp. The average infection intensity of Eimeria sp, 36% with an infection intensity of 622.5 ± 2359.21 oocysts/gram of feces, and Balantidium sp, 17% with an infection intensity of 58.82 ± 75.99 cysts/gram of feces. The prevalence in this study was moderate. Male and female cattle have the same chance of being infected with gastrointestinal protozoa. The average infection intensity of Eimeria sp, and Balantidium sp, both protozoa were mild. It is recommended to improve environmental sanitation around bali breeding calves, routine feces cleaning and hygienic feeding methods

Svalbard rock ptarmigan: a first glimpse into parasite infections

Natural ecosystems are under stress due to climate change and impacts are especially prominent at high latitudes. Manifestations of these changes include northward shifts in the distribution of birds, phenological mismatches, improved survival of parasites in the environment and the arrival of new parasite vectors and intermediate hosts. We collected baseline data on parasite infections in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea), which is endemic to two High Arctic archipelagos, by sampling 10 birds caught in September–October 2015 in Van Mijenfjorden, Spitsbergen. Five species were found, three endo- and two ectoparasites. The endoparasites included a nematode, Heterakis sp. (prevalence 10%), and two species of Eimeria, all with direct life cycles. The Eimeria species are provisionally called Eimeria sp. A and sp. B (prevalence 50% and 20%; mean intensity 1560 and 1850 oocysts per g faeces, respectively). Both show morphological similarities with known rock ptarmigan eimeriids, but further taxonomic research is needed to describe their phylogenetic relationships. The two ectoparasites, the ischnoceran chewing lice Goniodes lagopi and Lagopoecus affinis, both showed 90% prevalence and a mean intensity of 18.3 and 5.6, respectively. The eimeriids are host specific, and the chewing lice are common parasites of closely related grouse species. On the basis of our knowledge of rock ptarmigan parasites, Heterakis sp. is considered a generalist parasite. The parasite fauna of the Svalbard rock ptarmigan is impoverished compared with conspecific populations in other Arctic locations, such as Iceland and Greenland.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs among Four Communities in Ondo West LGA

Dogs have close contact with humans, which represents a serious potential source of direct transmission of parasites to man. Gastrointestinal parasites are a major impediment to dog health worldwide through direct and indirect losses. Most dogs are sub-clinically infected and continuously shed infective helminth eggs in their faeces, contaminating the environment and increasing health risks to man. In developing countries like Nigeria, the risks of zoonotic infection from dogs are high, owing to the lack of prevalence studies to determine their existence in the environment. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence and extent of gastrointestinal parasites in healthy dogs, survey the types of gastrointestinal infestation in dogs kept by owners in the study area, determine the effect of sex, types and location of dogs in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in Ondo city. A total number of 122 samples were examined. 30 were positive with 15 protozoan species, namely: Ancylostoma caninum, Capillaria boehmi, coccidia, oocyst, cyistoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Toxascaris leonina, Paragonimus kellicotti, Physaloptera sp, Uncinaria sp, Sarcocystis spp, Taeniasp, Spirocerci lupi and Eimeria sp with Capillaria sp having the highest prevalence and Paragominus sp (3.3%) with the least prevalence. Out of the four sample sites, Ajue had the highest prevalence with (35%), Laje (28%), Ondo Town (20%) and Bagbe with the least prevalence of (20%). From the breeds examined, the local breeds had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (40.8%), cross-breeds (15.2%) and exotic breeds had the least prevalence (12.5%). Based on their age group, puppies less than 1 year had a high prevalence of infection at (25%), while the adult had a prevalence rate of (23.8%). In relation to the sex of the dogs, the prevalence rate was higher in males (25%) than in females (24%). This study indicates possible means of zoonotic infections if dogs are not properly cared for or treated, especially young puppies who have been around for less than one year.

Comparative molecular analyses of Eimeria Schneider (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species from rock ptarmigan in Iceland, Svalbard-Norway, and Japan.

The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) has a Holarctic breeding distribution and is found in arctic and sub-arctic regions. Isolated populations and glacial relicts occur in alpine areas south of the main range, like the Pyrenees in Europe, the Pamir mountains in Central Asia, and the Japanese Alps. In recent decades considerable effort has been made to clarify parasite infections in the rock ptarmigan. Seven Eimeria spp. have been reported parasitizing rock ptarmigan. Two of those species, E. uekii and E. raichoi parasitizing rock ptarmigan (L. m. japonica) in Japan, have been identified genetically. Here we compare partial sequences of nuclear (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial (COI) genes and we detail the morphology of sporulated oocysts of E. uekii and E. raichoi from Japan, E. muta and E. rjupa, from the rock ptarmigan (L. m. islandorum) in Iceland, and two undescribed eimerian morphotypes, Eimeria sp. A, and Eimeria sp. B, from rock ptarmigan (L. m. hyperborea) in Norway (Svalbard in the Norwegian Archipelago). Two morphotypes, ellipsoidal and spheroidal, are recognized for each of the three host subspecies. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the ellipsoidal oocyst types, E. uekii, E. muta, and Eimeria sp. A (Svalbard-Norway) are identical and infects rock ptarmigan in Japan, Iceland, and Svalbard-Norway, respectively. Eimeria uekii was first described in Japan in 1981 so that E. muta, described in Iceland in 2007, and Eimeria sp. A in Svalbard-Norway are junior synonyms of E. uekii. Also, phylogenetic analysis shows that the spheroidal oocyst types, E. rjupa and Eimeria sp. B (Svalbard-Norway), are identical, indicating that rock ptarmigan in Iceland and Svalbard-Norway are infected by the same Eimeria species and differ from E. raichoi in Japan.

THYPLITIS HAEMORRHAGICA ET NECROTICAN IN THE INCIDENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN BROILER CHICKENS AGED 32 DAYS

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that often infects the digestive system of poultry and is caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Eimeria spp. Eimeria tenella is one of the most pathogenic protozoan species and has a predilection for the cecum and causes bloody diarrhea. The purpose of this paper is to determine the infectious agent that causes the death of 32 days old, female broiler chickens originating from one of the chicken farms in Petak Village, Gianyar District, Gianyar Regency. Clinical signs observed in chickens are weakness, pale wattles, dull looking feathers, clumps in the corners of the cage, and bloody diarrhea and dirty cloaca. Based on the results of the anatomical pathology examination, it showed that there was hemorrhage and thickening of the cecum wall (thyplitis haemorrhagica et necrotican). On histopathological examination, schizonts, hemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in the cecum and on parasitological examination, Eimeria sp oocysts were found. which has sporulated in chicken feces samples with moderate infection intensity. Conclusion: the case chicken was diagnosed as infected with coccidiosis by Eimeria tenella. Sanitation and improved cage management need to be carried out to prevent the occurrence of coccidiosis in chickens.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Nematode Prevalence in Beef Cattle Faeces at Tanjung Morawa District

This study aims to identify the type, number of nematode eggs, and nematode prevalence rate, as well as determine the factors that influence the prevalence of nematode eggs in beef cattle feces in Tanjung Morawa District. The research method used was direct interviews with farmers assisted by questionnaires and examination of 89 beef cattle fecal samples at the Medan Veterinary Center Parasitology Laboratory. Purposive sampling techniques were carried out. The research samples were Dalu Sepuluh A Village, Bangun Rejo Village, Dalu Sepuluh B Village in Tanjung Morawa District with variables maintenance systems, deworming, cage sanitation, forage collection time, cow age, cattle breed, and gender. Based on the examination results, 43 positive samples were obtained with a prevalence of 48.31% (commonly), and the egg infestation rate per gram of feces was in the low to medium category, with an average of 200-700 eggs. The types of nematode eggs found are Bunostomum sp., Capillaria sp., Cooperia sp., Eimeria sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichuris sp. Most nematode eggs are in the type of Eimeria sp. Factors influencing the prevalence and infestation of eggs per gram of feces are the maintenance system, deworming, cage sanitation, and forage collection time.

Evaluation of Three Deworming Methods and their Long-Term Effect on the Weight of Buffaloes Raised in Silvopastoral Systems

Purpose of the Study: The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of three deworming methods on body weight gains in buffaloes raised in silvopastoral systems (SPS).
 Methods: Thirty buffaloes were divided into three groups (ten per group) as follows: 1) Albendazole 10 g + 1.3 g of cobalt sulfate at one week of age and 14 days later; 2) Albendazole 10 g + 1.3 g of cobalt sulfate at one week of age and 14 days later, then at 6 months and 14 days later; 3) Ivermectin 1 g at 30 days of age and then at six months of age. Birth, weaning (9 months), and final (18 months) weight were registered, and daily weight gains were calculated. The McMaster technique was used to evaluate the presence of parasites.
 Results: The overall prevalence of parasites in the animals evaluated was 93.33%. The most common parasites were: Strongylus sp., Neoascaris sp., Moniezia sp., and Eimeria sp. Before the application of the dewormers, initial values in G1, G2, and G3 were 360, 350, and 210 hpg/opg; after the application of the treatments, 60, 25, and 20 hpg/opg were obtained, respectively. Buffaloes in G2 showed significantly (P=0.046) high final weights (415.10±23.76 kg) compared to G1 (354.80±46.71 kg) but showed no difference with G3 (374.80±43.60k).
 Conclusion: It is concluded that albendazole at 10 g and a repeat at six months of age can be used in buffalo breeding in SPS, which could help to implement regenerative livestock programs, decreasing the use of Ivermectin.

A Case Study of Pig Diseases in the Special Region of Yogyakarta

This report represented of pig diseases from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia during 2018-2019. This research was done to describe the incidence rate of pig diseases and aimed to treat, prevent and control the pig diseases so as not to cause deaths, economic losses and prevention of disease to human (zoonoses). This study have been based on disease cases in Pathology Laboratory of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM), the Special Region of Yogyakarta since 2018-2019. A total of 80 cases of pig diseases have been examined at the Pathology Laboratory of FKH UGM since 2018-2019. The result of data analysis showed that the highest infection was caused by bacterial infections, 48/80 (60%). The bacteria included Pasteurella sp., Salmonella sp., Bordetella sp., E.coli, and Actinobacillus sp.. Beside of bacteria, The infections were caused by parasite and viral infection. The case of parasite infection was 30/80 (37.5%), as Trichuris sp., Metastrongylus sp., Ascaris sp., and Eimeria sp. There was only two cases of viral infection, Clasical Swine Fewer. Generally, clinical signs of pigs were respiratory disorder, nasal discharge, cough, and weak. Pathological changes in cases of the disease included rhinitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, enteritis, and hepatitis. The conclusion of this study showed that the highest cases of pigs diseases in the Special Region of Yogyakarta was bacterial and parasitic infections. They caused pathological changes in various organs such as lung, intestine, nasal sinuse, trachea and hepar.

Study of Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Eimeria sp., in Camelsin Turkestan Region.

Coccidiosis is one of the most pathogenic intestinal diseases caused by different species of Eimeria spp. (Phylum:Apicomplexa), that cause important economic losses to the livestock industry. Given the importance of camel breeding and its products in the regional economy, in this study the risk factors of prevalence of camels Coccidiosis in the Turkestan region of Republic of Kazakhstan was investigated by oocyte excretion monitoring in the herd. The results revealed that the prevalence of Eimeria sp, was136 (42.5%); and three types of Eimeria spp. were identified: Eimeriabactriani, Eimeriacameli, Eimeria dromedarii. The statistical analysisdemonstratedthat the prevalence and intensity of infection in camel ≤1-year-old were 65.5% and 149.2 respectively, and they were more likely to be infected with Eimeria spp. compared with adult camels (22.5%, 5.7), (pvalue≤0.05). Another probable risk factor is seasons of the year as it seems the high and low prevalence andinfection intensityare observed in summer (60%, 102.1) and winter (20.6%, 21.25), respectively. Multivariate analysis of our data revealed that age and season were significant risk factors (p< 0.005) and adoption of hygienic measures and husbandry practice are needed among the high risk groups(in young camel and summer season) to minimize, control and prevent spreadof the infection.

Detection of Goat Digestive Tract Protozoa Through Feces Examination in Kwanyar Sub-District, Bangkalan District

This study aims to determine the prevalence and species of protozoa that infect the digestive tract of goats in Kwanyar Sub-District, Bangkalan District. This study was conducted in June-July 2019 with 100 samples of stool examination in the laboratory of the Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University. On examination found two types of protozoa, which were: Eimeria sp and Blastocystis sp. The results of this study showed the prevalence of 48% digestive tract protozoa. The results of statistical analysis using the Chi-Square test showed significant differences in age under one year and over one year in goats (p &lt;0.05).

Prevalence of Eimeria sp. in Broiler Poultry Houses with Positive and Negative Pressure Ventilation Systems in Southern Brazil.

Coccidiosis is an enteric disease caused by protozoa of the Eimeria genus and is of great economic relevance in industrial aviculture. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of Eimeria sp. in broiler poultry houses with positive (System 1) and negative (System 2) pressure ventilation and assess the associated factors. A transversal study was conducted using 8 random broiler chickens from 64 houses (n = 512) and macroscopic and histologic evaluation of the intestines, as well as PCR for Eimeria sp. The prevalence of Eimeria sp. was 90.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 97.8-83.5), with 93.8% (95% CI: 100-85.4) in System 1 and 87.5% (95% CI: 99.0-76.0) in System 2. The most prevalent species was Eimeria acervulina, and the most common combination was Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella. System 2 and the negative Eimeria subgroup showed the best results for feed conversion and daily weight gain. By evaluating litter treatment, we found that quicklime reduced the risk of presence of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella. In conclusion, Eimeria sp. had a high prevalence in both systems, with a predominance of mixed infections. System 2 and negative flocks showed the best zootechnical results.

Prevalence of Eimeria spp in buffaloes in Mosul city

The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria sp . In buffalo from different regions of Mosul city included (Al-Kabat, Al-Shalalate, Badosh, Al-Rahmania) ,150 Fecal samples was examined form 2019-2020. The total infection rate was (38%) , five species were diagnosed; they are E.bovis 32%, E.subspherical 22.7% , E.zuerni 18.7% , E. ellipsoidalis 16.7% , E. auburnensis 6.7% . the study showed the higher infection rate by Eimeria bovis , The mixed infection with more than two species of Eimeria represented the highest rates and it was reported in 49.1%.The infection rate in the young animals(1-2 years) was higher (89.3) comparing to the rate in the a dult , according to the sex there is no significant difference between the male 33.3% and female 41.1% . histopathological examination characterized by emergence of different stages of parasite in the epithelium of intestinal, construction of intestinal gland cavities , severe hyperplasia of epithelial cell and presence of oedema between muscle fibers with infiltration with inflammatory cell .

Helmintos y protozoos gastrointestinales en equinos de Corrientes, Argentina

&lt;p&gt;El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los parásitos gastrointestinales de equinos procedentes de ocho localidades de la Provincia de Corrientes, Argentina. Mediante técnicas de concentración se examinaron 30 muestras fecales a fin de identificar los helmintos y protozoos, así como estimar la prevalencia general y específica. Se registró una prevalencia general de P=50% y se identificaron cuatro taxones (S=4) representados por dos protozoos, Blastocystis sp (P=3,3%) y Eimeria sp (P=16,6%) y dos nematodes, Strongylus sp (P=13%) y Cyathostomun sp (P=20%). La mayoría de los reportes sobre parásitos en equinos se refieren a nematodes, por lo que el registro de protozoos es un aporte novedoso al conocimiento sobre el tema. Respecto a los nematodes identificados, han sido reportados en diferentes provincias argentinas y los grandes estróngilos representan los de menor prevalencia, mientras que los pequeños estróngilos, género Cyathostomun, los de mayor prevalencia. Los resultados obtenidos acrecientan el conocimiento sobre la temática y ponen en relieve la necesidad de implementar medidas sanitarias a fin de controlar la transmisión y mantener las cargas parasitarias por debajo de niveles que potencialmente afecten la salud, productividad o performance de los equinos.&lt;/p&gt;

Coccidiosis as A Predisposition Factor for Necrotic Enteritis in Poultry and Their Prevention

&lt;p&gt;Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis are both affecting the digestive tract of chicken and both are major enteric disease that mainly affect poultry. Among the enteric diseases, necrotic enteritis is a major problem. Coccidiosis is caused by the protozoan of Eimeria sp, and is commonly found as a predisposition factor for necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridum perfringens. Both diseases are commonly shown similar pathological change namely necrosis of epthelial cells in the intestinal mucosa. The diseases have great economic impact in poultry productions, due to the increased mortality, decreased performance and medication costs. Control of these diseases are commonly treated with antibiotics and ionophores. However, an intensive use of these drugs in feed may cause the emergence of drug-resistance against some strains of Eimeria sp.and Cl. Perfringens and an increased chance of contamination in animal products for human consumption. The paper is discussing the occurrence of necrotic enteritis especially due to the coccidian as a major predisposition factor and the development of alternative control strategies for avian coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis, by modulating intestinal health.&lt;/p&gt;

Giardia duodenalis associated with other gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in the North of the Brazilian state of Parana

The sheep industry, a very important economic activity in Paraná State, can be affected by gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep raised in the north region of Paraná State. Fecal samples were collected from 69 animals and processed by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Parasites were observed in 63 (91.3%) animals. The most frequent parasites were strongylid eggs (81.2%), followed by Eimeria sp (42%) and Giardia duodenalis (10.1%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Giardia duodenalis in sheep raised in Parana State. These results indicate that sanitary management must be improved in order to control infections by these parasites and increase the productivity.

A QPCR ASSAY AND TESTING GUIDELINES FOR THE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC ISOSPOROSIS (FORMERLY ATOXPLASMOSIS) IN PASSERINE BIRDS

Systemic isosporosis (formerly atoxoplasmosis), is a protozoal infection that causes death in nestling and fledgling passerine birds impacting ex situ breeding and reintroduction programs. Because current antemortem diagnostic tests lack sensitivity, a qPCR was developed for detection of Isospora spp. using primers and a fluorescent-tagged MGB probe targeting the large subunit (28s) ribosomal RNA gene (assay efficiency = >100%; sensitivity = <1 dsDNA copy). The assay was used to screen postmortem frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from passerine birds (n = 24; 12 with confirmed systemic isosporosis), whole blood and feces (n = 38) from live passerines, and other tissues infected with phylogenetically similar protozoa. The qPCR identified Isospora sp. DNA in tissues from 21/24 birds including 12/12 birds with cytologically-histologically confirmed infection (100% sensitivity) and 9/12 birds lacking microscopic organisms. The assay also amplified Eimeria sp. DNA; however, sequence analysis ruled out infection in the passerine cases. Blood and/or feces were positive in 30/38 birds, and in only 7/38 birds, blood and feces both contained Isospora sp. DNA. Finally, the qPCR was utilized to screen 30 consecutive daily fecal samples from live passerines (n = 20) to determine optimal sampling protocols. One or more of the daily fecal samples were positive in all 20 birds. In individual birds, the interval between positive qPCR amplification results ranged from 0 to 23 days, with an average of 5.85 days. Simulated application of 13 potential sample collection schedules was used to identify the sensitivity of repeated testing for identification of infected birds. Increased sampling days resulted in higher sensitivity but increased both cost and animal handling requirements. Based on statistical analysis and clinical considerations, the testing recommendation for detection of fecal shedding was collection and assay of five consecutive daily fecal samples, which had an average diagnostic sensitivity of 0.86.