Eimeria Species Research Articles

Intraspecific Variations in Biology and Pathogenesis of Two Eimeria maxima Isolates From Distinct Geographic Locations.

Eimeria maxima is one of the seven Eimeria species that infect poultry. Despite being highly immunogenic, this species also displays variability in terms of antigenic characteristics. The objective of this study was to examine the biopathological properties of two distinct Eimeria maxima isolates in Iran. Two mixed field samples, collected from backyard poultry droppings with the highest numbers of Eimeria maxima oocysts, were selected for experimental challenges. The birds were inoculated with an equal number of oocysts, and the biopathological indicators of Eimeria oocysts were evaluated. The findings revealed that the two strains exhibited differences in terms of pathological lesions and intestinal inflammatory reactions on the seventh day post-challenge (p > 0.05). Consequently, it was demonstrated that Eimeria maxima isolates from geographically distant regions possessed biological and pathogenic dissimilarities.

Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes in laboratory rats naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites

BackgroundGastrointestinal parasites can impact the health and research value of laboratory animals. Laboratory rats were examined to investigate physiological changes following natural infections with intestinal parasites.MethodFlotation technique and necropsy were used to identify gastrointestinal parasites. Additionally, hematological, biochemical, and liver histology analyses were performed to assess the effects of the infections.ResultsOut of 209 male Wistar rats examined, 105 (50.2%; 95% CI = 24.8–57) were infected with at least one parasite. The parasites identified included; Eimeria species (27.3%; 95% CI = 19.7–36.9), Hymenolepis diminuta (12.4%; 95% CI = 7.5–15.4), and Syphacia muris (10.5%; 95% CI = 8.6–14.3). The parasite load analysis revealed a mean fecal oocyst count of 2005 ± 98 oocysts per gram for Eimeria Species, 1196 ± 61 eggs per gram for Syphacia muris, and 1064 ± 85 eggs per gram for Hymenolepis diminuta. The infected rats exhibited lower hemoglobin levels (7.97–8.54 g/dL vs. 13.28 g/dL in controls) and hematocrit values (32.4–34.1% vs. 45.2% in controls), but increased white blood cell counts (9.85–10.42 × 103/µL vs. 6.28 × 103/µL in controls). Biochemical analysis revealed reduced total protein (5.18–5.42 g/dL vs. 6.87 g/dL), lower albumin levels (2.51–2.74 g/dL vs. 4.12 g/dL), and elevated liver enzyme activities, including ALT (68.4–72.1 U/L vs. 45.3 U/L) and AST (88.5–92.7 U/L vs. 62.4 U/L). Eimeria infections caused the most profound alterations, significantly affecting hematological and biochemical parameters (p > 0.005). Liver histopathological showed a degree of tissue inflammation and degeneration in Eimeria-infected rats.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the potential impact of gastrointestinal parasites on laboratory rats and research outcomes. It is essential to adhere to strict sanitary protocols when handling laboratory rats to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

Microscopic and Molecular Identification of Eimeria Species in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Romania

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease with high morbidity that affects various animal species, including rabbits. In rabbits, eleven Eimeria species have been primarily identified through microscopic examination of oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it challenging to differentiate between Eimeria species. The main objective of this study was to morphologically identify Eimeria species infecting rabbits in Romania, as well as to confirm these identifications using molecular biology techniques, specifically through the ITS-1 rRNA gene. A total of 236 samples were collected from different regions of Romania, of which 77.56% (183/236) tested positive for at least one Eimeria species. The samples were collected from rabbits raised in individual household settings, under various management systems—both in individual cages and in common ground-based enclosures. The areas of origin were chosen randomly, without applying restrictive criteria, specifically to ensure broad representativeness of the farming conditions encountered in practice, regardless of the production system or geographic specificity. The microscopic examination of morphological characteristics identified ten Eimeria species, whereas PCR results confirmed the presence of four species. It was not always possible to identify all the species present in a given sample, likely due to the predominant parasitic load and the DNA quantity of each species. The results of this study confirm that ITS-1 is a useful molecular marker for identifying Eimeria species in domestic rabbits.

Morphological and molecular description of a novel species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa) that infects extraintestinal tissues of kiwi (Aves: Apteryx spp.)

Coccidia (Apiconmplexa) are naturally occurring and occasionally detrimental parasites of kiwi (Apteryx spp.), a unique, flightless bird species dependent upon conservation efforts for survival. Using morphological and molecular data, a new coccidia species, Eimeria koka n. sp., isolated from two closely related but geographically isolated kiwi host species, Apteryx rowi Tennyson et al. (rowi) and Apteryx mantelli Bartlett (North Island brown kiwi), is described. Oocysts are oval (20.8 × 15.9 μm) with a mean L/W ratio of 1.3, and a distinctive rough, crenellated brown oocyst wall (mean 1.2 μm), an oocyst residuum, 1–2 polar granules, and no micropyle. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal (11.6 × 6.3 μm) with a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) placed E. koka n. sp. in a separate clade to other Eimeria species previously identified from kiwi (Coker et al., Syst Parasitol 100(3):269–281, 2023). Comparison of DNA from oocysts with infected tissues from a single juvenile North Island brown kiwi confirmed parasitism of the kidney and lung tissues. This is the first Eimeria species identified from extraintestinal tissues in kiwi. Further molecular studies are recommended to determine the tissue distribution of E. kokan. sp. and other Eimeria species in kiwi.

Prevalence of coccidiosis in broiler chickens in Medea, Algeria.

Prevalence of coccidiosis in broiler chickens in Medea, Algeria.

Morphological and autofluorescence assessment of oocysts differentiate live from dead coccidian parasites.

Morphological and autofluorescence assessment of oocysts differentiate live from dead coccidian parasites.

A step forward to revolutionize the eimeriosis controlling strategies in cattle by using traditional medication.

A step forward to revolutionize the eimeriosis controlling strategies in cattle by using traditional medication.

An Isospora Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) Identified From a Black-Faced Cuckoo-Shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) (Gmelin, 1789) (Passeriformes: Campephagidae) in Western Australia.

We describe and characterize a new Isospora species from the black-faced cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) in Western Australia, using both morphological and molecular approaches. Microscopic analysis of a fecal sample revealed 20 ellipsoidal oocysts, which are subspheroidal to ovoid, measuring 40-43 × 39-41 μm (mean 41.4 × 39.6 μm) with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (mean 1.04). The oocyst wall is bi-layered (~1.5 μm thick), with a smooth outer layer constituting approximately two thirds of the total thickness. A micropyle is present, characterized by a slight invagination of the inner layer (~6.0 μm wide), but no micropyle cap is observed. Both the oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts (n = 20) are ellipsoidal, measuring 23-24 × 13-14 μm (mean 23.3 × 13.4 μm) with an L/W ratio of 1.7-1.8 (mean 1.74). A flattened to knob-like Stieda body (~1.5 × 3.0 μm) is present, while sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of granules clustered by a membrane, forming an irregular shape (~12.0 × 8.0 μm). Sporozoites exhibit anterior and posterior refractile bodies and a nucleus. Molecular analyses of the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and COI gene loci demonstrated that this species forms a distinct clade with Isospora serinuse in phylogenetic trees based on all three loci. It shares genetic similarities with I. serinuse of 98.8%, 93.7%, and 98.9% for the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and COI loci, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that this new species is closely related to I. serinuse. Based on these findings, we propose this isolate as a new species, Isospora coracinae n. sp. This is the first coccidian species identified from the Campephagidae family in Australia.

The GLI3 may be involved in the damage process of Eimeria tenella to chicken cecal tissue.

The GLI3 may be involved in the damage process of Eimeria tenella to chicken cecal tissue.

Molecular mechanisms of surface antigen suppression by ApiAP2 and its implications for vaccine development

The apicomplexan parasite Eimeria is the causative agent of coccidiosis, which results in enteritis in animals and imposes a significant economic burden on the farming industry. Apicomplexan Apetala2/ERF (ApiAP2) transcription factors are known to play crucial roles in various processes of Apicomplexa parasites. However, little is understood regarding the role of ApiAP2s in Eimeria species. In this study, we performed a functional characterisation of ApiAP2 through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout. Our results revealed that the parasite’s invasion efficiency, total oocyst output, and virulence were significantly impaired after EtAP2-S1 depletion. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) analyses showed that EtAP2-S1 targets the promoters of numerous genes, and its knockout resulted in the up-regulation of 59 sag genes. Furthermore, the knockout strain exhibited significantly lower virulence while offering excellent immune protection, making it a promising candidate for a vaccine. This study demonstrates that EtAP2-S1 is a fitness-conferring gene that suppresses the expression of sag genes in E. tenella, which is the first step in developing gene-knockout vaccines to control coccidiosis.

Investigation of Eimeria Species in Chicken: Coprological Prevalence, Gross Pathological Lesion and Pathoanatomical Species Identification in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Eimeria species are a prevalent coccidian parasite impacting chicken production, leading to substantial economic losses in Ethiopia's poultry sector. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria species, assess associated risk factors, and identify prevalent Eimeria species and gross lesions. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. 516 chickens were randomly selected and examined for coccidian oocysts using the flotation technique. Patho-anatomical examinations were performed on 60 positive chickens to identify the various Eimeria species of chicken further. Binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratios for associated risk factors. The overall prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in this study was 20.3% (105/516). Age (AOR = 0.46, P = 0.001) and breed (AOR = 1.73, P = 0.023) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of coccidiosis (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant associations were observed with sex, study area, or management practices (P > 0.05), although the management system was considered a confounding factor. The most important identified Eimeria species were E. tenella (21.95%), E. brunetti (19.51%), E. acervulina (17.07%), E. necatrix (14.63%), and E. maxima (4.88%). These findings indicated that Eimeria-caused coccidiosis is a growing challenge to poultry production in South Gondar, highlighting the need for targeted control measures and improved management practices.

Parasitic infections in the organic beef cattle herds of southern Poland during the grazing season, with the first record of Calicophoron daubneyi (Dinnik, 1962) in the country.

Grazing cattle are vulnerable to the harmful effects of gastrointestinal parasites. Organically farmed cattle are even more so because conventional antiparasitic treatments are restricted, yet parasite infection patterns in Polish organic herds remain poorly documented. Imported beef cattle were studied during the pasture season in four organic herds in southern Poland. The McMaster quantitative flotation method was used to estimate infection prevalence (P, %) coproscopically and to quantify intensities of coccidia oocyst output (Ic, OPG) and nematode egg output (In, EPG) per gram of faeces. The qualitative sedimentation method was applied to assess the presence of digenean eggs. Coccidial species of the Eimeria genus were identified by sporulation, and nematodes of the Strongylida order by larvoscopy. Digenean Paramphistomatidae were identified by morphological examination of adult fluke specimens obtained at slaughter from a sick heifer in one of the studied herds and by molecular analysis of the flukes' internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal DNA. The prevalence of Eimeria infection was P = 28.9 (23.8-34.5)%, and the mean Ic was 287 (113-793) OPG. Calves were most heavily infected, mainly with E. bovis and E. zuernii. The prevalence of nematode infections reached P = 46.0 (40.2-51.5)%, and the mean In was 113 (88-147) EPG. Haemonchus placei dominated over Ostertagia sp. and Trichostrongylus axei, and the most infected were first-time grazing yearlings. Paramphistome eggs were confirmed in only one herd. Morphological and PCR analysis of the adult rumen flukes revealed the presence of Calicophoron daubneyi (Dinnik, 1962) in this herd. This is the first Polish evidence of C. daubneyi, and it heralds an enhanced surveillance need regarding this highly pathogenic digenean.

Mechanisms of Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis During Eimeria tenella Infection.

Coccidiosis in chickens is a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Among these species, Eimeria tenella is considered the most virulent pathogen, with its infection strongly associated with the apoptotic response of host cells. Eimeria tenella modulates host cell apoptosis in a stage-specific manner, suppressing apoptosis in the early phase to promote its intracellular development and triggering apoptosis in later stages to facilitate parasite egress and disease progression. This study established an in vitro infection model using 60 fifteen-day-old chick embryo cecal epithelial cells and infecting the cells with Eimeria tenella sporozoites at a 1:1 ratio of host cells to sporozoites. The aim was to examine the relationship between parasitic infection and the apoptotic response of host cells in the chick embryo cecal epithelial cells infected with E. tenella. The roles of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and cytochrome c in intrinsic apoptosis were examined through the application of cyclosporine A (CsA), N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (TMPD), and ascorbate (Asc). TUNEL staining, ELISA, and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate apoptotic rates. CsA, TMPD, and Asc significantly (p < 0.01) decreased cytochrome c release, caspase-9 activation, and apoptotic rates from 24 to 120 h post-E. tenella infection. These findings highlight the significance of cytochrome c-mediated, mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways in parasitized chick embryo cecal epithelial cells.

Rate of Coccidiosis in Chicken Farms in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Despite large number of chickens in Nigeria, contribution to national economy or benefit from this sector of activity is very limited due to diseases and management, out of which chicken coccidiosis is a leading problem. Coccidiosis is a major problem in the farm with inadequate hygienic measures and factors such as age, sex and biosecurity which are the most common factors that contribute for the occurrence of coccidiosis. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and incidence of coccidiosis in chicken farms in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Selected numbers of chicken farms within Uyo metropolis were used for this study. A total of 100 faecal samples from live birds comprising 62 young and 38 adult birds were randomly collected as bird’s fresh droppings from both young and adult sections of the farm. Samples were analyzed using standard parasitological methods and techniques. An overall prevalence rate of 46%% was obtained. Higher prevalence rates were recorded in young bird as 48.38% while adult had 42.10%. Then five species of Eimeria that were identified include E. tennela, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. alervuhina and E. brunette at 28%, 25%, 15.6%, 18.8% and 12.5% respectively. . . Therefore, appropriate control strategies should be designed considering important risk factors and focus should be given to biosecurity practices in the prevention and control of coccidiosis. In addition, further studies are needed to be conducted to identify the prevalent Eimeria species for strategic control.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Eimeria saudiensis From Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) Held in Captivity in the Sultanate of Oman

ABSTRACTAn observational study was conducted to investigate Eimeria species prevalence, fecal shedding, morphometric, and molecular composition in captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) bred at the Mammals Breeding Center in Oman. Oryx were sampled in the summer and winter seasons. Eimeria was detected at a prevalence of 26% in summer and 22% in winter, with higher shedding intensity observed during the summer among adult oryx. The isolated Eimeria displayed ellipsoidal oocysts and ovoidal sporocysts with average dimensions of 30.6 × 24.3 μm (ranging from 24.8 to 35.4 × 20.9–26.7) and 14.3 × 7.1 μm (ranging from 11.1 to 18.3 × 6.1–8.6), respectively. Molecularly (18S rRNA, ITS‐1), E. saudiensis revealed its unique identity and closest relation (96.7%–99.3%) to E. bovis isolates of bovine origin (MK691697 and AB769578), respectively, in the absence of antelope‐derived isolates. The findings serve as a precursor to incorporating Eimeria species derived from Arabian oryx into the molecular map.

Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida) of Freshwater Fish.

The phylum Apicomplexa includes endoparasites of fish worldwide, which cause parasitic infections that can adversely affect productivity in aquaculture. They are considered bioindicators of water pollution. Piscine apicomplexan parasites can be divided into two major groups: the intracellular blood parasites (Adeleorina) and the coccidians (Eimeriorina), which can infect the gastrointestinal tract and several organs. This work aims to compile, as completely as possible and for the first time, the available information concerning the species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Conoidasida), which has been reported from freshwater fish. A comprehensive bibliographic search was performed using all available databases and fields, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In the freshwater fish found, there were 173 described species. This review demonstrates that freshwater fish's eimeriid coccidia are better studied than adeleid coccidia. Studies of coccidian freshwater fish fauna indicate a high infection with Eimeria and Goussia species. The wealthiest coccidia fauna were found in the Cypriniformes, Perciformes, Siluriformes and Cichliformes fishes.

Development of deep learning-based mobile application for the identification of Coccidia species in pigs using microscopic images.

Development of deep learning-based mobile application for the identification of Coccidia species in pigs using microscopic images.

Study of gastro-intestinal parasitism in migratory sheep in SPSRNellore District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present study was undertaken to investigate prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in migratory sheep in SPSRNellore district. Out of 1601 faecal examinations, 725 (45.28%) were positive which included single infections (25.36%) of ova of Strongyle spp.(12.55%), Strongyloides spp.(0.50%), Trichuris spp. (0.37%), oocysts of Eimeria spp.(7.81%), ova of Amphistome spp.(2.06%) and ova of Moniezia spp.(2.06%) along with mixed infections (19.93%) in which Strongyle spp. + Eimeria spp. was prominant (9.49%) followed by Strongyle spp. + Moniezia spp. (2.62%), Strongyle spp. + Eimeria spp. + Amphistome spp. (2.19%) and lowest (0.06%) with Strongyloides spp. + Eimeria spp. and Amphistome spp. + Eimeria spp. Five different species of Eimeria were identified after sporulation viz; E.parva, E.ovina, E.faurei, E.pallida and E.intricata.In the current study Females (46.60%) were more susceptible than males (41.61%). No significant difference between the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was observed between the lambs (45.40%), Adults (45.28%) and young sheep (44.57%) at 5% level of significance. Month wise highest prevalence was recorded in March 2024 (65%) followed by August 2024 (61.72%), July 2024 (43.18%), June 2024 (40.38%), May 2024 (35.21%) and in April 2024 prevalence was lowest (26.02%). The study emphasis migratory stress impact in Gastro-intestinal parasitism. Keywords : Migratory sheep, Gastro-intestinal parasites, andhra pradesh, Eimeria, Faecal examination, Micrometry, Sex, Age, Migration stress

Classification of chicken Eimeria species through deep transfer learning models: A comparative study on model efficacy.

Classification of chicken Eimeria species through deep transfer learning models: A comparative study on model efficacy.

Molecular detection and histopathological changes caused by Eimeria tenella in broilers in Al-Diwaniyah Province, Iraq.

Avian coccidiosis is one of the most significant and impactful diseases affecting the commercial poultry industry globally. This study aimed to identify the Eimeria species associated with chicken coccidiosis. Conducted from November 2023 to April 2024, the research involved 150 avian samples. Intestinal samples were collected from chickens suspected of having coccidiosis at veterinary hospitals and clinics in Diwaniyah Governorate. To confirm the infection, a longitudinal incision was made in the ceca of the suspected infected chicken, and a direct swab was obtained. Part of the cecal contents was placed in a test tube for the fecal flotation method, while the remainder was stored in a separate test tube and refrigerated for DNA extraction. Additionally, a 1-cm tissue sample was collected from the cecum and preserved in formalin to assess histopathological changes. Samples were analyzed using microscopy and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), focusing on the small subunit 18S rRNA gene of the parasite, specifically internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1). Microscopic analysis revealed parasitic oocysts in 19.3% of the fecal samples from the examined poultry. Furthermore, the PCR results indicated that Eimeria tenella was present in 22% of the fecal samples. The ITS-1 sequences of E. tenella from this study showed a high degree of similarity to those recorded in GenBank at 95%, with sequences from India (GQ856301, JX853825.1, JX853831.1, and PP002176.1), China (JX477100.1, FJ449692.1, GQ153631.1, and FJ449691.1), and Turkey (HQ680474.1) species. Overall, E. tenella, which causes coccidiosis in poultry, leads to significant histopathological alterations in the intestinal tissues of infected birds, including epithelial damage. This study concludes that E. tenella is present in the tested poultry within the governorate.