Endogenous Stages Research Articles

Histopathologic observations in a coccidiosis model of Eimeria tenella.

Species of the genus Eimeria cause coccidiosis in chickens, resulting in a huge burden to the poultry industry worldwide. Eimeria tenella is one of the most prevalent chicken coccidia in China, and E. tenella infection causes hemorrhagic cecitis. Using an established model of coccidiosis in chickens combined with necropsy, imaging of pathological tissue sections, and other techniques, we evaluated the gross and microscopic lesions of cecal tissue within 15 days after inoculation with sporulated oocysts and described the endogenetic developmental process and relationship between E. tenella infection and enteritis development in chickens. We observed three generations of merogony and gamogony in E. tenella. We observed gross lesions in the cecum from 84 hpi (hours post inoculation) and microscopic lesions from 60 hpi. The lesions in the cecum mainly exhibited hemorrhagic enteritis. Their severity increased with the onset of the second generation of merogony. The lesions began to alleviate by the end of the endogenous stages of E. tenella. We show, for the first time, the complete observation of a series of changes in enteritis caused by 5 × 103 E. tenella oocysts. This study provides reference materials for E. tenella research and pathological diagnosis.

A NEW EIMERIA SPECIES (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) PARASITIZING COMMERCIAL CHUKAR PARTRIDGES (ALECTORIS CHUKAR) IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO.

A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria species isolated from a field sample indicated the presence of 2 distinct oocyst morphotypes; the most abundant species was determined to be Eimeria chapmani, based on oocyst morphology and sequence-based genotyping, and the less abundant, second Eimeria sp. was an undescribed parasite. Oocysts of the unknown Eimeria sp. were large and oval-shaped; dimensions averaged 27.9 μm by 17.0 μm (shape index = 1.65 μm). Oocysts contained at least 1 polar granule and 4 almond-shaped sporocysts with average dimensions measuring 12.5 μm by 6.9 μm (shape index = 1.83). Each sporocyst featured a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; a sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites that each possessed a small anterior refractile body and a larger posterior refractile body. Virtually all oocysts sporulated after 24 hr when suspended in potassium dichromate at room temperature (22 C) on a rotary platform. Experimental infections with various doses of oocysts demonstrated elevated parasite shedding from birds gavaged with higher challenge doses; fecundity generally decreased in heavier infections. The approximate prepatent period of the parasite was 4-5 days (unsporulated oocysts observed histologically at 90 hr postinfection and in feces by day 5) and patency lasted until day 12 postinfection. To characterize the endogenous development of the Eimeria sp., tissues were collected at 8 regions along the intestinal tract (including the ceca and rectum) every 6 hr throughout the estimated prepatent period. Parasites were observed to infect the descending and ascending duodenum, midjejunum, proximal and distal ileum, and the ceca. The endogenous stages identified included intracellular sporozoites, 3 generations of merogony, and gametogonic stages. Sequences of the mitochondrial genome (GenBank MW934555) and nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (GenBank MW934259) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification for Sanger sequencing, and these were unique from all published sequences on GenBank. Molecular data, in conjunction with the unique biology of the Eimeria sp. isolated from the chukar partridge flock, support that this coccidium is new to science.

Ponazuril: Clinical efficacy, ultrastructure, and histopathology studies of in vivo anticoccidial action against Eimeria tenella

Ponazuril, a novel antiprotozoal drug in the class of triazine, has shown a promising application on apicomplexan infections in poultry and livestock. However, the effect and mechanism of action of ponazuril against Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) are unclear. The efficacy against E. tenella was initially studied by administering different doses of ponazuril in drinking water. The treated stage and site of ponazuril on E. tenella were observed through ultrastructural and histopathological analyses. Chicks were orally treated with a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight of ponazuril at different endogenous stages of E. tenella post-infection. According to the clinical study, the values of anticoccidial indices (ACI) were 157.0, 162.3, 196.9, 194.5, and 190.9, respectively, when the ponazuril was administered in drinking water at doses of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 mg/L for two consecutive days after infection. Among them, the 20 mg/L ponazuril group showed the best anticoccidial effect, which was superior to that of the toltrazuril treatment group, with an ACI value of 191.7. Histological analysis indicated that ponazuril effectively relieved cecal lesions, and decreased the number of merozoites. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) observed that merozoites became irregular in shape, and some apparent protrusions of the outer membrane were presented especially the second-generation merozoites. Additionally, abnormalities in the development of WFBI and WFBII in the macrogametocyte were observed, which may affect the formation of the ovule wall. Moreover, merozoites in the treated group showed uneven and marginalized chromatin and mitochondrial swelling. These results suggested ponazuril is a potential anticoccidial drug, providing information on the mechanism of anticoccidial effects.

Brief report: Isospora gilvusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the warbling vireo Vireo gilvus Vieillot (Passeriformes: Vireonidae) in Morelia, Mexico.

A new coccidian species, Isospora gilvusi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from the warbling vireo Vireo gilvus, is reported from Morelia, Michoacán State, Mexico. Sporulated oöcysts of the new species are spherical to subspherical, 27-31 × 27-29 (30.1 × 28.4) μm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; one or two polar granules are present, but micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent. Sporocyts are ovoid to drop-shaped, 16-17 × 11-12 (17.0 × 11.5) μm, with a L/W ratio of 1.7; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are both present, but para-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum diffuse. At the histological study, endogenous stages were observed in the epithelial cells of the duodenum. This is the second species of Isospora recorded infecting a bird of the family Vireonidae in the New World.

Comparative transcriptome profiling of Eimeria tenella in various developmental stages and functional analysis of an ApiAP2 transcription factor exclusively expressed during sporogony

BackgroundThe apicomplexan parasites Eimeria spp. are the causative agents of coccidiosis, a disease with a significant global impact on the poultry industry. The complex life cycle of Eimeria spp. involves exogenous (sporogony) and endogenous (schizogony and gametogony) stages. Unfortunately, the genetic regulation of these highly dynamic processes, particularly for genes involved in specific developmental phases, is not well understood.MethodsIn this study, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis to identify expressed genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at seven time points representing different developmental stages of Eimeria tenella. We then performed K-means clustering along with co-expression analysis to identify functionally enriched gene clusters. Additionally, we predicted apicomplexan AP2 transcription factors in E. tenella using bioinformatics methods. Finally, we generated overexpression and knockout strains of ETH2_0411800 to observe its impact on E. tenella development.ResultsIn total, we identified 7329 genes that are expressed during various developmental stages, with 3342 genes exhibiting differential expression during development. Using K-means clustering along with co-expression analysis, we identified clusters functionally enriched for oocyte meiosis, cell cycle, and signaling pathway. Among the 53 predicted ApiAP2 transcription factors, ETH2_0411800 was found to be exclusively expressed during sporogony. The ETH2_0411800 overexpression and knockout strains did not exhibit significant differences in oocyst size or output compared to the parental strain, while the resulting ETH2_0411800 knockout parasite showed a relatively small oocyst output.ConclusionsThe findings of our research suggest that ETH2_0411800 is not essential for the growth and development of E. tenella. Our study provides insights into the gene expression dynamics and is a valuable resource for exploring the roles of transcription factor genes in regulating the development of Eimeria parasites.Graphical

Molecular characterisation and additional morphological descriptions of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli Bartlett)

Brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli Bartlett), a ratite endemic to New Zealand, is currently listed as “Vulnerable” under the IUCN classification system due to predation by introduced mammals. Operation Nest Egg (ONE) raises chicks and juveniles in predator-proof enclosures until they are large enough to defend themselves. These facilities experience an environmental accumulation of coccidial oocysts, which leads to severe morbidity and mortality of these kiwi. Four species of coccidia have been morphologically described from sporulated oocysts with additional opportunistic descriptions of endogenous stages. This research continues the morphological descriptions of these species of Eimeria with an additional novel morphotype also morphologically described. It also provides the first genetic characterisation targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. Based on these findings, it was determined there are at least five morphotypes of Eimeria that infect brown kiwi and co-infections are common at the ONE facilities surveyed. The COI amplicon targeted for this study was sufficient to provide differentiation from other members of this genus. Sanger sequencing yielded ambiguous bases, indicating the need for more in-depth sequencing.

ПРОГРАММА БОРЬБЫ С КОКЦИДИОЗАМИ СВИНЕЙ НА ПРОМЫШЛЕННЫХ СВИНОКОМПЛЕКСАХ

Studies conducted in different regions of the country showed that from 10% to 60% of piglets are infected with isospores in the first month of life with an invasion intensity of 2–50 oocystis in one field of microscope. The average extensiveness of invasion in pigs in the country was 25.2%, with fluctuations of this indicator in different Federal districts from 10.5% to 35.2%. Toltrazuril and diclazuril proved to be effective in controlling the endogenous stages of development of coccidia, kenokoks and aymeriotsid – with exogenous.

Effects of <i>Eimeria stiedae</i> parasitism in the liver of rabbits on blood parameters and histoarchitecture of organs

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the parasitism effects on clinical parameters of laboratory animals.Materials and methods. The venous blood of 20 rabbits aged 1 year was taken to perform biochemical and general blood tests, for which purpose hematological analyzers were used. The animals were dissected using the Shor’s method. The topography of the organ complex was evaluated, and pathological material was collected and placed to 10% buffered formalin. For pathomorphological examination, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney samples were taken. To determine the histological pattern, paraffin-embedded samples on Thermo Scientific semi-automatic equipment were used. Histologic specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The histoarchitecture of the specimens was evaluated using an Axio A1.0 microscope, and photography was conducted with the AxioVision software.Results and discussion. The article presents the data of the general and biochemical blood tests of the blood from the rabbits intended to be used in the experiment. Further, the pathoanatomical picture of the liver was shown in animals infected with Eimeria spp., and the histological pattern was presented for parenchymal organs. We found that the main biochemical values that exceeded reference values were liver values, namely, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. We also observed an increase in monocytes and granulocytes in the blood. Pathological and anatomical changes were only expressed in the liver, while no changes in the macro pattern were observed in other organs. Histological examination of parenchymal organs showed a significant pathology in the liver due to endogenous stages of oocysts occurred in its structure. Additionally, we observed a strong eosinophil response in the spleen and a high content of eosinophils in the pulmonary veins.

Occurrence of Eimeria species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt.

The importance of rabbits for economic, medical, and biological purposes has been well appreciated. In the present study, a total of 200 domestic rabbits were collected from Qena Governorate, Egypt, from 2018 to October 2020. Their fecal samples were tested for the presence of Eimeria species oocysts using the standard flotation technique, which revealed oocysts in 100 rabbits (50%). The following 11 species of Eimeria were examined morphologically and morphometrically from different parts of the rabbits intestine (duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum): Eimeria coecicola (8%), E. exigua (65%), E. flavescens (30%), E. irresidua (35%), E. magna (10%), E. media (25%), E. perforans (63%), E. intestinalis (50%), E. stiedae (2%), E. vejdovskyi (5%), and E. piriformis (3%). Moreover, the endogenous stages of E. intestinalis were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Macrogametogenesis and microgametogenesis were observed. The development of microgamonts, macrogametes, and oocysts with their fine structural characteristics was detected. Additionally, in this study E. stiedae, E. irresidua, and E. vejdovskyi are reported for the first time in Qena, Upper Egypt. The present study calls for further study on these species with a focus on providing molecular phylogenetic work and declaring control strategies against these species.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Passeriformes: Certhioidea: Troglodytidae), in Southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790). Here, we report a new species of Isospora from T. l. ludovicianus from Oklahoma, USA. Faecal samples were collected between September and December 2021 from five adult T. l. ludovicianus taken with a mist net from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Tissue samples from the intestine of a single positive bird were removed and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for examination of coccidian endogenous stages. A single Carolina wren (20%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora edwardwilsoni n. sp. were subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 23.8 × 20.3µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.3 × 9.7µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body was present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite, or a combination of both within the same sporocyst. Information is also presented on the endogenous development of this coccidian. This is the first coccidian reported from T. l. ludovicianus and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the family Troglodytidae in North America.

EPIZOOTIC SITUATION ON PARASITOSIS AND COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF EXOGENOUS AND ENDOGENOUS STAGES OF EIMERIA SPP. ON INDUSTRIAL TURKEY FARMS

The conducted studies have shown that Eimeria infections are widespread in young turkeys on industrial farms in Russia. The species composition of Eimeria oocysts detected in litter samples of the turkeys kept in the Penza Region showed the following Eimeria species: 80% of Eimeria meleagrimitis, 15% of E. meleagridis and 5% of E. adenoides. The highest Eimeria invasion prevalence in males was determined at the age of 35 days, the IP 45%, and in females at the age of 49 days, the IP 30%. The highest intensity of Eimeria invasion was observed at the same age. Subsequently, we observed a gradual decrease in the prevalence and intensity of Eimeria invasion up to 105 days of age. The clinical manifestations of Eimeria invasion were not observed in the turkeys. The comprehensive measures against exogenous stages (new polycomposite drug Virukill 260) and endogenous stages (eimeriocide, Toltrazuril and probiotic Vetelact) of Eimeria showed high antiparasitic efficacy, and had a positive effect on the biological protection of poultry buildings where young turkeys were grown, and on the economic performance of production. Our results showed the need for a comprehensive control of exogenous and endogenous development stages of Eimeria oocysts on industrial turkey farms.

A comprehensive overview of coccidiosis in chicken

Coccidiosis is the main parasitic disease resulting from the intracellular protozoan that targets each different part of the intestinal tract leading to destroy in poultry. For this reason, coccidiosis induces an enormous economic loss in the poultry industry. Eimeria life cycle is complicated and comprised of exogenous and endogenous stages inducing an inflammatory response which results in enteric damage associated with diarrheal hemorrhage, disorder digestion of feed and nutrient absorption, dehydration, blood loss, mortality. Hence, it is very important to understand the information of Eimeria parasites for elimination and treatment. This disease has been controlled by various anticoccidial drugs and vaccines as the most common management practices. However, not only the occurrence of drug resistance due to anticoccidial drugs but lack of a guarantee of safety with vaccine use, has led to the development of alternative strategies to control coccidiosis. For these reasons, phytogenic compounds are emerging for the control and prevention of poultry coccidiosis to alternate previous methods. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of coccidiosis including etiology, morphology, life cycle, pathogenicity, clinical sign, diagnosis, control and prevention.

Remarks on Eimeria labbeana infection in domestic pigeons "Columbia livia domestica".

The purpose of this study was to determine the course of infection in pigeons with Eimeria labbeana. Thirty-five squabs (4-6weeks old) were brought from the local poultry market and examined for coccidial infection for 7days to ensure they were coccidia free. A negative control group of five squabs was used, and thirty squabs were infected orally with 2.5 × 104 sporulated E. labbeana oocysts. From day 1-8 post-infection (PI), three squabs were scarified daily to track the endogenous stages in the intestinal tissue. Furthermore, six squabs were preserved to track the patent period and calculate daily oocyst shedding. The parasite stages were differentiated using paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues that were sectioned and stained. On day 5 PI, the infected squabs had greenish watery diarrhea, weakness, rough feathers, and decreased food intake. The pre-patent and patent durations were six and fourteen days PI, respectively. The shedding of oocysts began on day 6 PI and peaked on day 8 PI. In the duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine, histopathological investigation indicated the presence of three schizont stages, macro- and micro-gametes, and oocysts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Egypt to explore the course of E. labbeana infection in domestic pigeons.

EFFICIENCY OF THE COMPLEX DRUG CYSTODEZ-ULTRA AGAINST EIMERIA SPP. OOCYSTS IN BROILER CHICKENS

The practice of successful poultry farms shows that the prevention of poultry parasitoses includes a complex of therapeutic and prophylactic measures aimed both against exogenous oocysts in the environment and against endogenous stages of the pathogen inside the bird's body with the use of modern antiparasitic drugs. In view of the foregoing and special resistance of Eimeria oocysts in the environment, it is possible to create an effective disinfectant against them using several active ingredients and excipients. Among these drugs, we should note glutaraldehyde, crystalline iodine and potassium iodide when used together at optimal concentrations. The experiments were carried out from August to October 2019 in the laboratory and vivarium of the Institute on 60 14-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chickens. Working solutions of Cystodez-ultra in different concentrations were prepared in advance, as well as a buffer solution WSH for preserving bird feces. Cystodez-ultra is a complex drug in a liquid form for disinfection of veterinary supervision objects and prevention of invasive diseases of birds. In the test, the chickens of the first, second and third groups were administered 1 ml of a suspension of Eimeria spp. oocysts treated with 3, 4 and 5% solutions of Cystodez-ultra orally using a micropipette; the fourth group was also administered 1 ml of a suspension of Eimeria oocysts treated with Phenol solution 4%. Broilers of the fifth group were administered a suspension with sporulated Eimeria spp. oocysts at a dose of 2000 per 1 ml not treated with a disinfectant - the infected control, and the sixth group 1 ml of WSH buffer solution - non-infected control. During the experiment, the chickens were followed up daily paying attention to their general condition, behavior, appetite, and visible physiological changes. According to the study results, the intense-effectiveness of Cystodez-ultra in 3, 4 and 5% concentration against sporulated Eimeria oocysts was 93.08, 100 and 100%, respectively, and Phenol in 4% concentration 76.92%. The number of oocysts in 1g of feces in the infected control was 4680 specimens, and the chickens of the uninfected control remained free from the invasion at all times of the study.

DYNAMICS OF INVASION OF YOUNG TURKEY EIMERIA SPP. IN THE PROCESS OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CYCLE OF THEIR CULTIVATION

Among the different sub-branches of poultry farming, turkey breeding is especially attractive due to the intensive production technology and biological characteristics obtained from turkey products. Based on the experience of turkey farming and analysis of the literature, it is obvious that with the development of industrial turkey breeding, a problem arises associated with the pathology of this species of birds, the study of which has not yet been given due attention. To establish the infestation with intestinal parasitic protozoa of young turkeys in the form of the disease Eimeria spp. in 2020 from a specialized turkey breeding farm of the Penza region of Central Russia, samples of feces were examined for the presence of invasive elements. For research coproscopic methods of Fülleborn and Darling were used. Young turkeys of different ages were examined for eimeriosis by the method of intravital coproscopy. On the farm of the Penza region, turkeys were examined from 7 days of age until the full completion of the technological cycle every 14 days by examining at least 20 fresh samples of feces. The study of the dynamics of the invasion of young turkeys with eimeria in the process of the technological cycle of their rearing showed that the greatest infestation of males fell on 35–49 days of age, EI – 30–45%. In young females, the invasion of eimeria was noticeably lower, the peak of infection was at 35–49–63 days of age, EI – 5–30%. The drug Monensin used by us as a coccidiostatic agent in the recommended dose and scheme provided satisfactory efficacy, preventing the clinical manifestation of coccidiosis in young turkeys during the technological cycle of their rearing. Based on the real epizootic situation at poultry farms, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive therapeutic and prophylactic measures against the noted parasitoses, taking into account the exo- and endogenous stages of parasite development.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST COCCIDIA OF PIGLETS IN A SOW HOUSE

A comprehensive program against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs was tested in the conditions of a pig farm in the Moscow Region in a sow house divided into four sectors with 40 sows in each. For disinfection of sectors 1 and 2 during the preparation of the pig house, Kenocox 4% complex disinfectant was used in the recommended dose and exposure. For disinfection of sectors 3 and 4 (baseline scenario), we used a recommended dose of a hot sodium hydroxide solution 4%. Sows were transferred for farrowing 5 days after showering and treatment of their skin. Residual contamination of environmental objects was established 24 hours after disinfection. After farrowing, the piglets aged 3–5 days from 1-2 sectors were administered a suspension of toltrazuril 5% at a single dose of 30 mg of the active substance per 1 kg of weight orally as a therapeutic and prophylactic course. The piglets from 3-4 sectors served as a control and were administered saline solution in a single dose of 1 ml orally. The comprehensive measures against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs had a positive effect on the biosecurity level of the sow house and influenced the production and economic indicators. The survivability of piglets in the experimental group after complex measures against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs was 7.1% higher than the control group, and the increase in live weight in the experimental group was 13.9% higher. Feed consumption per unit of liveweight gain in the experimental group of piglets was 12.1% less than the control. The economic effect of the comprehensive measures against coccidia in pigs as compared with the control animals per one animal was 248.5 Rubles.

Measures against exo- and endogenous stages of pig coccidia in industrial farms

Studies conducted in different regions of the country have shown that piglets up to 30 days of age are infected with isospores from 10 to 60%, with an invasion rate of 2 to 50 specimens in the field of view of the microscope. The average extensiveness of eimerious infestation in pigs across the country was 25.2%, with fluctuations in federal districts from 10.5 to 35.2%. The authors have tested and propose toltrazuril and diclazuril against the endogenous stages of young pig coccidia. Kenocox and Aymericide showed encouraging results against the exogenous stages of coccidia in the disinfestation of pigsties. High efficiency is obtained from the complex use of drugs against exogenous and endogenous stages of coccidia.

The immunomodulatory activity of secnidazole-nitazoxanide in a murine cryptosporidiosis model.

Introduction. Cryptosporidium parvum causes intestinal parasitic infections affecting both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals.Gap statement. Given the absence of effective treatments for cryptosporidiosis, especially in immunodeficient patients, the present study was designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of secnidazole (SEC) and its combination with nitazoxanide (NTZ) in comparison to single NTZ treatment in relation to the immune status of a murine model of C. parvum infection.Methodology. The infected groups were administered NTZ, SEC or NTZ-SEC for three or five successive doses. At days 10 and 12 post-infection (p.i.), the mice were sacrificed, and the efficacy of the applied drugs was evaluated by comparing the histopathological alterations in ileum and measuring the T helper Th1 (interferon gamma; IFN-γ), Th2 [interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10] and Th17 (IL-17) cytokine profiles in serum.Results. The NTZ-SEC combination recorded the maximal reduction of C. parvum oocyst shedding, endogenous stages count and intestinal histopathology, regardless of the immune status of the infected mice. The efficacy of NTZ-SEC was dependent on the period of administration, as the 5 day-based treatment protocol was also more effective than the 3 day-based one in terms of immunocompetence and immunosuppression. The present treatment schedule induced an immunomodulatory effect from SEC that developed a protective immune response against C. parvum infection with reduced production of serum IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10.Conclusions. Application of NTZ-SEC combined therapy may be useful in treatment of C. parvum, especially in cases involving immunosuppression.

Acroeimeria lineri (McAllister, Upton, Freed, 1988) Paperna and Landsberg, 1989 in Mediterranean Geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus): Oocyst Morphometrics, Endogenous Developmental Stages, and Molecular Sequencing Support its Placement into Acroeimeria.

Between June 2016 and June 2019, we surveyed 62 Mediterranean geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus, from Abu Rawash, Giza, Egypt, for the presence of endoparasites. In June 2016, we found 3 individuals to be infected with Eimeria lineri. We studied the morphology and inner structures of its sporulated oocysts, and the locations of its intestinal endogenous stages. We also extracted genomic DNA from these sporulated oocysts and successfully sequenced a 632-bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analyses using this partial sequence allowed us to support previous studies that assigned E. lineri to the genus Acroeimeria. Our consensus sequence was used to query similar 18S rDNA sequences from GenBank, and 14 sequences were selected. The phylogenetic analysis inferred by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods gave similar results, as both separated the sequences into 2 clades: (1) a monophyletic group of Goussia species (from fish); and (2) a strongly supported clade that separated 4 Choleoeimeria species from a polyphyletic group of species that clustered A. lineri with 3 other Acroeimeria species and 3 Eimeria species from lizards, including Eimeria tiliquae from Tiliqua rugosa (Gray, 1825), Eimeria tokayae from Gecko gecko (L., 1758), and Eimeria eutropidis from Eutropis macularia (Blyth, 1853). Our study supports the placement of E. lineri into the Acroeimeria and contributes additional life history information toward understanding the evolutionary origin of the Eimeria-like species that have sporocysts without Stieda bodies in their oocysts and that infect saurian reptiles. We also support the concept that several traits (morphological, endogenous, and gene sequences) are both necessary and important for authors to include when making generic reassignments within the eimeriid coccidia.

Light Microscopic Study of Caryospora sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Savigny’s Agama Trapelus savignii (Reptilia: Agamidae) in Egypt

Developmental stages of a suggested new speciesof CaryosporaLeger, 1904 were described from the agamid lizards Trapelus savigniicaptured during summer 2019 from the Eastern Desert in Egypt. Overall recorded prevalence is 11.65% (12/103) and sporulation is endogenous. Sporulated oocysts are subspherical (70%) to spherical (30%) measuring 22.29–35.74 ×20.91–32.89 μm (length × width). The oocyst wall is bilayered, smooth, and measures 1.46–2.00 μm. Distinctive features of most oocysts include the presence of a sutured edge-like extension on one side of the oocyst wall and the ability of sporocyst contents to form a condensed curved mass within the sporocyst cavity. One or rarely two polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid to ellipsoidal measuring 17.17–22.76 × 12.86–16.76 μm. The morphometric descriptions and measurements of Stieda, sub-Stieda bodies, and sporocyst residuum are determined. Sporozoites are sausage-shaped and measure 5.69–8.59 × 2.08–3.29 μm. Merogonic stages and microgamonts occur mainly in the enterocytes of the small intestine. Endogenous stages are seen mostly with clear large parasitophorous vacuoles. Mature meronts measure 3.95–7.60 × 3.37–7.24μm and yield 3–11 merozoites with the formation of a residual body.Merozoites are banana-shaped measuring 2.51–3.29 × 0.72–1.20μm. A microgamont is noticed measuring in 9.53 × 8.42 μm.