Oocysts Per Gram Research Articles

Oral vaccination with a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing the Eimeria tenella rhoptry neck 2 protein elicits protective immunity in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella

BackgroundChicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective measure for the prevention of coccidiosis. However, it provides limited protection with several drawbacks, such as poor immunological protection and potential reversion to virulence. Therefore, the development of effective and safe vaccines against chicken coccidiosis is still urgently needed.MethodsIn this study, a novel oral vaccine against Eimeria tenella was developed by constructing a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (NC8) strain expressing the E. tenella RON2 protein. We administered recombinant L. plantarum orally at 3, 4 and 5 days of age and again at 17, 18 and 19 days of age. Meanwhile, each chick in the commercial vaccine group was immunized with 3 × 102 live oocysts of coccidia. A total of 5 × 104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella were inoculated in each chicken at 30 days. Then, the immunoprotection effect was evaluated after E. tenella infection.ResultsThe results showed that the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the proliferative ability of spleen lymphocytes, inflammatory cytokine levels and specific antibody titers of chicks immunized with recombinant L. plantarum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The relative body weight gains were increased and the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) was decreased after E. tenella challenge. Moreover, the lesion scores and histopathological cecum sections showed that recombinant L. plantarum can significantly relieve pathological damage in the cecum. The ACI was 170.89 in the recombinant L. plantarum group, which was higher than the 150.14 in the commercial vaccine group.ConclusionsThese above results indicate that L. plantarum expressing RON2 improved humoral and cellular immunity and enhanced immunoprotection against E. tenella. The protective efficacy was superior to that of vaccination with the commercial live oocyst vaccine. This study suggests that recombinant L. plantarum expressing the RON2 protein provides a promising strategy for vaccine development against coccidiosis.Graphical

Effects of three kinds of Chinese herbs on growth performance, oocysts output and gut microbiota in growing lambs with coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis is a protozoan intestinal disease that reduces the production of the sheep industry and causes large economic losses for sheep. Although chemically synthesised drugs are routinely employed to treat coccidiosis in sheep, the anticoccidial drug resistance and drug residues in edible meat have prompted an urgent search for alternatives. Herein, the anticoccidial properties of diclazuril, a conventional anticoccidial drug, and Allium sativum, Houttuynia cordata and Portulaca oleracea were assessed. Forty 45-day-old lambs naturally infected with Eimeria spp. were selected and randomly divided into five groups. The results showed that the sheep treated for coccidiosis had considerably decreased average daily gain (ADG) during both administration and withdrawal of the drug compared to the control group. Furthermore, at days 14, 21, 28 and 35, respectively, the three herbs and diclazuril had similar anticoccidial effects, with lower oocysts per gram (OPG) than the control group. On day 78, OPG in the three herbal groups was significantly lower than in the diclazuril group. In addition, the abundance and composition of the gut microbiota were changed in sheep treated with the three herbs and diclazuril compared to the untreated sheep. Moreover, some intestinal microorganisms have a correlation with OPG and ADG when using Spearman correlation analysis. In summary, our results suggest that all three herbs produce anticoccidial effects similar to diclazuril and modulate the balance of gut microbiota in growing lambs.

Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Response to Natural Coccidian Infection in Barbari and Jamunapari Goat Breeds in Semi-arid Tropics

Background: Small ruminants like goats are considered the most resourceful and efficient animal all over the world. Eimeria species causes disease in goats associated with poor growth, diarrhoea and decrease in production, high morbidity and mortalities. The present study was conducted to analyse the haematological and biochemical parameters in response to natural coccidian infection in Barbari and Jamunapari goat breeds in semi-arid tropics. Methods: A total of 474 goats were examined; 96 goats were selected (48 Barbari and 48 Jamunapari) and divided on the basis of high (12 males and 12 females) and low (12 males and 12 females) oocyst per gram (OPG) counts of both Barbari and Jamunapari goats. The blood was aseptically collected from the jugular vein, using a 22-gauge needle for each animal separately in 5 ml blood for the haematological and biochemical estimations. Result: In haematological parameters of Barbari goats there were no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences in males and females. Although significantly higher values of RBC were observed in low OPG females, similar results were also observed in Hct, Mcv, Hb, MCH and MCHC. Whereas, in WBC, Lymphocyte, Monocyte and Granulocyte statistically had no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences among all the groups. In haematological parameters of Jamunapari goats no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences was seen in males and females of both the groups. The same group of Barbari goats were also selected for biochemical parameters and high OPG females had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher blood glucose values. The blood potassium concentration was found to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in low OPG males compared to high OPG males. The same group of Jamunapari goats were selected for biochemical parameters and ALT, total protein and globulin had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher values in high OPG females than others. A/G ratio had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher value observed in high OPG males.

Diagnosis, Hematologic Profile, and Treatment of Cystoisosporiasis in Domestic Dog

Cystoisosporiasis infection is caused by Cystoisospora spp. or Isospora spp. in dogs. Cystoisospora spp. are protozoa ordo Eucoccidiorida. Cystoisosporiasis is considered more risky in puppies. Clinical manifestations of cystoisosporiasis tend to be watery diarrhea to melena in puppies which can also be concurrent with vomiting, and tenesmus, whereas in adult dogs known as symptomatic. A female domestic dog, aged &gt;1 yo was kept indoors and had not been vaccinated or anthelmintic drugs. The dog has changed in the consistency of slightly soft feces with a frequency of defecation 1–2 times a day. Diagnose performed using microscopic fecal examination with the floating method found the presence of Cystoisospora spp. oocysts, followed by the calculation of oocysts per gram (OPG) using a two-chamber McMaster to determine the degree of Cystoisospora spp. infection. Blood examination showed leukocytosis, granulocytosis, and hypochromic anemia. The treatment was administered of 15 mg/kg BW sulfadiazine orally every 12 hours for 7 days, 14 mg/kg BW metronidazole every 12 hours for 7 days, and 300 mg Hemafort® every 24 hours for 7 days. After 7 days of treatment, we reported normal fecal consistency and negative parasitic manifestation. Prevention was done by paying attention to treatment, immediately identifying the presence of oocysts, educating owners to avoid animal distress, and maintaining a good hygiene environment.

Comparing the effect of phytobiotic, coccidiostat, toltrazuril, and vaccine on the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in broilers

This study compared 2 herbal anticoccidiosis drugs (water-soluble and feed-additive drugs) with monensin coccidiostat, toltrazuril (TTZ, anticoccidiosis drug), and Livacox Q (anticoccidiosis vaccine) in terms of their effects on the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in broilers. In this study, 280 Ross 308 broiler chickens (a mix of both genders) were used in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments and 5 replications each including 8 chickens per replicate. On d 21 of rearing, all experimental groups, except for the negative control group (NC), were challenged with a mixed suspension of common strains of Eimeria, and the intended indices were assessed, including performance indices, number of oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, intestinal injuries, and the total number of intestinal bacteria. In addition, the NC and the group receiving the monensin had greater body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.05). At the end of week 6, the monensin group had the highest feed intake (FI), while the water soluble medicine treatment resulted in the lowest feed intake (P < 0.05). Regarding the lesion scores on day 28, the highest and lowest rates of jejunal injuries were observed in the positive control group (PC), the monensin and vaccine group respectively. The rate of oocysts excretion (oocysts per gram of feces = OPG) on different days was higher in the PC group, and the use of monensin could further reduce excretion compared to the other groups (P > 0.05). Based on a comparison of the population of lactic acid bacteria between the NC and both medicinal plant treated groups, the use of these products could increase the population of these types of bacteria. Moreover, the population of Escherichia coli was less considerable in the NC and herbal powder groups (P < 0.05). Overall, similar to commercial medicines, the herbal medicines used in this project can be effective in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis and can improve profitability in broiler rearing centers by improving intestinal health.

Phylogenetic analysis of Eimeria tenella isolates from chicken of sub-tropical mountains of Meghalaya, India.

Coccidiosis is the most common and pathogenic intestinal disease caused by different species of Eimeria is chicken. In this study, we describe the prevalence, molecular diagnosis and evolutionary insight of Eimeria tenella in chicken of Meghalaya's sub-tropical mountainous area. Faecal samples (337 no.) and dead chicks (298 no.) were collected every month from January to July' 2023 from poultry farms (4nos.) in and around Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. The chicks were categorized into different age groups viz. < 3, 3-6 and > 6 weeks. Samples were examined by flotation techniques and post-mortem. The oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria tenella's 18S rRNA gene genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. Fecal sample and postmortem examinations revealed 24.04% and 33.22% infections of Eimeria sp., respectively. Oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded highest and lowest in July (26,500) and February (9800), respectively. Amplification of the 18S rRNA small subunit gene (SSU) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed a 1790bp band size. The amplicon was sequenced and deposited in the NCBI database. BLAST analyses of the SSU rRNA gene of E. tenella, Umiam, Meghalaya isolate (OR458392.1) revealed sequence similarities of more than 99% with SSU rRNA gene sequences available in the NCBI database. Pair wise alignment exhibited nucleotide homology ranging from 71.59 to 100.0% with the maximum sequence homology (100.0%) shared with the E. tenella isolate from Turkey (HQ680474.1) and the lowest homology of 95.6% with UK (HG994972.1). Umiam isolate were found to have 97.08% and 100.0% nucleotide similarities with E. tenella from both the UK (AF026388.1) and the USA (U40264.1), respectively. However, nucleotide similarities of 98.24%, 85.33%, 84.75% and 81.35% were observed with E. tenella strain Bangalore (JX312808.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-1 (JX093898.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-3 (JX093900.1) and E. tenella isolate Kerala-2 (JX093899.1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. Distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China.

Ameliorative Effect of Pomegranate Peel Powder on the Growth Indices, Oocysts Shedding, and Intestinal Health of Broilers under an Experimentally Induced Coccidiosis Condition.

Coccidiosis stands as one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic diseases in broilers. While antibiotics have traditionally been used for the control of coccidiosis, concerns related to drug residues and the emergence of resistance in chickens have prompted consumer apprehensions. In this study, 600 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups: a control group without specific treatments (NC), broilers deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella (positive control), broilers challenged with E. tenella but dosed with antibiotics (AT), and two groups experimentally exposed to E. tenella while simultaneously receiving pomegranate peel powder (PPE) at dosages of 3 g/kg (3PPP) and 6 g/kg (6PPP). The results revealed that all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly worse growth performance compared to the NC. Notably, a marked improvement was observed in birds infected with E. tenella when supplemented with 6PPP. Both 3PPP and 6PPP supplementation significantly reduced lesion scores, mortality, and oocysts per gram (OPG). Furthermore, histological examination of the cecum indicated that the villus dimensions were restored by PPP supplementation in infected birds. In conclusion, Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with 6PPP experienced an enhanced growth rate, lowered lesion scores, alleviated oocyst shedding, and improved intestinal histological dimensions.

Incidence of Eimeria spp. in Fat-Tailed Sheep Breed in Malang, Indonesia

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease that affects various animal species, including sheep. This study aimed to detect Eimeria spp. and the degree of infection in the fat-tailed sheep breed in Malang. This study used fecal samples from 62 fat-tailed sheep. Detection of Eimeria spp. was performed by using the flotation method and then observed the morphology of the oocysts found in the fecal samples of fat-tailed sheep. The positive sample was followed by the McMaster test to calculate oocysts per gram (OPG). The results showed that 20 (32%) samples were positively infected by Eimeria spp. with the degree of infection in the severe category.

Coccidiosis in Barbari and Jamunapari goats at an organized farm in semi-arid tropical region of India

The aim of the present study was to learn more about caprine coccidiosis in semi-arid tropical regions, including transformation techniques for data analysis and variables impacting faecal oocyst count in Barbari and Jamunapari goats. For this investigation, a total of 1422 goat faeces samples from two separate seasons were tested, and 1342 (94.37%) of them were positive for several coccidian species oocysts. A total of 259 animals, including 153 Barbari (77 males and 76 females) and 106 Jamunapari (45 males and 61 females), provided the 777 faecal samples from the autumn season. In contrast, 215 animals, including 110 Barbari (60 males and 50 females) and 105 Jamunapari (52 males and 53 females), provided the 645 faecal samples from the spring season. At 3.5, 6.0, and 7.5 months of age, both breeds had their faeces examined. The geometric mean of oocysts per Gram (OPG) for the Barbari breeds was greater than the Jamunapari breeds at 6.637a±0.03 (662) and 6.521b±0.03 (579), respectively. The Transformed oocysts per gram (LOPG) was also greater in females 6.651a±0.03 (673) than in males. Similar to the age comparison, the 7.5 month older animal showed a greater count of 6.858a±0.04 (851) than the 3.5 and 6.0 month old animals. The five found coccidian oocysts were Eimeria arloingi, Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae, Eimeria hirci, Eimeria caprina, and Eimeria christenseni. The oocysts Eimeria arloingi (39–45%), Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae (25–31%), Eimeria hirci (13-20%), Eimeria christenseni (6–12%), and Eimeria caprina (3–10%) were present in both breeds and seasons of male and females.

Coccidiosis in Murrah Buffalo Calves from Meghalaya's Subtropical Hilly Region

The present study reports the prevalence of coccidiosis in Murrah buffalo calves (8 nos.) of 11-22 days of age in hilly region of Meghalaya. Clinical signs observed were diarrhea, anorexia, weakness and loss of weight. Fecal sample examination by flotation and modified McMaster techniques revealed the presence of four species of Eimeria, viz., E. bareillyi (29.42%), E. zuernii (22.76%), E. bovis (36.53%) and E. ellipsoidalis (11.29%). High intensity of infection oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces was observed in infected calves. The OPG ranged from 20200 to 121000. Mortality observed when OPG exceeded 121000 which may be due to severe diarrhea, anorexia and weakness. The calves were successfully treated with Amprolium @ 10 mg per kg body weight orally for 7 days, Ceftriaxone @ 0.5 gm I/M for 5 days, Melonex @ 1.5 mL I/M for 5 days, Tribivet @ 1.5 mL I/M along with vimeral @ 10 mL orally for 3 days and fluid therapy @ 500 mL intravenously daily for 3 days. After 7 days of treatment most of the calves recovered gradually and started normal feeding.

Effects of Radix dichroae extract supplementation on growth performance, oocysts output and gut microbiota in growing lambs with coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease of sheep, that causes substantial economic losses in the industry due to its intestinal protozoan origins. Many anti-protozoan drugs including ionophores, triazines, and sulfonamides have been widely used to treat sheep coccidiosis. Still, anticoccidial resistance and drug residues in edible tissues have prompted an urgent search for alternatives. In this study, the anti-coccidial effectiveness of the Radix dichroae extract was compared to that of the conventional anti-coccidial drug diclazuril. Here, eighteen 45-day-old lambs naturally-infected with Eimeria spp. were randomly allocated in three groups: control group, Radix dichroae extract group and diclazuril group. The results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) during the treatment and withdrawal periods was considerably improved in the coccidiosis-infected sheep treated with Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril compared to the control group, respectively. Additionally, the Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril had fewer oocysts per gram (OPG) than the control group, showing similar anti-coccidial effects on days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 78, respectively. Furthermore, Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril treatment altered the structure and composition of gut microbiota, promoting the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Alistipes, and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidota, Marinilaceae, Helicobacteraceae, and Prevotella. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis further revealed a correlation between the OPG and BWG and gut microorganisms. Collectively, the results indicated that Radix dichroae extract had similar anti-coccidial effects as diclazuril, and could regulate gut microbiota balance in growing lambs.

Comparative efficacy of allopathic and herbal drugs in sheep naturally infected with coccidiosis

Development of anticoccidial resistance and concerns of drug residues have prompted the evaluation of alternatives to allopathic drugs. In current study, anticoccidial effect of amprolium was compared with that of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. Ninety (90) sheep, naturally infected with Eimeria spp. and having a minimum oocyst per gram (OPG) count of faeces above 5000 were randomly selected and divided into six groups of 15 animals each. Animals were supplemented with amprolium @ 62.50 mg/kg body weight (bw) (GI), turmeric @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GII and GIII) and ginger @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GIV and GV), orally for 7 days and GVI animals were kept as untreated infected control. Faecal samples were collected on ‘0’ day before treatment and on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after starting treatment and evaluated using Faecal oocyst count reduction test (FOCRT). The efficacy of amprolium was 93.18%, 96.82%, 95.56% and 95.80% on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, after starting treatment. Turmeric @200 mg/kg b.w. showed efficacy of 41.49%, 52.37%, 61.47% and 60.08% and turmeric @ 300 mg/kg bw was 44.92%, 54.32%, 64.21% and 61.95% effective on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. Ginger @200 mg/kg bw showed efficacy of 38.51%, 53.48%, 55.38% and 55.53% and ginger @ 300 mg/kg bw was 39.65%, 54.81%, 57.18% and 58.22% effective on 8th,14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. The results justify use of amprolium for clinical coccidiosis while Curcuma longa and Gingiber officinale could be used as natural prophylactic alternatives.

Effects of a complex probiotic preparation, Fengqiang Shengtai and coccidiosis vaccine on the performance and intestinal microbiota of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

BackgroundCoccidiosis, a prominent intestinal protozoan disease, carries significant economic implications for the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fengqiang Shengtai (BLES), a probiotics product, and coccidiosis vaccine in modulating the intestinal microbiome and providing insight into mitigating the occurrence and management of avian coccidiosis.MethodsBroilers included in the study were divided into four pre-treatment groups: the Pre-Con group (commercial diet), Pre-BLES group (BLES supplement), Pre-Vac group (coccidiosis vaccination) and Pre-Vac-BLES group (combined vaccination and BLES). Body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were monitored from age 25 to 55 days. Cecum contents were collected at 8 and 15 days of age for comparative analysis of intestinal microbiomes. In the Pre-BLES and Pre-Vac-BLES groups, probiotics were administered at a dose of 0.01 g per chicken between ages 3 to 6 days and 10–13 days. At 3 days of age, chickens in the Pre-Vac and Pre-Vac-BLES groups were vaccinated with 1700 sporulated oocysts of the live coccidiosis vaccine per chicken. At the age of 25 days, Eimeria spp. challenge experiments were performed based on the aforementioned immunization strategy, and the oocysts per gram (OPG) in the feces, intestinal lesion score and intestinal pathological characteristics were evaluated. Specifically, 30 chickens were randomly selected from each group and orally administered 34,000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. per chicken, re-defined as Eimeria group, BLES-Eimeria group, Vac-Eimeria group and Vac-BLES-Eimeria group, respectively. Additionally, 30 chickens were randomly selected from the Pre-Con group and included as negative control without Eimeria spp. challenge. Intestinal microbiota was sequenced and analyzed when the broilers were 32 days old.ResultsA significant improvement was observed in body weight gain of the broilers in the Pre-BLES and Pre-Vac-BLES group at 45 days of age. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed a positive correlation between the experimental groups receiving BLES and coccidiosis vaccines at 8 and 15 days of age with the Enterococcus genus and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, respectively. In addition to the reduced lesion score and OPG values, the combination of coccidiosis vaccine and BLES also reduced the intestinal epithelial abscission induced by coccidiosis vaccines. The results of intestinal microbial function prediction demonstrated that N-glycan biosynthesis and ferroptosis were the prominent signal pathways in the Vac-BLES-Eimeria group.ConclusionsTaken together, the results of the present study suggest that supplementation of BLES with coccidiosis vaccine represents a promising strategy for improving growth performance, alleviating clinical manifestations and inducing favorable alterations to the intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens affected by coccidiosis.

Anticoccidial Effect of Iberogol and Sulfaclozine on Broilers Experimentally Infected with Eimeria tenella

Background: Coccidiosis is a common infection among birds that is caused by Eimeria spp. (Protozoa, Phylum Apicomplexa). Eimeria is transmitted fecal-orally and replicated in the intestines. Coccidiosis causes economic losses and increases birds’ susceptibility to other diseases. Methods: In this study, the broilers were experimentally infected by Eimeria tenella and then were treated with Sulfaclozine and Iberogol. Birds were randomly divided into 5 groups (21 birds each); I: negative control, II: positive control, III: treated by Iberogol, IV: treated by Sulfaclozine, and V: treated by Iberogol+Sulfaclozine. Twenty-one-day-old chickens were infected by 10000 oocysts/ml/chicken of E. tenella. Treatments were started 1 day after oocyst observation on thirty-day-old chickens. Treatments continued for 3 days, stopped for 2 days, and again continued for the next 2 days. Results: The results were compared for OPG (oocyst per gram), AW (average weight), FCR (feed conversion ratio), and mortality rate among different groups. According to statistical analysis, the worst results were for the Iberogol group (III) among other treatment groups (IV, and V), and the most effective treatment was for the Iberogol+Sulfaclozine group (V). Conclusion: Complex herbal medications such as Iberogol can have different activities but in coccidiosis the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were more than coccidiocidal effect. Therefore Iberogol increased the efficiency of Sulfaclozine.

The Intensity of Infection and Public Health Perception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans and the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from dogs to humans calls for frequent assessment of these potential zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and the possibility of their transmission to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the presence, intensity of infection, and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs of Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 locations in Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Three hundred and five healthy dogs were sampled. Two hundred and thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) were questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Fecal samples from the sampled dogs were subjected to the direct fecal smear technique, simple fecal centrifugation flotation technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts or eggs per gram of feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Results: Seven different intestinal parasites (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Dipylidium caninum, Isospora spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., and Uncinaria stenocephala) were detected, with a prevalence ranging from 2.30% to 25.25%. Of these parasites, 6 were zoonotic. The mean intensities of infection were 91.43 eggs per gram (EPG) for D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG for S. stercoralis, 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts per gram (OPG) for Isospora spp., 165.17±19.88 for Toxocara spp., 240.00±44.42 for EPG for U. stenocephala, and 303.64±31.83 EPG for Ancylostoma spp. Some dog owners and handlers were not cautious about possible zoonotic parasite transmission from dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs are present and prevalent in Kwara Central, Nigeria. There is a need to educate the public on the possibility of zoonotic parasite transmission to humans.

Epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal infections by gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in cattle in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

The aim of the present study was to carry out an epidemiological survey on gastrointestinal infections by nematodes and coccidia in cattle herds in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. A total of 832 cattle were sampled, of both sexes and different ages, on 21 farms in 21 municipalities in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected individually to perform eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OoPG) counts in feces, and to perform fecal cultures. To assess factors associated with nematode and coccidia infections, epidemiological survey forms were applied to the farmers. The total frequency of infections by nematodes was 59.6% (496/832) and it was 36.9% (307/832) for coccidia. The levels of infection by nematodes and coccidia were most frequently low (EPG &lt; 300; OoPG &lt; 1,000), in 72.4% (359/496) and 75.2% (231/307), respectively. The most frequent nematode genera was Haemonchus spp. (78.8%). The risk factors for nematode infections in cattle were beef production trait (odds ratio = 2.99) and extensive rearing system (odds ratio = 3.8); the factors for coccidia were age ≤ 12 months (odds ratio = 2.9) and body score between 1 and 2 (odds ratio = 5.2). These results prove that there are high frequencies of gastrointestinal infections by nematodes and coccidia in cattle herds in the semiarid region of Paraíba, with predominantly low levels of infection. However, given the importance of subclinical infections, adjustments to sanitary management measures can contribute to reduction of parasite indices and better performance among the animals, thus generating greater profitability for farmers.

Dietary organic zinc and probiotic alleviate induced Eimeria tenella infection in Japanese quails model of coccidiosis.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of organic zinc (OZn) and probiotic on growth performance, oocysts number, and histological features of cecum of quails following Eimeria tenella challenge. A total of 480 Japanese quails were distributed into six treatments as follows: untreated uninfected; untreated infected; E. tenella challenge + amprolium; E. tenella challenge + OZn; E. tenella challenge + probiotic; and E. tenella challenge + OZn + probiotic. Except untreated uninfected, all groups were orally gavaged at day 8 with 5 × 104 E. tenella sporulated oocysts. Supplementation of OZn + probiotic improved (P = 0.001) growth performance compared to the untreated infected group. Lesion score of intestine and mortality was lower (P < 0.01) in quails supplemented with OZn + probiotic. Moreover, oocysts per gram (OPG) and histological dimensions of cecum in challenged birds were alleviated in OZn + probiotic. The histological findings of quails supplemented with OZn + probiotic showed normal intestinal villi with gentle sloughed epithelium. We concluded that OZn + probiotic may be safely included in the diet of Japanese quails to control coccidiosis.

Effects of a Dietary Multi-Strain Probiotic and Vaccination with a Live Anticoccidial Vaccine on Growth Performance and Haematological, Biochemical and Redox Status Indicators of Broiler Chickens.

A total of 256 male Ross 308 chickens were assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of the anticoccidial vaccine (ACV) Livacox T (none or 1 × dose) with or without dietary supplementation with the probiotic Protexin® (P). The growth performance parameters for the test periods (1-21, 22-42, and 1-42 d) and oocyst per gram (OPG) at weekly intervals were analysed. Blood samples were collected at 16 post-vaccination (pv) days to measure selected haematological, biochemical, redox, and immunological parameters. ACV administration worsened the performance parameters of the chickens for 1-21 d pv, while supplementation with P reduced this negative effect with a significant improvement in 1-21 d body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. ACV administration increased % phagocytic cells (%PC), phagocytic index (PI), respiratory burst activity, proportion of monocytes, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase, while it decreased the catalase activity and concentration of malondialdehyde and peroxides. The dietary administration of P significantly increased counts of red blood cells and white blood cells and increased %PC and PI, while it decreased the heterophil proportion, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.059), and alanine aminotransferase and AST activities. The oocyst counts were comparable in all sampling periods, except on 14 d pv, as supplementation with P significantly decreased 14 d OPG, thus indicating a positive influence of P on immunity development. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with P led to improved performance, better immunity, and benefits in health status in broilers vaccinated with the ACV, without interfering with the circulating vaccine strains.

Copromicroscopic study of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Central Zoo, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Zoological gardens (Zoo) provide abode to various threatened animals or trafficked animals seized by the authorities, and injured and orphaned animals. Captive animals are more susceptible to infection as they are under significant stress due to diet and space which further dwindle their resistance to parasitic infections. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals housed at Central Zoo. Fresh faecal samples from three orders of mammals including carnivora (n = 24), rodentia (n = 28) and artiodactyla (n = 35) were examined by direct smear, faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques, and the McMaster technique was applied to quantify parasite eggs per gram (EPG)/oocysts per gram (OPG) of a faecal sample. One or more parasite taxa were detected in 19.54% of the examined samples and five types of GIPs including one protozoon (Eimeria spp.) and four helminths (Strongyloides spp., Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. and hookworm) were recorded. The protozoan prevalence (6.89 %) was lower than helminths (12.64%). The Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent parasite (6.89%) with the highest OPG (427.77 ± 25.45SD) in spotted deer (Axis axis), and the highest prevalence was noticed among artiodactyla (34.28%) followed by carnivora (12.5%) and rodentia (7.14%). Artiodactyla had both single infection (25.71%) and double (8.57%) infection. The percentage of single infection (16.09%) was found to be higher than double infection (3.44%) among the captive mammals. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) had the highest EPG of 383.33 ± 76.37SD (Strongyloides spp.), while the spotted deer had the lowest EPG of 216.66 ± 76.37SD (hookworm). Despite careful management practices, the parasitic infection may be attributed to the narrow enclosure, group housing and environmental contamination. The present finding provides baseline information on the parasitic infection in captive mammals, and can be used by zoo managers for the better life of captive animals.

Potency of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extracts on growth performance in poultry

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of phytobiotics combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata water extracts (FOA) mixed into the feed of broiler and specific-pathogen-free chickens as an alternative to Antibiotics Growth Promoter (AGP). Performance, intestinal bacteria characteristic, and oocysts of Eimeria spp. in feces were measured and compared with the AGP-added group. The first experiment in broiler chickens compared FOA, Zinc Bacitracin (ZB, as an AGP group), and negative control. On day 28, FOA group and ZB group showed significantly higher body weight than the control group (P < 0.05). The FCR of ZB group was better than FOA group. However, FOA group displayed better microbiota profile than ZB group and negative control, with more Lactobacillus spp. and Bacillus spp., and less Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from intestines. The second experiment in specific-pathogen-free chickens showed the anticoccidial effect of FOA addition to reduce the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) from live coccidia vaccine. FOA group and Amprolium group showed OPG reduction (82.53% and 92.02%, respectively) after 7 days of treatment. In conclusion, the combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extract can function as an AGP replacement in feed.