Oocysts Per Gram Research Articles

Infection dynamics of Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae in a Swedish dairy herd

In order to investigate the infection dynamics of Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae, a Swedish dairy farm known to be free of C. parvum was recruited for a one-year study. Fecal samples were collected every four weeks (a total of 13 occasions) from 20 randomly selected calves younger than 65 days. A total of 238 feces samples were collected directly from the rectum and then examined with immunofluorescence microscopy; those positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were further processed by molecular species determination. Oocysts were found in 92 samples, and in 72 of these the species was successfully determined: 87.5% C. bovis, 9.7% C. ryanae and 2.8% a mix of both species. No C. parvum was found. The prevalence of shedding calves was highest at ages 4 and 5 weeks; however, the feces with the highest oocyst per gram (OPG) were registered at 2–4 weeks of age. This is earlier than what has been found in most other studies, indicating that the infection dynamics of C. bovis/C. ryanae may be affected by the presence of C. parvum. The OPG for the positive calves ranged from 200 to 1.1 × 106 (geometric mean 6.88 × 103). The youngest calf in which C. bovis was identified was 5 days old, and the youngest calf in which C. ryanae was identified was 15 days old. Calves’ housing type and seasonality were not associated with differences in the shedding of oocysts. Furthermore, there was no association between the presence of diarrhea and oocyst shedding.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in cattle and swamp buffalo of Guwahati, Assam, India

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (G.I.) parasitic infections in cattle and swamp buffalo of Assam, India. A total of 3597 fecal samples of cattle (2339) and buffaloes (1258) were examined for presence of parasitic infections. Examinations revealed an overall prevalence of 58.35% and 29.80% infections in cattle and buffalo, respectively. In cattle, Strongyle sp. (18.76%) was predominant followed by Eimeria sp. (11.97%), Amphistome sp. (8.72%), Strongyloides sp. (3.76%), Moniezia sp. (2.65%), Toxocara vitulorum (1.32%), Buxtonella sulcata (0.81%), Trichuris sp. (0.72%), Fasciola gigantica (0.47%) and Bunostomum sp. (0.38%). In buffalo, Amphistome sp. (8.90%) was predominant followed by T. vitulorum (5.64%), Strongyle sp. (5%), Eimeria sp. (4.53%), Strongyloides sp. (1.35%) and Trichuris sp. (0.47%). Mixed infections with more than one species were recorded in 8.76% and 3.89% cattle and buffalo, respectively. The egg per gram (EPG) of feces in cattle and buffalo was 582.44±8.13 and 475.86±11.29, respectively while oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces was 425.00±20.37 and 251.75±22.35, respectively. Correlation of rainfall and temperature with EPG/OPG of cattle and buffalo was highly significant (P less than 0.01) while correlation of relative humidity (Av.) with EPG of cattle and buffalo was significant (P less than 0.05). Multiple linear regressions explained about 98.10% of total variance in EPG of cattle with environmental variables. 89.10% of total variance in EPG of buffalo was explained in multiple linear regressions due to environmental variables. This shows that the climate in this region is exclusively conducive for the development and propagation of parasites.

Prevalence and risk factor assessment of bovine Eimeriosis in internal drainage dry zone of Rajasthan (India)

The examination of 609 faecal samples, randomly collected from Internal drainage dry zone of Rajasthan from September 2016 to August 2017 for prevalence of various species of Eimeria affecting the health of dairy animals, revealed an overall prevalence of 32.68%. Risk assessment analysis revealed highest prevalence in native cattle (33.04%), followed by crossbred cattle (32.75%) and buffaloes (32.46%) in decreasing order of prevalence having non-significant difference. Severity analysis based on the estimation of oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces revealed mild to moderate infection of Eimeria spp. ranging from 300–2500 with an average of 1450±334.42 OPG in dairy animals of study area. Microscopic examination of sporulated oocysts revealed the presence of six morphotypes of Eimeria viz., E. bovis (38.2%) as the major contributor to coccidia population, followed by E. zuernii (16.4%), E. cylindrica (15.4%), E. auburnensis (13.4%), E. pellita (11.4%) and E. alabamensis (5.2%) in a decreasing order of prevalence.

USING OF DICLAZURIL IN ATTENUATION OF EIMERIA SPECIES FOR INDUCTION OF PROTECTIVE IMMUNITY AGAINST COCCIDIOSIS IN LAYER CHICKS

This study was conducted to evaluate the attenuating ability of diclazuril treatment on Eimeria species mix oocyst during and after sporulation for protection of layer chicks against Eimeria infection. Field isolates of Eimeria oocysts were collected and propagated in chickens to obtain a continuous source of oocysts. The collected un sporulated oocysts divided into two parts: the first part treated by diclazuril 20% during sporulation for 48h, while, the second part subjected for sporulation firstly, then treated by diclazuril 20% for 48h. The treated oocysts used in immunization of layer chicks at 4th day of age. Chicks were divided into 6 groups: two groups inoculated by 20% diclazuril treated oocysts. The third group immunized by commercial live vaccine (Coccivac D) and fourth group inoculated by un treated oocyst. Two control groups (control infected un immunized group and control un infected un immunized group). At 21 day of age, chicks were challenged by 7.5 x104 oocyst. The post immunization evaluation showed significant decrease in bloody diarrhea score, lesion score and oocyst shedding of diclazuril treated and commercial vaccine groups compared to the group inoculated by un treated oocyst. While the post challenge evaluation revealed a significant decrease in oocyst per gram (OPG) count, lesion value and bloody diarrhea score with improved weight gain in diclazuril treated groups compared to commercial vaccine group and control infected un immunized group. Also, diclazuril treatment showed excellent anticoccidial indices compared to commercial vaccine and un treated oocysts groups. The results of this study proved that diclazuril 20% concentration is effective in attenuation of Eimeria species oocyst and induced a significant protactive effect against challenge in layer chicks.

Anticoccidial effects of Artemisia annua ethanolic extract: prevention, simultaneous challenge-medication, and treatment

The effect of Artemisia annua ethanolic extract (AE) as a potential source of herbal anticoccidial activity was investigated on experimental coccidiosis in chicken. One hundred ninety-two one-day-old chicks were divided in to 8 groups (n=24) including AE prevention group, AE-treated group, simultaneously challenged AE-medicated group, challenged-untreated group (positive control), unchallenged-untreated group (negative control), salinomycine prevention group, salinomycine-treated group, and simultaneously challenged salinomycine-medicated group, in a completely randomized design. Oral challenge carried out by a suspension containing a mixture of 200,000 oocysts Eimeria acervulina, 30,000 oocysts Eimeria necatrix, and 20,000 oocysts Eimeria tenella on day 21 of age. Weight gain in AE prevention group significantly increased compared to positive control group (p<0.05). Unlike salinomycine prevention group, the food conversion ratio (FCR) of AE prevention group was not significantly higher than negative control. Oocyst per gram (OPG) in simultaneously challenged AE-medicated group had no significant difference, while for 38% of the days, in simultaneously challenged salinomycine-medicated group significantly decreased (p<0.05). The food intake of AE-treated group had no significant difference with salinomycine-treated group (p>0.05). In half of the days of OPGs sampling, AE-treated group was reduced significantly compared to positive control group (p<0.05). Collectively, the in vivo study of anticoccidial effects of AE in the prevention section was more effective than the treatment section, while the treatment section was more effective than the simultaneous section. We concluded that AE has a potential value to use as an herbal medicine for preventive measure in chicken coccidiosis.

Validation of a quantitative Eimeria spp. PCR for fresh droppings of broiler chickens

ABSTRACTA quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for the seven chicken Eimeria spp. was modified and validated for direct use on fresh droppings. The analytical specificity of the qPCR on droppings was 100%. Its analytical sensitivity (non-sporulated oocysts/g droppings) was 41 for E. acervulina, ≤2900 for E. brunetti, 710 for E. praecox, 1500 for E. necatrix, 190 for E. tenella, 640 for E. maxima, and 1100 for E. mitis. Field validation of the qPCR was done using droppings with non-sporulated oocysts from 19 broiler flocks. To reduce the number of qPCR tests five grams of each pooled sample (consisting of ten fresh droppings) per time point were blended into one mixed sample. Comparison of the oocysts per gram (OPG)-counting method with the qPCR using pooled samples (n = 1180) yielded a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.76–0.80) and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.70–0.81) using mixed samples (n = 236). Comparison of the average of the OPG-counts of the five pooled samples with the mixed sample per time point (n = 236) showed a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.95) for the OPG-counting method and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90) for the qPCR. This indicates that mixed samples are practically equivalent to the mean of five pooled samples. The good correlation between the OPG-counting method and the qPCR was further confirmed by the visual agreement between the total oocyst/g shedding patterns measured with both techniques in the 19 broiler flocks using the mixed samples.

Molecular epidemiology and point mutations in ITS1 and 18S rDNA genes of Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and E. christenseni isolated from Indian goats

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Eimeria was carried in goats reared under semi-arid region of west Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 1285 faecal samples from different goat breeds (Jamunapari, Jakhrana and Barbari) were examined for presence of Eimerian oocysts over a period of eight months along with faecal oocysts count. All raw data of faecal oocyst counts (FOC) were transformed by loge (OPG+ 100) before analysis. All fixed effects like breed, age, months of sample collections along with their interaction were considered in analysis. The overall prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats was 73.85%. Breed wise prevalence in Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana breed was 68.62, 79.70 and 72% respectively. Prevalence observed in 2-6M, 6-12M and >12M was as 70.83, 79.88 and 71.74% respectively. Gender wise prevalence as observed in male and female goats was 71.95 and 74.43% respectively. In oocyst per gram (OPG) data analysis the fixed effects like breed, age, months of sample collection and age versus gender interaction had significant effect on log transformed faecal oocysts counts (LFOC). The overall least square means of OPG was 4.673±0.007 (1403OPG). Of the three goat breeds, Jamunapari had highest OPG (2886OPG) compared to Jakhrana (875OPG) and Barbari (523OPG). Mean OPG in 2-6month age goats was significantly higher than the corresponding values in 6-12 and >12months, significant variation was found among monthly OPG means and wet months showed higher faecal oocysts discharge. Nine Eimeria species were identified infecting goats and E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae were most frequent and predominant species. Molecular characterization for coccidial infection was conducted using two genes i.e. 18S rDNA and ITS-1 genes which amplified 637bp and <500bp (E. ninakohlyakimovae) and >500bp (E. christenseni and E. alijevi) respectively. The ITS1 gene was analysed by sequencing, E. christenseni was found showing nucleotide similarity with E. bovis and E. ellipsoidalis whereas 3' end of the sequence were highly conserved. The ITS1 gene of E. ninakohlyakimovae was found more homologous to E. bovis, E. ellipsoidalis and E. zuernii but for 33rd nucleotide thymidine residue deletion and 5th position G→A mutation. The 18S rDNA sequences of E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. christenseni were studied for evolutionary divergence analysis and maximum divergence was noticed between E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. christenseni (0.0605). The phylogenetic tree showed E. ninakohlyakimovae was placed in same clade with other Eimeria spp. compared, but E. christenseni being placed in a different clade as an out-group.

Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil.

The aim of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of Eimeria species affecting sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Fecal samples of native sheep were collected during the rainy and dry seasons. The degree of infection was determined by counting oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, and the morphometric method was used for species identification. Oocysts were found in all the properties assessed, in which 68.3% of the animals were infected. The prevalence of oocysts was influenced by the season and animal category (P<0.05). It was higher during the rainy season than the dry season (80.2% vs. 55.8%) and highest in young animals than the adults animals (68.2% vs. 39.6%). The OPG was lower during the dry season (1,269 ± 312 vs. 4,400 ± 1,122). Ten species were found; of these, E. ovinoidalis, E. granulosa, E. faurei, and E. crandallis were the most frequent. E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis were found in all properties, with their prevalences being 19.4% and 13.6% respectively. The high prevalence of pathogenic species shows that eimeriosis is a risk for animals raised extensively in the semiarid region.

Effect of Sapindus rarak powder as feed additive on performance and lipid profile of broiler chicken infected by Eimeria tenella

Sapindus rarak fruits have bioactive compound named saponin which are potential to inhibit growth of protozoa and reduce cholesterol. This study was conducted to evaluate effect of lerak (Sapindus rarak) powder as microparticle on performance and lipid profile of chicken broiler that was infected by Eimeria tenella. A total of150headsof DOCwere assign to recive on of5 treatments : T1 (K+, TAk, TSRa, TIE), T2 (K-, TAk, TSRa, IE), T3 (Sal, IE), T4 (Sra 2,5, IE), and T5 (Sra 1,25, IE); each treatment consisted of 6replications with 5birds per replications in battery cage for 34 days . All chickens except those in control positive treatment (non-infected, non-medicated) were inoculated orally with 6000 oocysts E. tenella on the 14th day of age. Variables measured were body weight gain , carcass , OPG ( oocysts pergram of faeces) , lipid profile , and mortality . Treatment with S. rarak , dose of 1.25g/kg was not significantly different from the salinomycin treatment on BWG and feed conversion . Percentage of carcassand organs and blood cholesterol concentration were not significantly differentin all treatments , but blood triglyceride at S. rarak addition with doseof 2.5, 1.25g/kg and salinomycin addition with dose of 0.5g/kg , and negative control were lower than positive control . While number of OPG in faeces ( days 14-34 ) showed that S. rarak powder with dose of 2.5 and 1.25g/kg suppressed the development of oocysts of E. tenella . In conclusion, S. rarak microparticle (75µm) can be used as feed additive to replace salinomycinas coccidiostat.

The efficacy of a poultry commercial anticoccidial vaccine in experimental challenge with Eimeria field isolates

BACKGROUND: The control of coccidiosis in poultry industryis dominated by prophylactic chemotherapy; however,drug resistance is a serious problem. Alternative control methodssuch as vaccination have been accepted as a practical method forcontrolling coccidiosis in chickens. Considering the immunologicalvariation of Eimeria strains, the efficacy of live coccidiosisvaccines may be compromised. OBJECTIVES:To evaluatethe efficacy of a commercial anticoccidial vaccine in poultry,vaccination was followed by experimental challenge with 3Eimeria field isolates. METHODS: The efficacy of Livacox® Qanticoccidial vaccine was evaluated on male broiler chicks,reared in battery cages. Different factors including weight gain,FCR, OPG (oocysts per gram of feces) and intestinal lesionscores were assessed. RESULTS: Vaccinated challenged groups(VC) gained less weight than the un-vaccinated un-challenged(UVUC) birds (p£0.05). Fourteen days post-challenge, theweight gain of VC groups challenged with isolate 2 differedsignificantly from its un-vaccinated challenged (UVC)counterpart; however, there were no significant differences inweight gain of groups challenged by isolates 1 and 3 with theirrespective UVC groups. Lesion score and FCR weresignificantly improved in VC groups comparing with theirassociated UVC groups (p£0.05). Lesion score and FCR weresignificantly improved in VC groups comparing with their UVCcounterparts (p|£|0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present studysuggests that the use of live anticoccidial vaccine has thepotential for improving live weight gains and FCR; nonetheless,immunity to local Eimeria species should be evaluatedseparately and in trial designs it should be more approximate tothe actual field condition.

Comparsion Between Anti Coccidial Effectes of Artemisia Siberi Extract and Apacox Copmplex and Lasalosid in Experimental Infected Broilers with Coccidiosis

Increasing resistance against conventional anticoccidial drugs and consequence of their residues has paid the attention toward more effective and safe compounds. Artemisia plant and the apacox complex are potential candidates that their anticoccidial effects has been previously discusse: This study aimed to determin an appropriate dosage from the extract of Artemisia siberi and evaluate its anticcocidial effects compared to apacox complex and lasalosid drug. Artemisinin extract was extracted from Artemisia siberi by petroleum ether the apacox complex and lasalosid bought from the pharmacy by our order.105 chicks were divided in to 7 group tree replicates each (n=15).artemisia extract in two dosages 0/5 and 1/5 mg/kg for group A &B and the apacox complex in two dosages 0/5 and 1/5 gr/kg for group C&D and lasalosid in 75 mg/kg were used for the E group of broilers from the first day as feed additive . infected group(F) and non infected group(G) didn’t recive any medication . Experimental coccidiosis was induced in chicks by oral administration of 100000 oocysts/chick on 14 th day . fecal samples of each group were collected for 5 days from 15th day until 19th day and the OPG (oocyst per gram) was determined as anticoccidial index. Artemisia and apacox complex significantly decreased OPG value in treated group although it was lower than lasalosid group .artemisia extract in 1/5 mg /kg had stronger power than apacox in its two dosage and Artemisia in 0/5 mg/kg .this means Artemisia have dependent dosage effect in dosage lower than 1/5 mg/kg. This study showed that the Artemisia siberi extract can be considered as a new effective and safe anticoccidial drug although it is weaker than lasalosid

Use of pelleted sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) for natural control of coccidia and gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned goats

Infection with Eimeria spp. (coccidia) can be devastating in goats, particularly for young, recently-weaned kids, resulting in diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. Feeding dried sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don.] to young goats has been reported to reduce the effects of internal parasites, including gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) but there have been no reports of the effects of feeding this forage on Eimeria spp. in goats. Two confinement feeding experiments were completed on recently-weaned intact bucks (24 Kiko-cross, Exp. 1; 20 Spanish, Exp. 2) to determine effects of SL pellets on an established infection of GIN and coccidia. The bucks were assigned to 1 of 2 (Exp. 1) or 3 (Exp. 2) treatment groups based upon the number of Eimeria spp. oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces. In Exp. 1, the kids were fed 1 of 2 pelleted rations ad libitum; 90% SL leaf meal+10% of a liquid molasses/lignin binder mix and a commercial pellet with 12% crude protein (CP) and 24% acid detergent fiber (n=12/treatment group, 2 animals/pen). For Exp. 2, treatment groups were fed (1) 90% SL leaf meal pellets from leaves stored 3 years (n=7), (2) 90% SL pellets from leaf meal stored less than 6 months, (n=7), and the commercial pellets (n=6) ad libitum. For both trials, fecal and blood samples were taken from individual animals every 7 days for 28 days to determine OPG and GIN eggs per gram (EPG) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. In Exp. 2, feces were scored for consistency (1=solid pellets, 5=slurry) as an indicator of coccidiosis. In Exp. 1, EPG (P<0.001) and OPG (P<0.01) were reduced by 78.7% and 96.9%, respectively, 7 days after initiation of feeding in goats on the SL pellet diet compared with animals fed the control pellets. The OPG and EPG remained lower in treatment than control animals until the end of the trial. In Exp. 2, goats fed new and old SL leaf meal pellets had 66.2% and 79.2% lower (P<0.05) EPG and 92.2% and 91.2% lower (P<0.05) OPG, respectively, than control animals within 7 days, and these differences were maintained or increased throughout the trial. After 4 weeks of pellet feeding in Exp. 2, fecal scores were lower (P<0.01) in both SL-fed groups compared with control animals, indicating fewer signs of coccidiosis. There was no effect of diet on PCV values throughout either experiment. Dried, pelleted SL has excellent potential as a natural anti-coccidial feed for weaned goats.

Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of the lowland European bison Bison bonasus bonasus (L.)

Coprological studies conducted between 2007 and 2011 in free-roaming and captive European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Poland revealed 11 species of Eimeria infecting the host, i.e., Eimeria alabamensis, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria bovis, Eimeria brasiliensis, Eimeria bukidnonensis, Eimeria canadensis, Eimeria cylindrica, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria pellita, Eimeria subspherica, and Eimeria zuernii. The typical host for all isolated species is cattle. The most prevalent species was E. bovis (29.7%), while E. brasiliensis was the rarest (0.5%). Five of the species (E. bovis, E. bukidnonensis, E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. zuernii) have been observed previously in bison by other authors, 3 species were noticed by us in bison previously (E. alabamensis, E. cylindrica, E. pellita), while for 3 species (E. auburnensis, E. brasiliensis, and E. subspherica) these are new host and locality records. Oocysts of two species (E. brasiliensis, E. bukidnonensis) were noted only in the feces of bison kept in captivity. Moreover, the prevalence of positive samples was higher in the group of captive animals (55.4%) in comparison with the free-roaming herds (29.5%); although, oocysts per gram (OPG), counted with the conventional McMaster technique, was comparable in both groups, reaching maximally 6550 and 6400 in free-roaming and captive individuals, respectively. Overall, 142 fecal samples from 424 samples examined were positive for Eimeria (prevalence=33.5%). Age-related analysis revealed a higher percentage of Eimeria spp. positive samples and higher OPG values in bison under 1 year old as compared to older individuals (93.3% and 50–4050; 37.3% and 50–550, respectively). Additionally, greater eimerian species diversity was present among calves in comparison with older bison. In most cases single-species infections were observed (59.8%) with a predominance of E. bovis (85.9%). Multiple-species infections consisted of 2–7 species, usually including E. bovis. The observation was made that E. bovis infection appears conducive to the host acquiring more eimerian species. No symptoms of clinical coccidiosis occurred during the study.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a novel granulated formulation of Artemisia extract on broiler coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease in poultry industry. Owing to the development of drug resistance against Eimeria and concerns about drug residues, attentions toward the alternative compounds including herbal medicines have been increased. This study aimed to examine the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a new formulation derived from Artemisia sieberi extract on avian coccidiosis. The extract was obtained from A. sieberi using petroleum ether, and then, it was formulated into a wet granule. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old broilers were divided into six groups, each with three replicates (n = 20); the first group was chosen as the noninfected control group and the remainders were challenged by oral administration of 250,000 oocysts of Eimeria tenella per chick on day 21. Group 2 (as nontreated control) received no treatment, but group 3 (as prophylactic group) received 0.5mg/kg artemisinin 10days before challenging with E. tenella. However, groups 4, 5, and 6 received 1mg/kg artemisinin on the next day and at 24 and 48h after the challenge, respectively, for 5days. Mortality rate, bloody diarrhea score, lesion score, and oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces were used to determine the anticoccidial effects of the formulation. The granule significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mortality, diarrhea, and lesion score in the treated groups. The OPG output was also significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced in the groups that received formulation. However, there was no significant difference between the prophylactic and therapeutic groups. The results suggested that this new formulation is a promising herbal medicine that can be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic product to control avian coccidiosis.

The Lesser Egyptian Gerbil (Gerbillus gerbillus) is a suitable host for the long-term propagation of Cryptosporidium andersoni

We describe the course of infection of Cryptosporidium andersoni LI03, originally isolated from cattle, in outbred Gerbillus gerbillus (Lesser Egyptian Gerbil), Meriones unguiculatus (Mongolian gerbil), and Meriones tristrami (Tristram’s jird). While both Meriones spp. partially cleared the infection and shed a low number of oocysts (less than 15,000 oocysts per gram (OPG)), chronic infection with a mean infection intensity reaching 200,000 OPG was observed in G. gerbillus. These data suggest that G. gerbillus can be used as a laboratory model for the long-term maintenance and study of C. andersoni without the need for host immunosuppression.

EIMERIOSIS EN CRÍAS DE ALPACAS: PREVALENCIA Y FACTORES DE RIESGO.

A total of 478 fecal samples taken from healthy alpaca crias aged 1-90 days at Centro de Investigación y Producción (CIP - La Raya), Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, were processed by the sedimentation and flotation technique in saturated sugar solution to detect oocysts and by the McMaster method to determine oocysts per gram (OPG) of fecal sample. Eimeria spp were present in 418 (87.5%) of the samples with a mean of 24,017 OPG (CI of 7,534 and range 50-1,202,400). The most frequent species were E. lamae (60.4%), E. macusaniensis (50.4%), E. alpacae (45.6%), E. punoensis (30%), and E. ivitaensis (6.24%). Parasite load increased with age, 50% of 24 samples at 1-30 days were positive with an average load of 17,216 OPG, at 31-45 days 93% of 82 (28,501 OPG), at 46-60 days 85% of 144 (34,731 OPG), at 61-75 days 94% of 183 (6,564 OPG) and at 76-90 days 80% of 45 with 17,376 OPG. E. lamae comprised 41% of all coccidian oocysts at 1-30 days and the highest rate of infection (66.7%) was reached at 46-60 days, whereas E. macusaniensis was present in only 4.2% of crias at 1-30 days, but peaked (65.6%) at 61-75 days. Double, triple, and quadruple infections were found in 28.2, 28.2, and 11.2% of positive samples respectively. The coexistence of E. lamae with E. alpacae and, E. lamae with E. macusaniensi infection were common in double infections, whereas E. lamae, E. alpacae and E. macusaniensis were mainly found in triple infections, and E. lamae, E. alpacae, E. punoensis and E. macusaniensis in quadruple infections. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age range of 1-30 days (OR=1.19, CI 95%: 0.08-0.48), 61-75 days (OR=2.49, CI 95%: 1.22-5.04) and separation of offsprings (OR=0.2, CI 95%: 0.08-0.48) were associated with Eimeria spp infection.

Bovine Eimeria species in Austria

Bovine eimeriosis is considered to be of considerable importance for the productivity and health of cattle worldwide. Despite the importance of cattle farming in Austria, little is known in this country about the abundance and distribution of bovine Eimeria spp. The objective of this study was to obtain detailed information about the occurrence of different Eimeria spp. on Austrian dairy farms. Fecal samples from individual calves (n = 868) from 296 farms all over Austria (82 districts) were collected. Additionally, each farmer was questioned about the occurrence of calf diarrhea, and about the knowledge on coccidiosis and possible control measures. On 97.97% of the investigated farms, calves excreted Eimeria oocysts, and 83.67% of the individual samples were positive. After sporulation of positive samples pooled from each farm, 11 Eimeria species were found, with E. bovis (in 65.54% of the samples and 27.74% of the farms), E.zuernii (63.85%/13.86%), E. auburnensis (56.76%/13.41%) and E. ellipsoidalis (54.05%/14.38%) being the most prevalent, followed by E. alabamensis (45.61%/11.56%), E. subspherica (35.14%/5.5.05%), E. cylindrica (33.11%/7.00%), and E. canadensis (31.08%/7.74%). E. wyomingensis, E. pellita and E. bukidnonensis were only found sporadically (3.04–4.73% of the samples and 0.16–0.59% of the farms). Mixed infections were present on all farms (2–9 Eimeria species/farm). Prevalences by state provinces were high throughout with 77.1–87.9% of the samples and 93.8–100% of the farms. Lower Austria had the highest percentage of positive farms, and Vorarlberg the lowest. Individual OPG (oocysts per gram of feces) values were generally low; 75% of the samples had an OPG of 1,000 or less. The highest detected OPG was 72,400. The mean OPG was 2,525 with above average numbers in Tirol, Carinthia, and Lower Austria. The mean OPG values were significantly positively correlated with the cattle density in the different districts. The majority of the samples were from female Simmenthal calves. Clinical coccidiosis (diarrhea) was observed in 74 cases, and (semi-)liquid diarrhea (56 animals) was significantly correlated with OPG (p < 0.05). Linear regression on the OPG data showed that OPG values significantly decreased with increasing age of the calves, while the percentage of positive samples increased with age (p < 0.05 for both). The term “coccidia” was familiar to 45% of the farmers, and anticoccidial treatment was performed by 13.51% of them, most commonly with toltrazuril. Considering the ubiquitous occurrence and the possible clinical and economic relevance of calf eimeriosis, infections should receive increased attention by both farmers and veterinarians.

Health evaluation in the native Garfagnina goat

A goat population named Garfagnina, from north-west Tuscany (Italy), was studied in order to evaluate the health status in an estimated population of 2500 animals. Data were collected from 31 rural farms and 320 animals. For each farm an anamnesis was collected and a clinical examination of animals was performed; sera and faecal samples were collected and tested for brucellosis, paratuberculosis, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), tularemia and gastro intestinal parasites. All the animals tested were clinically healthy; a moderate ecto-parasitism (Ixodidae) was present without any sign of illness or scrape; a good faecal-score was recorded. Faecal sample flotation showed a moderate prevalence for Eimeria spp. oocysts (29.7%); gastrointestinal strongyles were always present. Eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) counts were low (OPG/EPG<100). According to Italian norms, all the animals tested were brucellosis free; serodiagnosis showed a 6.58% seroprevalence of CAEV, 5.26% of paratuberculosis, and 0.5% of tularemia. The sanitary conditions of the population confirmed the healthy status of the animals: sporadic positiveness seems to be correlated with the presence of wild ungulate in the same area and should be investigated further.

Prevalence of subclinical coccidiosis in broiler farms in Turkey

The presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts in fecal samples collected from 1,108 broiler houses in six regions, representing about 12% of all broiler farms in Turkey, was studied using the modified McMaster method. The age of the chickens in the 1,108 pens varied from 1 to 50days. Oocysts were found in 602 (54.3%) of these broiler houses, and the mean OPG (oocysts per gram of feces) in those samples was 36,498.7 (50-952,000). No indication of clinical coccidiosis or other clinically evident infection or wide mortality was encountered in any of the pens studied. Further study showed that the age of the chickens, the occurrence of diarrhea on the houses and the density of broiler breeding in the area correlated with subclinical coccidiosis prevalence.

Effects of Japanese Bead-tree (Melia azedarach var. subtripinnata) on Gastrointestinal Parasites in Goats

The anthelmintic effects of Japanese bead-tree (Melia azedarach var. subtripinnata) leaves and fruits on gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in goats were investigated. Fecal samples were taken from three naturally nematode-infected goats and their EPG (eggs per gram) count was analyzed. Another fecal sample was cultured at 25°C for 10 days with water extracts of M. azedarach leaves and fruits separately, and the larvae of the nematodes were counted. The water extracts of leaves and fruits significantly depressed the development of larvae compared to control (water) (P‹0.05). Oral administration of three doses (every three days) of 5 g M. azedarach leaves or 2.5 g fruits/kg BW per day had a significant effect on the reduction of EPG on the 6th and 18th day (P‹0.05), respectively, but not on OPG (oocysts per gram), indicating that leaves have a more rapid effect against nematodes than fruits. However, a blood biochemical profile revealed that liver and renal functions were not affected by doses of M. azedarach leaves or fruits. In conclusion, our results indicate beneficial anthelmintic action from both M. azedarach leaves and fruits against gastrointestinal nematodes, but not against coccidia in goats.