Protozoan Eimeria Research Articles

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Diclazuril in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) and Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

Coccidiosis, caused by the protozoan Eimeria, is a significant disease in poultry farms worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. Triazines, benzene-aceto-nitrile derivatives, are widely employed in the field of veterinary healthcare to combat the hazardous impacts of protozoan parasite infestation comprising coccidiosis. The current research was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of diclazuril, a member of triazines, in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) and domestic pigeons (Columba livia) following single oral administration at 0.3 mg/kg body weight. 78 Quails (male: female, 1:1, 7 weeks old) and 78 pigeons (male: female, 1:1, 4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 13 groups for each species (n=6 birds/ group). Plasma samples were obtained at various time intervals (at time 0 [preceding diclazuril administration], and 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours after diclazuril administration) to determine its concentration utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The non-compartmental approach was applied to assess the pharmacokinetic parameters via the aid of WinNonlin 8.3 software. In quails and pigeons, the peak plasma concentrations were 5.35 and 9.14 μg/mL attained at 8 hours, respectively. Additionally, the elimination half-lives (T1/2λz) were 30.74 and 26.48 hours, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last sample (AUC0-last) values were 155.67 and 343.57 μg h/mL, respectively. The mean residence time was 30.71 hours in quails and 39.68 hours in pigeons. Diclazuril exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics after oral administration at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg in quails and pigeons. However, to adjust the dosage regimen for curing coccidiosis, a future study is warranted to determine the clinical efficacy against coccidia infection. Moreover, further investigation is needed to evaluate the tissue residues and calculate the withdrawal time of diclazuril in quails and pigeons.

Expression of Toll-like receptors and host defence peptides in the cecum of chicken challenged with Eimeria tenella.

Chicken coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria protozoa, affects poultry farming. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and host defence peptides (HDPs) help host innate immune responses to eliminate invading pathogens, but their roles in Eimeria tenella infection remain poorly understood. Herein, 14-day-old chickens were treated orally with 50,000 E. tenella oocysts and the cecum was dissected at different timepoints. mRNA expression of 10 chicken TLRs (chTLRs) and five HDPs was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. chTLR7 and chTLR15 were upregulated significantly at 3 h post-infection while other chTLRs were downregulated (p < .05). chTLR1a, chTLR1b, chTLR2b and chTLR4 peaked at 36 h post-infection, chTLR3, chTLR5 and chTLR15 peaked at 72 h post-infection and chTLR21 expression was highest among chTLRs, peaking at 48 h post-infection (p < 0.05). For HDPs, cathelicidin (CATH) 1 to 3 and B1 peaked at 48 h post-infection, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 peaked at 96 h post-infection, and CATH 2 expression was highest among HDPs. CATH2 and CATH3 were markedly upregulated at 3 h post-infection (p < .05). The results provide insight into innate immune molecules during E. tenella infection in chicken, and indicate that innate immune responses may mediate resistance to chicken coccidiosis.

Automated Image Analysis for Detection of Coccidia in Poultry.

Coccidiosis, caused by the protozoan Eimeria sp., is one of the most common and costly diseases impacting the poultry industry. To establish effective control measures, it is essential to identify these protozoa. Typical methods for identifying and determining the severity of the protozoal infection include intestinal lesion scoring or enumeration of the protozoal oocysts in fecal samples. Standard analysis methods require highly skilled technicians or veterinarians to manually identify and manually enumerate these protozoal parasites. This process is labor intensive, time-consuming, and susceptible to human error. None of the current methods available, including molecular flow cytometry or even digital image analysis, can determine if an oocyst is sporulated or not. Oocysts are not infectious until they sporulate. The goal of this study was to design an automated model using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to expedite the process of enumeration, improve the efficiency and accuracy of the species identification, and determine the ability of the oocysts to infect. To this end, we trained and evaluated computer vision models based on the Mask RCNN neural network architecture. A model was trained to detect and differentiate three species and to determine sporulation for each (totaling six detection groups). This model achieved a mean relative percentage difference (RPD) of 5.64%, representing a slight overcount compared to manual counts, averaging across all groups. The mean RPD for each group individually fell within a range from -33.37% to 52.72%. These results demonstrate that these models were speedy and had high agreement with manual counts, with minimal processing of field-quality samples. These models also could differentiate the sporulation status of the oocysts, providing critical diagnostic information for potential field applications.

Coccidiosis infection and growth performance of broilers in experimental trials: insights from a meta-analysis including modulating factors

An infection by protozoa Eimeria spp. can cause coccidiosis, which negatively affects broiler chicken performance and causes economic and production losses. To understand the effect of coccidiosis on broilers' performance, we evaluated the independent variables and their interactions on the severity of coccidiosis in broilers that cause variation (Δ) of average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain per feed (G:F) of broiler chicks using a meta-analysis approach. A database of 55 papers describing 63 experiments was gathered; broilers were challenged by Eimeria species (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, and mixed) and at least 2 variables among ADFI, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were studied. The variation induced by the challenge was calculated relative to the control group of each experiment. The indirect factors evaluated were days postinfection (DPI), Eimeria type and dose, infection age (IA), bird's mean age in the analyzed period, genetic line, sex, and whether they were raised in a cage or a pen. Graphical, correlation, and variance analyses were performed to evaluate the form of the responses. Then, a linear plateau model was adjusted for each response variable as a function of DPI to determine the consequences of the disease on the variation of performance over time after infection. The impact of the infection challenge on the variation of performance vs. nonchallenge broilers was only impacted by DPI (P < 0.05). The adjustment of the data with the linear plateau model allows us to determine the host response to the coccidiosis disease at different stages. At 5 DPI (acute phase), ΔADFI, ΔADG, ΔG:F were of -19.0; -39.8, and -25.5, respectively. After almost 13 DPI birds achieved the recovery phase for all variables with Δ varying from -19 to -3.75% for ADFI, from -39.8 to -10.5% for ADG, and from -25.5 to -7.24% for G:F. The Eimeria impact was higher in ADG than ADFI in all periods due to Eimeria aggressive action form causing lesions in gut epithelial reducing the use of nutrients and energy. The results can be used as a quantitative approach to determine the consequences of Eimeria spp. on broiler performance.

First report on the molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Bovine coccidiosis, caused by the protozoa Eimeria, is an important parasitic cattle disease that affects animal health and has economic impact worldwide. This study was conducted to report the first molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, and to identify the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection. From July 2020 to October 2021, 296 fecal samples were collected from dairy cattle divided into three age groups, including <3-month-old calves, 3-month-old to 1-year-old calves, and >1-year-old cattle. Eimeria spp. were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying 18S RNA gene and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Information regarding all associated risk factors was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using logistic regression tests in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. Polymerase chain reaction results showed that 104 (35.13%) of 296 samples were positive for Eimeria spp. The <3-month-old calves (46.51%) had the highest infection rate. Moreover, multiplex PCR identified five species of Eimeria, namely, Eimeria bovis (32.69%), Eimeria zuernii (18.26%), Eimeria alabamensis (5.76%), Eimeria ellipsoidalis (3.84%), and Eimeria cylindrica (2.88%). An association was observed between risk factors and Eimeria spp. incidence (p < 0.05). DNA sequencing revealed the similarity of each Eimeria spp. with 91%-100% nucleotide identity. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated the close relationships of clusters of E. bovis and E. zuernii, E. ellipsoidalis, and E. cylindrica and another cluster of E. alabamensis. The results confirm that Eimeria spp. are commonly found in dairy cattle, especially calves. The molecular test could be powerful for species identification. This study also provides epidemiological information for developing future strategies to control bovine coccidiosis.

Comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome in chickens after Eimeria tenella infection.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria protozoa, which endangers the health and growth of animals, and causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide every year. Studies have shown that poultry gut microbiota plays an important role in preventing the colonization of pathogens and maintaining the health of the host. Coccidia infection also affects host gene expression. However, the underlying potential relationship between gut microbiome and host transcriptome during E. tenella infection in chickens remain unclear. In this study, metagenomic and transcriptome sequencing were applied to identify microbiota and genes in cecal contents and cecal tissues of infected (JS) and control (JC) chickens on day 4.5 postinfection (pi), respectively. First, microbial sequencing results of cecal contents showed that the abundance of Lactobacillus, Roseburia sp. and Faecalibacterium sp decreased significantly after E. tenella infection (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella pectinovora increased significantly (P < 0.05). Second, transcriptome sequencing results showed that a total of 434 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified, including 196 up-regulated and 238 down-regulated genes. These differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and immunity, such as GAMA, FABP1, F2RL1 and RSAD2, may play an important role in the process of host resistance to coccidia infection. Functional studies showed that the enriched pathways of differentially expressed genes included the TGF-beta signaling pathway and the ErbB signaling pathways. Finally, the integrated analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome suggested that Prevotella pectinovora associated with FABP1, Butyricicoccus porcorum and Colidextribacter sp. associated with RSAD2 were involved in the immune response upon E. tenella infection. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information on the microbiota and key immune genes after chicken E. tenella infection, with the aim of providing reference for the impact of coccidia infection on cecal microbiome and host.

Effects of codon optimization on expression in Escherichia coli of protein-coding DNA sequences from the protozoan Eimeria

The objective of this study was to compare the levels of recombinant protein from three Eimeria genes before and after optimization of codons for expression in Escherichia coli. Protein coding sequences from Eimeria maxima (EmaxSO7, EmaxIMP1) and Eimeria acervulina (EAH00033530) were cloned with or without prior codon optimization and expressed as polyHis fusion proteins. All three outcomes: higher, lower, or no change in the yield of amount of recombinant protein were observed suggesting that codon optimization alone for expression in E. coli does not inevitably lead to higher expression levels. Analysis of codon usage for each gene sequence revealed that, similar to other organisms, Eimeria intersperses rare and frequently used codons in protein-coding sequences. However, no relationship was observed between the predicted protein structure and the location of major and minor codons, suggesting that codon selection in this apicomplexan parasite is influenced by factors other than regional secondary protein structure.

Studi Literatur Pengendalian Koksidiosis pada Ternak Ruminansia di Lahan Kering Nusa Tenggara Timur

Coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Eimeria spp. The infective form of Eimeria is the oocyst that can be found in almost all tropical environmental conditions and the possibility of disease as an opener to other agents. The percentage of coccidiosis incidence in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is increasing from year to year, this is due to many factors that play a role in the spread of coccidiosis in livestock. One of them is the level of resistance of Eimeria oocysts, which can last a long time, so that they remain vigilant and more attention needs to be paid to prevent the spread. The purpose of compiling this literature study is to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence of coccidiosis in ruminants and control of coccidiosis in ruminants in dry land of East Nusa Tenggara. This literature study was obtained from searching and collecting from various reference sources using Google Scholar with the help of the Mendeley application. There are 53 literatures obtained and after being analyzed and known risk factors related to the incidence of coccidiosis are maintenance management, season (temperature and humidity), environmental conditions, age of livestock, and sex. Coccidiosis control in ruminants can be done with coccidiostat therapy and herbal ingredients as well as improving management this case regular sanitation and cleanliness of cages, stables for adults and young livestock, rotation of pastures, containers or feed containers on a regular basis and endeavored to avoid contamination by feces.

Maternal dietary exposure to mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 promotes intestinal immune alterations and microbiota modifications increasing infection susceptibility in mouse offspring.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi occurring in food that are toxic to animals and humans. Early-life mycotoxins exposure has been linked to diverse pathologies. However, how maternal exposure to mycotoxins impacts on the intestinal barrier function of progeny has not been explored. Here, exposure of pregnant and lactating C57Bl/6J female mice to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1; 400μg/kg body weight/day; 3 times a week) in gelatine pellets, from embryonic day (E)11.5 until weaning (postnatal day 21), led to gut immunological changes in progeny. The results showed an overall increase of lymphocyte number in intestine, a reduction of expression of epithelial genes related to microbial defence, as well as a decrease in cytokine production by intestinal type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). While susceptibility to chemically induced colitis was not worsened, immune alterations were associated with changes in gut microbiota and with a higher vulnerability to infection by the protozoan Eimeria vermiformis at early-life. Together these results show that maternal dietary exposure to AFB1 can dampen intestinal barrier homeostasis in offspring decreasing their capability to tackle intestinal pathogens. These data provide insights to understand AFB1 potential harmfulness in early-life health in the context of intestinal infections.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria Protozoa in Large Ruminants of Marathwada Region of Maharashtra State

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria Protozoa in Large Ruminants of Marathwada Region of Maharashtra State

Parasitas gastrintestinais em galinhas de raças ornamentais de um criatório particular na cidade Juiz de Fora, Brasil

To evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens of ornamental breeds from a private farm located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Fecal samples were collected from the animals individually, collecting the feces right after defecation. The collections were carried out in September 2018. The samples were packed in sterile plastic containers, identified and sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of the Centro Universitário de Valença (UNIFAA), for analysis by the simple centrifuge-float technique. Two genera of helminths, Capillaria spp. and Ascaridia spp., and the protozoan Eimeria spp. It can be concluded that the gastrointestinal parasites found in the ornamental chickens studied did not differ from the endoparasites found in conventional free-range chickens. Coproparasitological exams are an excellent, fast and cheap way to verify/identify parasitic forms, which, once diagnosed, must be fought so that they do not compromise the health of the animals, especially in cases of ornamental birds that, because they are less rustic, may be more sensitive to parasites.

First report of Eimeria sp. from Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Iran

In Iran, wild boar is distributed throughout the country, except the Central Desert. One of the important habitats of this animal is the northern mountainous area. They may pass infected faeces in these areas, which can lead to zoonotic disease, though information about parasitic infections in wild boar is rare in Iran and further study is necessary. In February 2019, a wild boar carcass was submitted to the Veterinary Parasitology Department of the Science and Research University of Tehran by the Department of Environment of Mazandaran province in order to study its parasitic infections. Faeces and the gastrointestinal tract were separated and their contents were tested using two flotation methods (Willis and Clayton-Lane), and the samples were referred to the Parasitology Laboratory of Urmia University for further study. The sample was infected with Eimeria protozoa; Eimeria porci and Eimeria neodebliecki were diagnosed based on the size and morphology factors of the isolated oocysts. This is the first report of wild boar infection by Eimeria sp. protozoa in Iran.

Endoparasitoses of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine

One of the main tasks of ecological parasitology at the present stage is to determine patterns of spread of invasive diseases of poultry in the environment through a thorough epidemiological examination, as well as to determine the main directions and factors of spread of parasites in Ukraine. Some pigeon health problems can affect their populations, but parasitic infections play an important role. Our research found that 83.3% of Eurasian collared doves examined (Streptopelia decaocto) were affected by endoparasites. The commonest helminths were Raillietina spp. with the average invasion intensity of 4.9 ± 1.3 specimens/ind., Baruscapillaria spp. and Ascaridia columbae with an invasion intensity of 4.6 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 2.1 specimens/ind., respectively. The commonest cestodes were Raillietina spp. with the extent of invasion of 52.2% and Davainea proglottina – 6.7%. The Amoebotaenia cuneata cestodes were recorded in 3 (3.3%) doves, and Echinolepis carioca – only in 2 (2.2%) doves. Six doves (6.7%) were infected with the nematode Ascaridia columbae and 5 (5.6%) – Baruscapillaria spp. Eimerian oocysts were found in 9 (10%) collared doves, and Trichomonas gallinae was recorded in 15 (16.7%) birds. According to the results of helminthological autopsy and identification of the isolated pathogens, 8 varieties of mixinvasions were identified. In association with the Rayetins, there were the protozoa Eimeria spp. and Trichomonas gallinae and the nematode Ascaridia columbae. Two-component invasions were registered in 78.6% of doves, three-component infestations in 14.3% and four-component infestations in 7.1% of birds. Mixed infection with Raillietina spp. + Ascaridia columbae was found in the small intestine of Streptopelia decaocto, which was also pathomorphologically observed to have catarrhal-hemorrhagic enteritis, which was accompanied by the formation of a large number of spotted hemorrhages on the mucous membrane, and in the places of attachment of cestodes - necrotic-caseous areas. Temperature and other weather conditions such as humidity, precipitation, etc. of the northern Black Sea coast affect the population size of intermediate host cestodes. Continuous monitoring of invasive diseases of pigeons of different species will help to take the necessary preventive measures against endoparasitoses of birds.

Endoparasitoses of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine

One of the main tasks of ecological parasitology at the present stage is to determine patterns of spread of invasive diseases of poultry in the environment through a thorough epidemiological examination, as well as to determine the main directions and factors of spread of parasites in Ukraine. Some pigeon health problems can affect their populations, but parasitic infections play an important role. Our research found that 83.3% of Eurasian collared doves examined (Streptopelia decaocto) were affected by endoparasites. The commonest helminths were Raillietina spp. with the average invasion intensity of 4.9 ± 1.3 specimens/ind., Baruscapillaria spp. and Ascaridia columbae with an invasion intensity of 4.6 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 2.1 specimens/ind., respectively. The commonest cestodes were Raillietina spp. with the extent of invasion of 52.2% and Davainea proglottina – 6.7%. The Amoebotaenia cuneata cestodes were recorded in 3 (3.3%) doves, and Echinolepis carioca – only in 2 (2.2%) doves. Six doves (6.7%) were infected with the nematode Ascaridia columbae and 5 (5.6%) – Baruscapillaria spp. Eimerian oocysts were found in 9 (10%) collared doves, and Trichomonas gallinae was recorded in 15 (16.7%) birds. According to the results of helminthological autopsy and identification of the isolated pathogens, 8 varieties of mixinvasions were identified. In association with the Rayetins, there were the protozoa Eimeria spp. and Trichomonas gallinae and the nematode Ascaridia columbae. Two-component invasions were registered in 78.6% of doves, three-component infestations in 14.3% and four-component infestations in 7.1% of birds. Mixed infection with Raillietina spp. + Ascaridia columbae was found in the small intestine of Streptopelia decaocto, which was also pathomorphologically observed to have catarrhal-hemorrhagic enteritis, which was accompanied by the formation of a large number of spotted hemorrhages on the mucous membrane, and in the places of attachment of cestodes - necrotic-caseous areas. Temperature and other weather conditions such as humidity, precipitation, etc. of the northern Black Sea coast affect the population size of intermediate host cestodes. Continuous monitoring of invasive diseases of pigeons of different species will help to take the necessary preventive measures against endoparasitoses of birds.

Ocena parametrów odchowu kurcząt brojlerów w zależności od intensywności zarażenia pierwotniakami z rodzaju Eimeria

The study was aimed to assess the rearing parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens depending on the intensity of infection with Eimeria protozoa. Two flocks were included in the analysis. One was found to be free from coccidiosis (healthy flock HF) and the other was classified as infected flock (IF). The collected data included the age of the chickens, losses (including falls and culls), body weight, weight gains, and daily feed intake. Additionally, the mean feed intake per kg body weight was estimated and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was calculated. The study demonstrated that the presence of Eimeria parasites in the rearing environment of broiler chickens had an impact on the rearing performance by increasing the demand for feed and the percentage of falls and culls during the rearing period, in comparison with chickens from the coccidiosis-free flock. Although they consumed higher amounts of feed, the coccidia-infected chickens were characterized by substantially lower weight gain values. The EPEF value on rearing day 42 in the Eimeria-infected broiler flock was by 103.66 lower than that calculated in the healthy flock.

Genetic and biological characterisation of three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units that infect chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

More than 68 billion chickens were produced globally in 2018, emphasising their major contribution to the production of protein for human consumption and the importance of their pathogens. Protozoan Eimeria spp. are the most economically significant parasites of chickens, incurring global costs of more than UK £10.4 billion per annum. Seven Eimeria spp. have long been recognised to infect chickens, with three additional cryptic operational taxonomic units (OTUs) first described more than 10 years ago. As the world’s farmers attempt to reduce reliance on routine use of antimicrobials in livestock production, replacing drugs that target a wide range of microbes with precise species- and sometimes strain-specific vaccines, the breakthrough of cryptic genetic types can pose serious problems. Consideration of biological characteristics including oocyst morphology, pathology caused during infection and pre-patent periods, combined with gene-coding sequences predicted from draft genome sequence assemblies, suggest that all three of these cryptic Eimeria OTUs possess sufficient genetic and biological diversity to be considered as new and distinct species. The ability of these OTUs to compromise chicken bodyweight gain and escape immunity induced by current commercially available anticoccidial vaccines indicates that they could pose a notable threat to chicken health, welfare, and productivity. We suggest the names Eimeria lata n. sp., Eimeria nagambie n. sp. and Eimeria zaria n. sp. for OTUs x, y and z, respectively, reflecting their appearance (x) or the origins of the first isolates of these novel species (y, z).

INTESTINAL PARASITES IN EXOTIC ANIMALS IN MOSCOW

In 2019, a study was conducted of exotic animals kept in mini zoos and domestic conditions (chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, primates, reptiles, hedgehogs, squirrels) located in the city for the presence of intestinal parasitic diseases. The study showed that 2 types of intestinal protozoa were found in ferrets: Criptosporidium sp. (4%) and Isospora sp. (8%). In rabbits, one species of helminths P. amdiguus with invasion extensity (IE) 4.1% and protozoa Eimeria sp. (10.4%) was detected. The chinchillas revealed the simplest genus Giardia sp. (46.6%). In guinea pigs Entamoeba sp. (1.6%), Criptosporidium sp. (3.3%) and Giardia sp. (5%) was identified. In sguirrels, helminth eggs of Oxyurida sp. (IE 14%) and protozoa of the genus Eimeria sp. (50%) were found. In hedgehogs – two species of helminths of Capillaria sp. (20%) and Oxyurida sp. (10%). 80% of tamarins were infected with scratches; larvae of S. stercoralis nematodes were detected in saimiri (33.3%). One species of helminths of the genus Oxyurida sp. (76.2%) and 5 species of protozoa: Criptosporidium sp. (5%), Entamoeba sp. (6.25%), Trichomonas sp. (10%), Isospora sp. (6.25%) and Nyctotherus sp. (6.25%) was identified in reptiles. Pets revealed parasites, the probability of transmission of which to humans is not excluded.

The effect of the sex, age, and breed of farmed rabbits and the choice of management system on the extensity and intensity of Eimeria infection.

Background and Aim:The most common causes of loss and diarrhea in rabbit farming are nutritional errors and coccidiosis. The infection can spread rapidly throughout a breeding area, reducing the rabbit population, and causing heavy losses. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the system of animal management on the extensity and intensity of infection by Eimeria of farmed rabbits, together with the effect of the sex, age, and breed of the rabbits themselves.Materials and Methods:The study included 91 rabbits (Flemish Giant, New Zealand White, French Lope, Vienna Blue, California White, and mixed breed) from eight domestic (small-scale) farms from Poland. The prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection were determined by the Willis-Schlaf and McMaster coprological methods. The species were determined based on oocyst morphology: Their shape, color, form index, the presence or absence of micropyle and cap, and the presence or absence of residual, polar, and Stiedé bodies.Results:Seven species of Eimeria were isolated from the tested rabbits: Eimeria magna, Eimeria media, Eimeria perforans, Eimeria stiedae, Eimeria coecicola, Eimeria exigua, and Eimeria irresidua. Most infections were found to be of relatively low intensity. No significant differences in the extensity of Eimeria protozoan infection were observed with regard to sex. However, rabbit age had a significant influence on the extensity of infection by E. magna and of Eimerian protozoans combined. The greatest extensity was observed in rabbits aged below 6 months. For all species of Eimeria, greater extensity was observed among rabbits kept in groups than individually. The system of rabbit management also had a significant influence on the intensity of infection. Those kept in groups demonstrated a significantly higher mean intensity of infection of E. magna and all Eimeria species combined than those kept individually.Conclusion:Our findings indicate that Eimeria protozoa are a common occurrence on small-scale rabbit farms. As coccidiosis treatment does not always give good results, prevention is very important in the fight against this disease. It is necessary to develop a new preventive paradigm that pays special attention to the factors that promote the spread and development of infection in domestic (small-scale) farms from Poland. For example, it would be recommended to use large, dry, bright rooms with access to the sun, as these are conducive to preventing the occurrence of coccidia infections.

Prevalence and Identification of Digestive Tract Protozoa in Goats in Labang District Bangkalan Regency

This study aims to determine the prevalence and to identify gastrointestinal protozoa in goats in Sub-district of Labang, Bangkalan Regency, Madura, Indonesia. The research was conducted in April - July 2019 with 100 samples of goat’s stool. Examination was done in the laboratory of Parasitology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University using direct smear, sedimentation and flotation methods. The result showed that goats in Labang, Bangkalan Regency were infected by protozoa Eimeria sp. and Blastocystis sp. and the prevalence was 84%. There were no significant differences in the age and sex of goats (p &gt; 0.05).

Variation in Local and Systemic Pro-Inflammatory Immune Markers of Wild Wood Mice after Anthelmintic Treatment.

The immune system represents a host’s main defense against infection to parasites and pathogens. In the wild, a host’s response to immune challenges can vary due to physiological condition, demography (age, sex), and coinfection by other parasites or pathogens. These sources of variation, which are intrinsic to natural populations, can significantly impact the strength and type of immune responses elicited after parasite exposure and infection. Importantly, but often neglected, a host’s immune response can also vary within the individual, across tissues and between local and systemic scales. Consequently, how a host responds at each scale may impact its susceptibility to concurrent and subsequent infections. Here we analyzed how characteristics of hosts and their parasite infections drive variation in the pro-inflammatory immune response in wild wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) at both the local and systemic scale by experimentally manipulating within-host parasite communities through anthelmintic drug treatment. We measured concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) produced in vitro in response to a panel of toll-like receptor agonists at the local (mesenteric lymph nodes [MLNs]) and systemic (spleen) scales of individuals naturally infected with two gastrointestinal parasites, the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus and the protozoan Eimeria hungaryensis. Anthelmintic-treated mice had a 20-fold lower worm burden compared to control mice, as well as a four-fold higher intensity of the non-drug targeted parasite E. hungaryensis. Anthelmintic treatment differentially impacted levels of TNF-α expression in males and females at the systemic and local scales, with treated males producing higher, and treated females lower, levels of TNF-α, compared to control mice. Also, TNF-α was affected by host age, at the local scale, with MLN cells of young, treated mice producing higher levels of TNF-α than those of old, treated mice. Using complementary, but distinct, measures of inflammation measured across within-host scales allowed us to better assess the wood mouse immune response to changes in parasite infection dynamics after anthelmintic treatment. This same approach could be used to understand helminth infections and responses to parasite control measures in other systems in order to gain a broader view of how variation impacts the immune response.