Pathological and parasitological studies on Toxoplasmosis as a causative agent of abortion among goats in Egypt

To investigate the role of toxoplasmosis in abortion of goats in Egypt, a total of 130 balady goats [2-3 years old], were used for this study. ELISA kit was used for detection of antibodies against T.gondii in does. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alteration were also used for diagnosis of natural Toxoplasma infection of goats. The results indicated that, out of 130 examined animals 67 [51,54%] were infected with T.gondii. The hematological findings revealed decrease in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration [normocytic normochromic anaemia], and leukocytosis. The biochemical findings were significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Also, there was significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme activity, urea and creatinine levels. The characteristic pathological lesion in aborted fetuses consists of focal or diffuse necrotic foci and infiltration with round cells in the brain, with other pathological alterations in lungs, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine. Toxoplasma organisms were demonstrated in these organs as single trophozoites, or within the cysts. The results indicated also, that clinic-pathological examination supported serologically by ELISA could be useful for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in goats. Public health aspects of T. gondii infection in goats were discussed as well

Effect of black seed oil on rabbits infected with some intestinal eimeria species

Black seed [Nigella sativa] is a herb used on large scale in veterinary practice for many purposes. The protective effect of black seed oil was studied on rabbits experimentally infected with some field strains of intestinal Eimeria species. For this purpose, 30 New-Zealand rabbits, 28 days old were divided into 6 groups. Group [1] was used as prophylactic, given N. sativa oil at a dose of 2.5 ml/ kg body weight orally for 3 weeks daily, then challenged with 6 x 104 Eimeria oocysts. Group [2] was treated with sulphadimidine 33% after being infected. Group [3] was treated as group [2], in addition to N.sativa oil for 2 weeks. Group [4] was as infected control one, while group [5]] was given N. sativa oil only. Group [6] was non infected and non treated. The results revealed a significant decrease of Eimeria oocysts in faeces of both prophylactic and treated groups. However, there were increase in phago-cytic activities of neutrophils expressed in phago-cytic percent and phagocytic index. Furthermore, N. sativa oil improved body weight gain and increased serum total protein, albumin and Albumin /Globulin ratio in treated rabbits. So, it was concluded that, N. saliva seeds which is cheap local plant, can be used as immune enhancing factor and growth stimulant in ration of animal