[ study of oocyst shedding pattern and weight changes in neonatal calves experimentally infected with Cryptosporidium parvum]

Background: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite which belongs to apicomplexa phylum. The parasite infects both wild and domesticated animals and human beings as wellOBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to detect oocyst shedding and diarrhea pattern in experimental cryptosporidiosis and their correlation with weight loss in neonatal calves

Methods: Twelve Holstein calves of both sexes were obtained at birth from dairy farm and randomly divided into two groups of 6 calves. Six calves were orally infected with 10[7] C.Parvum oocysts at the 12h post parturition. The control group was not infected. Clinical signs were examined and fecal samples were collected by the rectal examination twice a day. All calves were weighed from day 0 to day 30 with 3 days intervals to determine effects of cryptosporidiosis on weight gain

Results: All infected calves were noticeably depressed and had a decreased appetite from 3 days post inoculation [DPI] while they received colostrum. Subsequently, watery diarrhea with clumps of mucus and yellow or pale changes of feces color were observed. The infected calves have had diarrhea for 5-8 days that remarkably had got dehydrated. The most severity of diarrhea was 4-6 DPI. Oocyst excretion started 4 DPI, peaked at 6 DPI [60.48×10[6] +/- 9.03oocysts/g feces] and continued until 11 DPI. Control calves had no diarrhea and other clinical signs during the whole period of the trial. The mean weight gain of control group was significantly higher than inoculated group during experiment [p<0.001]. The Weight of the infected calves was retarded until 9 days old and then risen subsequently

Conclusions: Present study showed the role of C.Parvum as the primary cause of diarrhea and weight loss among neonatal calves

Molecular detection and identification of Anaplasma species in sheep from Ahvaz, Iran

Ovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial disease, widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. In the present study, a PCR-RFLP method based on major surface protein 4 [MSP4] gene, was utilized for the detection of Anaplasma infection in 119 sheep blood samples collected from different parts of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. PCR identified Anaplasma infections in 87.4% [104/119] of the samples in contrast to the routine blood smear examination, which revealed inclusion bodies in only 33.6% [40/119] of samples. RFLP assessment revealed that all PCR positive samples were A. ovis, while for the first time in Iran, a mixed infection with A. marginale was seen in 50% [52/104] of Anaplasma infected samples. These results suggest higher sensitivity of PCR method over the conventional microscopic technique for diagnosis of anaplasmosis, particularly in carrier animals. It also revealed that ovine anaplasmosis caused by A. ovis and A. marginale is present and highly prevalent in Ahvaz and appears to be the first report from this region

[Effect of climatic factors on canine Lime borreliosis in Iranian Caspian sea littoral provinces]

Lyme borreliosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. There are no reports on this subject in dogs from Iran. Determining the serologic prevalence level of produced antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex in three Caspian littoral provinces of Iran and studying the effect of climatic risk factors on it are the first aims of this study. During the period from July to September 2009 a seroepidemiological study was conducted on 273 dogs in three Caspian provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, Iran's known habitats of tick [Ixodes ricinus]. In order to study the correlation between infection distribution and climatic factors by geographic information system [GIS], geographic position of seronegative and seropositive dogs was overlaid on climatic maps of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. Multivariate regression model and correlation matrix analyses were used for statistical analysis. From 273 serum samples in the whole studied area, 22 [8.1%] showed antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in provinces of Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan were 0.0% [0.91], 2.2% [2.91] and 22% [20.91], respectively. Mean annual temperature had positive and significant correlation with B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex seroprevalence in sampled dogs of the three north provinces [p<0.05]. Regarding the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs of three Caspian provinces of Iran, more attention must be paid to this disease, especially in Golestan province. This is the first study on the role of climatic factors in canine Lyme borreliosis in Iran

[Comparison between anticoccidial effect of granulated Artemisia siberi extract and pure Artemisinin in affected broilers]

Increasing resistance against conventional anticoccidial drugs and the consequence of their residues has paid the attention toward more effective and safe compounds. Artemisia plant is a potential candidate that its anticoccidial effect has been previously discussed. This study aimed to produce a granule from the extract of Artemisia siberi and evaluate its anticcocidial effects compared to pure Atremisinin. Artemisinin was extracted from Artemisia by petroleum ether and then formulated into a wet granule. Experimental coccidiosis was induced in chicks [n=75] by oral administration of 250000 oocysts/chick. Chicks were divided into 5 groups of three replicates each [n=15] and one uninfected group [n=15]. The infected chicks were treated by oral administration [lmg/kg] of pure artemisinin and granule formulation with three different doses [1, 2.5 and 5mg/kg artemisinin] as feed additive. The treatment was conducted for 5 successive days towever. The fifth infected group and uninfected group did not receive any medication. At the end of treatment, fecal samples of each group were collected for 5 days and the OPG [oocyst per gram] was determined as anticoccidial index. The granule formulation of Artemisia and pure artemisinin significantly [p<0.001] decreased the OPG values in treated groups [30% in treated groups Vs8% in control]. However, there wasn't significant difference between granule formulation and pure artemisinin on OPG reduction [30.39% and 30.35%, respectively]. This study showed that the Artemisia siberi granulated extract can be considered as a new effective and safe anticoccidial drug

Biopathologic characterization of three mixed poultry eimeria spp. isolates

Coccidiosis of domestic fowl, caused by species of the Genus Eimeria, is responsible for important economic losses in poultry production. Because different species and/or strains can vary in pathogenicity and other biological parameters, their precise characterization is important for epizootiological studies. Fifty samples from litter, whole intestinal tract and feces were collected from poultry houses located in different provinces of Iran. One hundred twenty male day-old broiler chicks were challenged with three selected isolates. Data on weight gain, Food Conversion Ratio [FCR], food intake, lesion scoring and shedding of oocysts per gram of feces were recorded and analyzed by the Duncan's test. In all treatments, the challenged groups had statistically significant lower weight gain than that of unchallenged control group. Isolate three caused the lowest weight gain and food intake and the worst lesion score as well as FCR. Despite originating from close geographical regions for isolates 1 and 2, the difference in biopathologic factors may be either due to different proportion of identified species or the different pathogenicity of the species present in the isolates. The results highlight the importance of considering various species of Eimeria in designing the preventive, control and treatment strategies to prevent coccidiosis in different regions of Iran. Further characterization of each isolate would be the next step to provide a basis for coccidiosis research with well-characterized local isolates

Molecular and biomorphometrical identification of ovine babesiosis in Iran

Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Microscopial observation on 154 blood smears determined 38 [24.67%] and 40 [26%] samples were infected by Babesia and Theileria respectively. The mixed infections occurred in four [2.6%] samples. The results of the PCR assays showed nine [5.85%], 81 [53%] and 18 [11.7%] were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested-PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. The causative organism of many cases of haemorprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could B. ovis or Theilera lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B.ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymorphisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differentiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis

[Effects of the administration of anticoccidial vaccines and drugs on intestinal lesions and biochemical variables of broiler chicks challenged with experimental coccidiosis]

Coccidiosis is one of the most important disease in poultry. Since using of anti-coccidial drugs or vaccination are considered as the most common preventive measures of this disease, an experiment was conducted to compare effectiveness of these methods. Nine hundred and sixty day-old male Ross broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight treatments and fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet during experimental period. Treatments 3 and 4 received salinomycin and diclazuril as coccidiostate, respectively, but did not immunize. Chicks in treatments 5 to 8 immunized with anti-coccidial vaccines [including Livacox Q, Paracox 5, Livacox T, and Iracox, respectively] by drinking water on 5 days of age. Chicks in all treatments except treatment 1 were inoculated with a suspension of four Eimeria species on 26 days of age. From 28 days of age, blood samples were taken on a weekly and serum concentrations of beta-carotene, albumin, globulin, albumin to globulin ratio, vitamin A, and total protein were measured. One week post-challenged, 6 birds in each treatment were slaughtered and intestinal lesions were scored. The results indicated that the birds fed diets supplemented with salinomycine or diclazuril had the highest concentrations of vitamin A. Serum concentration of alpha-carotene was higher in negative control [non-infected] treatment. No significant differences were observed in relation to other serum biochemical values among treatments. It was concluded that serum concentrations of vitamin A and alpha-carotene could be considered as most important serum biochemical values in coccidian-infected broilers

[Effect of concomitant use of probiotic and coccidiosis vaccine in experimental cocci-dialinfection of broiler chickens]

In order to study the effect of concomitant use of a probiotic with Lactobacillus origin [Primalac] and a coccidiosis vaccine [Paracox-5] in experimental coccidial infection of broilers, 600 day old male broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups of 120 with four replicates. Groups three, four and five received probiotic, coccidiosis vaccine and probiotic + coccidiosis vaccine, respectively. At 26 days of age all groups[except first group] were challenged orally with a suspension of sporulated oocystes of E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella. Serum carotenoid levels were determined before challenge and 6 days after that OPG of the feces was measured at 6 to 10 days post challenge. Performance parameters were also determined during the experiment. OPG of the treated groups with vaccine and /or probiotic were significantly lower than the positive control [p< 0.05]. It was concluded that and coccidiosis vaccine probiotic with Lactobacillus origin [to some extent] are able to control negative impacts of coccidial infection. In the meantime simultaneous usage of probiotic and coccidiosis vaccine, did not have any interaction with efficacy of the vaccine

[Identification of cryptosporidium parvumby PCR and its determination of protein pattern and immunogenic antigens]

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite which causes diarrhea in both human and wide range of animals. Since this protozoa causes remarkable economic losses in cattke industry in Iran, the molecular determination of porotozoa and characterization of its protein pattern and immunogenic antigend are the aim of this study. In this study, diarheatic fecal samples of calves suspected for cryptosporidiosis were collected and identified. Purification and concentration of cryptosporidial oocysts from fecal samples was performed. Oocysts were confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum by semi-nested PCR using specific primers designed from 18srRNA gene of Cryptosporidium parvum. Acalf with negative antibodies against Cryptosporidium parvunm was infected with 5 x10[6] oocysts. 5 days after inoculation, oocysts were isolated and purified. Soluble proteins from sporozoites were prepared and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. There was an intense recognition of some10 to 100 kDa, ten low molecular weight proteins were recognized between 20-40 kDa, six separated protein bands was recognized between 40-70 kDa, immunoreactive proteins were present at different molecular weights between 17-260 kDa. Three antigens of apparent molecular weights 20-30 kDa, three antigen bands between 40-60 kDa and 2 bands 70-75 kDa were identified. Antibody responses to cryptosporidial antigens at high molecular weights were successfully diagnosed with apparent molecular weights 130, 170, 216 and 257kDa

Haematophagus mites in poultry farms of Iran

Blood sucking mites are important avian ectoparasites which being found on bird species worldwide. Their presence are problematic for the producers either through potential direct effects on weight gain, egg production, sperm production in roosters or as nuisance pests on worker handle hens and eggs. The aim of this study was pointing out of the status of haematophagus mites. Eight caged layer and four breeder flocks were visited, monitoring for the presence of chicken mites performed by removing and examining debris from poultry house, infested nesting material collected into zip lock plastic bags and at least 20 birds were also randomly selected to examine the presence of chicken mites. Mites obtained from each population were mounted in Hoyer's medium on microscope slides and identified. All eight caged layer and four breeder flocks were inspected, which were infested with chicken blood feeding mites. Massive infestations of Dermanyssus gallinae were common with huge numbers of parasites on birds' cages and the conveyor belts for egg. Only one farm from Mazandaran Province was infested to Ornithonyssus burs. Dermanyssus gallinae was the most prevalent blood feeder mite in the breeder and caged layer flocks in Iran, while O. bursa was reported as a first record, which found only in breeder flock in Mazanderan Province. It seems that its presence is limited into the area which affected by both warm and humid environmental conditions

Parasitic infections of free -range chickens from Golestan province, Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity, and species of internal and external parasites of native fowls from Golestan Province, north of Iran. During 2007, different organs of 26 and 24 adult female native fowls collected from humid parts [Gorgan, Kord Kooy, Ramian and Bandar Gaz] and dry regions [Gonbad Kavoos, and Bandar Torkaman] of Golestan Province, respectively were searched for parasite. Two blood smears taken from each bird were stained with Geimsa. External parasites and nematodes were preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin. Cestodes were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with carmine acid for further studies. Fifteen species of parasites were collected from alimentary canals, lungs, feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: Alimentary canal: Ascaridia galli [56%], Heterakis gallinarum [24%], Capillaria anatis [4%], Cheilospirura hamulosa [4%], Raillietina tetragona [58%], R. echinobothrida [6%], and Choanotaenia infundibulum [8%]; Lungs: Syngamus trachea [16%]; Feathers: Monopon gallinae [40%], Menacanthus stramineus [40%], Liperus caponis [32%], Goniodes dissimilis [38%], Cudogaster heterographus [8%], Dermanissus gallinae [20%] and subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola [6%]. The frequency distribution of most species was low. L. cysticola is the first host and distribution record for Iran

Specific egg yolk antibody against recombinant cryptosporidium parvum P23 protein

Cryptosporidium parvum is a parasitic protozoan that functions as important causative agent of diarrhea in human and animals. The host's immune response to surface antigens of C. parvum has been previously demonstrated. In this respect, the role of humoral immunity in the development of host protective immunity against this protozoon has been well demonstrated. The effect of specific chicken egg yolk antibody [IgY] against recombinant C. parvum P23 was examined. IgY sample was prepared from eggs of chickens immunized with recombinant C. parvum protein p23 and analyzed with C. parvum lysate and recombinant P23. The anti P23 specific IgY was recognized a protein band with approximately 23 kDa in lysates prepared from the C. parvum oocysts. Also dot blot analysis of recombinant P23 showed that it could be recognized by the anti P23 specific IgY up to 1/1000 dilution of antibody. But the best antibody dilution for immunological studies was determined as 1:200. Since P23 is an immunodominant surface glycoprotein expressed in the early phase of infection, specific IgY against recombinant p23 could be recommended as a favorable candidate for passive immunization against C. parvum infection in human and animals

Molecular identification of anaplasmosis in goats using a new PCR-RFLP method

In this study blood samples were collected from 193 goats in north and northeastern Iran with the aim to develop a PCR-RFLP assay, as a specific and sensitive diagnostic tool enabling direct and concurrent identification of two Anaplasma species [A. ovis, A. marginale] in goats. A polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for amplification of a fragment of the major surface protein 4 [msp4] gene from A. ovis and A. marginale was developed. The results revealed that 123 out of 193 blood samples were positive for Anaplasma spp. infection. All 43 positive samples detected by microscopic examination were approved as positive by PCR, whereas no rickettsials were seen through light microscopy in the other 80 PCR positive cases. All positive samples were A. ovis as confirmed by restriction fragments length polymorphism [RFLP] method. Our results showed that PCR-RFLP of the msp4 gene could be a useful method for the detection of A. ovis in goats

Recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum p23 as a candidate vaccine for cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium parvum is a ubiquitous protozoan, which develops within the microvillous membrane of enterocytes in a wide variety of vertebrates, including man. Cryptosporidiosis is an important parasite causing severe diseases in the immunodeficient people especially AIDS patients. Cryptosporidiosis has been also reported as a com-mon serious primary cause of outbreaks of diarrhea in newborn calves. The aim of this study was to confirm that P23 was an immunogenic antigen in domestic isolates of C. parvum. We isolated cryptosporidial oocysts from the naturally infected calves. The oocysts were then purified and characterized as C. parvum by nested PCR. To obtain the recombinant P23 protein, we isolated the mRNA from oocyst of C. parvum, and synthesized the cDNA. The cDNA was then amplified using specific primers for P23 gene. Sequencing of PCR product showed 100% homology to the known P23 sequences in GenBank. The double strand P23-cDNA was then cloned in pGEX-5X-2 expression vector and P23-recombinant protein was prepared. West-ern blot analysis of recombinant P23 showed that it could be recognized by the positive C. parvum serum. Furthermore, serum from immunized goat with the recombinant P23 protein also recognized a protein band with approximately 23 kDa in lysates prepared from the oocytes. Since P23 is an immunodominant surface glycoprotein expressed in the early phase of infection and the immunogenic epitopes are found in its residual chain of amino acid sequence, the recombinant P23 could be recom-mended as a favorable candidate for vaccination against C. parvum infection

[Effect of experimental coccidial infection on cellular immunity induced by newcastle disease vaccination in broilers]

In order to evaluate the possible immunosuppressive effects of coccidial infection on Cell Mediated Immunity [CMI] of broiler chickens, 640 Ross male day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 equal groups of 160 [each consist of 4 replicates of 40]. The negative control group remained unchallenged, while the other three groups challenged with 3 different levels of high, medium and low doses of mixed inoculums of E. acervulina and E. maxima at 15 days of age. For the assessment of CMI, Macrophage Migration Inhibition [MIF] test was performed. For this purpose blood samples were collected at 15, 22, 36 days of age. No significant difference was observed among MIF of different groups at 15 days of age [p>0.05]. At 22 and 36 days of age a significant difference observed among MIF of high dose and control groups [p<0.05]. According to the results, it can be concluded that severe coccidial infection may compromise specific CMI activity in broilers

[ study of rhipicephalus species in Iran]

This study was conducted during 3 years period [2002-2004]. Tick sampling was carried out randomly from domestic animals during seasonal activity of ticks from different parts of Iran. 2170 ticks from 151 cattle, 629 sheep, 336 goats and 33 camels were collected. The occurance of tick infestation in cattle, sheep, goats and camels was 60%, 71.4%, 53% and 46% respectively. Sampled ticks of Rhipicephalus species have been identified as; Rhipiephalus sanguineus [37.9%] Rhipiephalus bursa [49.8%] and Rhipicephalus turanicus [12.23%]. All three species adopted in ecological zone II but Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the main tick species found in four zones of Iran. The comprative tick yield obtained from animals showed that Rhipicephalus bursa was the most aboundant in zone II but Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the rarest species in zone IV. The results described here suggest that livestock had almost different pattern of tick species in any localities of Iran

Identification of tick species of dermacentor in some localities of Iran

This study conducted during 3 years period [2002-2004]. Tick sampling was randomly carried out from domestic animals during seasonal activity of ticks from six provinces of Iran. 2170 ticks from 151 cattle, 629 sheep, 336 goats and 32 camels were collected proin 30 prosseces with a mean number of 1.9 tick per animal. 209 Dermacentor ticks collected from six provinces [Kordestan, Ardebil, East Azarbaiejan, Zanjan, Khorasan and Semnan] that included 23% of collected tick population in those provinces. The diversity of Dermacentor is restricted to three species; D.niveus [50%], D.marginatus [27%] and D.raskemensis [23%]. The maximum occurance of D.raskemensis, D.niveus, D. marginatus, were occurred in provinces of Semnan, Khorasan and Kordestan, respectively. It can be concluded that livestock had almost different pattern of tick species in any localities thus distribution of D.raskemensis ,D.niveus, D. marginatus, has been confirmed this matter

identification of avian eimeria species in Iran based on biological characteristics

One hundred and fourteen litter samples from grand parent, and broiler breeder farms were taken ,according to five different climate areas, to isolate and determine biological characteristics of Eimeria species. 0.5 Kg of each litter samples was used for oocyte isolation. Then, oocytes sporulated at 28' C? for 24-48 hours by oxygenation. The single oocytes were produced and OPG, the time of oocyte excretion and sporulatoin were recorded. Oocytes replicated and isolated from dropping collected on th 4 day after oral inoculation of a single oocytes to 4-6 week chicks. Replicated oocytes of different Eimeria species were ingested by 3-6 week oocyte- free chicks [of necessary quantity] for lesion studies and biometric assay. 25 isolates of oocytes related to different Eimeria species. [E. maxima,E. tenella, E.necatrix, E.acervulina,E.brunette,E.mitis and E.praecox] were categorized based on the following factors: Location of lesions in intestine, Gross lesions condition, Oocyte size, shape and color, Schizont and merozoite size, Parasite locationin tissues, Minimum latent period in experimental infection., Minimum required time for sporulation. The resultes were finally confirmed by"Weibridge reference laboratory". The result were analysed by variance analysis was performed by SX statistical Software

Occurrence of soft and hard ticks on ruminants in Zagros mountainous areas of Iran

The distribution and preferences of ticks of animals in central of Iran were studied four times a year. One thousand seven tick specimens were collected from different localities including Isfahan, Chaharmahalbahtiary, EastAzarbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Kordestan, Kermanshah, Lorestan and Fars. Most of sampled animals in this area were infested. We also encountered with a wild goat [Capra hircus aegagrus] in Kolah Qazi national park in this part that was infested intensively by Boophilus kohlsi. Fifteen ixodid tick species were identified over the study period from cattle, sheep and domestic and wild goats namely B. kohlsi [3.6%] Rhipicephalus sanguineus [4.5%], Rh.bursa [21.9%], Rh.turanicus [2.9%], Dermacentor niveus [12.9%], D.raskemensis [4.1%], D.marginatus [7.3%], Haemaphysalis punctata [3.5%], H. Parva [0.6%], H. Choldokovskyi [2%], Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum [4.8%], H.anatolicum anatolicum [5.2%], H. asiaticum asiaticum [7.3%], H. marginatum marginatum [13%], and H. detritum detritum [5.9%]. The only soft tick found was Ornithodoros canestrinii which occurred in all localities of Isfahan Province but with significant differences in abundance. Clear pattern of seasonality was evident for this species and it was generally present from November to March, while ixodid ticks were present throughout the year. The largest numbers of adult ixodid ticks were generally present from April to August. The results showed that Rh.bursa, D.niveus and H.marginatum marginatum are dominant tick species

[Effects of leaf and plant extract of Artemisia annua on coccidiosis in broiler chicken]

To study anticoccidial effects of leaf and plant extract of Artemisia annua on coccidiosis in broiler chicken compare to salinomycin and amprolium. Experimental study. One hundred and ninety two Hubbard roosters. One hundred and ninety two 21 days old roosters were categorized into 6 drug groups as follows: Amprolum [120ppm, n=8], salinomycin [60 ppm, n=8] leaf powder [2.5%, n=8], ether petroleum extract [1950ppm, n=8], fraction with maximum artemisinin [142ppm, n=8] and control [n=8]. Drug classes include 1- Amprolum [120 ppm], 3- leaves 2.5%, 4-either petroleum extract [1950 ppm, n=8], 5-fraction with maximum of artemisinin [142 ppm, n=8]. In each class there was 4 different subclasses: Eimeria tenella, Eimeria maxima, eimeria accervolina and uninfected ones. After infection, lesion scores, body weight gains and oocyst extractions were investigated at the first week. Analysis was done with MSTATC software. Significant difference among means were determined by Duncan's multiple range tests. In all experimental groups drugs significantly reduced the number of oocysts per chicken fece per day. Moreover, treated groups showed similar weight gain which was significantly higher than the untreated ones [P<0.05]. The data of body weight gain, lesion scores and oocyst extraction indicated that either petroleum extract of Artemisia annua or fraction with maximum artemisinin were the most effective. Of course, the extract is cost benefit compare to fraction