A Comparison of the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) Foraging in Urban and Suburban Areas.

The aim of this study was to compare the species composition of gastrointestinal parasites in wild boar feeding in the city of Szczecin with those in its suburban area, as well as to determine the prevalence and intensity of this parasite infection. The intestines and stomachs of 57 wild boars were supplied by a municipal hunter from the city of Szczecin. Both analysed groups of animals were infected with the following parasites: Eimeria debliecki, E. suis, E. polita, E. scabra, Isospora suis, Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum. Wild boar from the city were characterised as having a significantly higher prevalence of total Eimeria (p = 0.04) and a lower prevalence of noted species of nematodes (p = 0.15) compared to those from the suburban area. Since the wild boars were mainly infected with Eimeria, it should be assumed that they may pose a real health threat to farm pigs and other farm animals for which Eimeria is a pathogenic parasite. The occurrence of coccidiosis leads to serious health problems and economic losses for breeders. Although the prevalence of A. suum was low, it should be taken into account that this nematode is able to both infect and complete their life cycle in humans.

Ameliorative effect of Psidium guajava essential oil supplemented feed on chicken experimental coccidiosis.

Present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Psidium guajava essential oil (EO) on chicken experimental coccidiosis in comparison to the diclazuril. Seventy-five 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated into 5 groups: CEO1: received EO at 1 mg kg-1 of feed; CEO5: received EO at 5 mg kg-1 of feed; CT: received diclazuril as standard treatment; CNT: received only basal diet; NC: control chickens; all of the groups except NC were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. on d14 and received supplemented diet from d1 to d42. Zootechnical records and oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces samples were analyzed on weekly basis. On the last day of the study, blood samples were taken to measure serum concentrations of biochemical parameters and also activities of antioxidant enzymes. ß-caryophyllene and α-pinene were determined as major constituents of the EO. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks, a significant difference was noted in feed conversion ratio (FCR) between CEO1, CEO5, and CT in comparison to NC and CNT chickens (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in OPG between CEO1 and CEO5 (p > 0.05); however, CT showed a lower number of OPG relative to EO supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The highest serum activity of glutathione peroxidase was observed in CEO5 which was higher than other groups (p < 0.05). Results of the present study showed that supplementation of P. guajava EO especially at 5 mg kg-1 of feed may have beneficial effects on prevention of coccidiosis and improvement of health in broilers.

Alternatives to robenidine to control gastrointestinal disorders of weaner rabbits in the field.

Gastrointestinal disorders due to Eimeria sp. and E. coli overgrowth cause high mortality in weaner rabbits and the interest in alternatives to coccidiostats is high. This study aimed to investigate the superiority of natural feed additives towards robenidine preserving gastrointestinal health in the field. Rabbits were divided into four groups, Control Group (CG) exclusively supplemented with robenidine, Sainfoin Group (SG) was supplemented with a combination of robenidine and sainfoin, and two additional groups were respectively supplemented with Herb-All COCC-X (garlic; conessi tree) (HG: Herbal Group) and by a combination of Herb-All COCC-X and Klinofeed (clinoptilolite) (MG: Mineral Group). Eimeria sp. (98,40%) and E. coli overgrowth (73.60%) could be confirmed as the main causes for losses. High mortality rates (SG: 30.00% - MG: 47.50%), also in the groups receiving robenidine (SG: 30.00%; CG: 45.00%), reinforced the importance of alternatives in the field. The natural additives of groups SG, HG and MG did not have a significant influence on the weight gains and the oocyst counts in the jejunum/ileum and caecum of slaughter rabbits at the end of the trial, compared to group CG. Significantly higher oocyst shedding in SG (p = 1.4E-03) and HG (p = 1.4E-05) during the trial may be explained by a higher surviving rate of diseased rabbits in those groups, fostered by beneficial effects of the additives, which should be investigated further.

Study of Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Eimeria sp., in Camelsin Turkestan Region.

Coccidiosis is one of the most pathogenic intestinal diseases caused by different species of Eimeria spp. (Phylum:Apicomplexa), that cause important economic losses to the livestock industry. Given the importance of camel breeding and its products in the regional economy, in this study the risk factors of prevalence of camels Coccidiosis in the Turkestan region of Republic of Kazakhstan was investigated by oocyte excretion monitoring in the herd. The results revealed that the prevalence of Eimeria sp, was136 (42.5%); and three types of Eimeria spp. were identified: Eimeriabactriani, Eimeriacameli, Eimeria dromedarii. The statistical analysisdemonstratedthat the prevalence and intensity of infection in camel ≤1-year-old were 65.5% and 149.2 respectively, and they were more likely to be infected with Eimeria spp. compared with adult camels (22.5%, 5.7), (pvalue≤0.05). Another probable risk factor is seasons of the year as it seems the high and low prevalence andinfection intensityare observed in summer (60%, 102.1) and winter (20.6%, 21.25), respectively. Multivariate analysis of our data revealed that age and season were significant risk factors (p< 0.005) and adoption of hygienic measures and husbandry practice are needed among the high risk groups(in young camel and summer season) to minimize, control and prevent spreadof the infection.

Molecular characterization of Eimeria sp. from Galápagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.).

Galápagos giant tortoises are an essential component of their ecosystem and evaluation of parasites in their populations is essential for the management of conservation processes. Coccidiosis is the most common intestinal infection in free-living and captive reptiles. The aim of this study was to characterize molecularly the presence of Eimeria sp. in captive reared giant tortoises from Santa Cruz, Santiago, Española, and Pinzon Islands hatched and housed at the tortoise rearing center on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, by sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Galápagos. All samples were previously analyzed by coproparasitoscopic flotation technique and PCR for molecular identification. The results obtained by microscopy examination showed oocysts in all samples. PCR and sequencing indicated the presence Eimeria sp., showing a similarity percentage of 98% with Eimeria environmental. In conclusion, we identified a group of coccidia of the genus Eimeria sp. (MK909931) in Galápagos tortoises.

Aspectos hematológicos e bioquímicos de serpentes parasitadas por eimeria sp. em cativeiro

Parasitism is a frequent issue in the maintenance of captive snakes, since it represents a challenge to animal welfare and its productivity. Protozoa plays an important role among endoparasites because they are highly prevalent and, although parasitized animals do not show clinical signs related to infection, this may change when immune resistance decreases. Immunosuppression and/or stress may develop an important diarrheal disease and, possibly, death due to complications, such as infestations by Eimeria sp. Studies that evaluate the effect of this parasite on biochemical and hematological parameters are important to understand the clinic of infected animals. The objectives of this study were: i) determine the hematological and biochemical profiles of ill animals; ii) compare the results obtained with data on literature of healthy animals; and iii) correlate the degree of parasitism with hematological and biochemical parameters. The blood of 24 snakes (11 Bothrops jararaca and 13 Crotalus durissus) with symptomatology (diarrhea) and positive for Eimeria sp in coprological exam were used to evaluate some hematological parameters such as hematocrit (Ht), total erythrocyte count (TEC), leukocytes (TLC) and thrombocytes (TTC) counts, and some biochemical parameters, such as albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb) and total proteins (PT). Hematological and biochemical values obtained were compared to the reference values for healthy animals present in the literature. The statistical tests used were Mann-Whitney and to determine the effect of the degree of parasitism on different variables, linear regression. The significance level adopted for all analyzes was p <0.05. In B.jararaca, with exception of the TLC that was increased, there were no alterations in any of the other hematological and biochemical profiles. On the other hand, in C. durissus there was a significant change in the mean value of all parameters when compared to the reference values. We verified that there was no correlation between the OPG value and the biochemical and hematological parameters analyzed in any of the species, suggesting that there is no direct relation between the degree of parasitism and the hematological and biochemical profiles.

O parasitismo é um problema frequente na criação de serpentes em cativeiro, pois representa um grande desafio ao bem estar animal e a sua produtividade. Nesse aspecto, os protozoários tem um papel importante entre os endoparasitos, por serem de grande prevalência e, ainda que muitas vezes os animais parasitados não apresentem sinais clínicos relacionados à infecção, esse quadro pode mudar quando ocorre queda na resistência imunológica. Serpentes imunossuprimidas e/ou sob alta carga de estresse podem desenvolver quadro diarreico importante e, eventualmente, vir a óbito em decorrência de complicações como, por exemplo, as infestações por Eimeria sp. Trabalhos que avaliem o efeito dessa parasitose nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos são de grande importância para a compreensão do quadro clínico dos animais infectados. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: i) determinar os perfis hematológico e bioquímico dos animais enfermos; ii) comparar os resultados obtidos com os valores previamente determinados para animais hígidos; e iii) correlacionar o grau de parasitismo dos indivíduos com seus parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas 24 serpentes (11 Bothrops jararaca e 13 Crotalus durissus) positivas para Eimeria sp no exame coproparasitológico e que apresentavam sintomatologia clínica da infecção (diarreia). Em cada indivíduo infectado foram realizados exames coproparasitológicos quantitativos (OPG – oocistos por grama), bem como determinados alguns perfis hematológicos, como hematócrito (Ht), contagem total de eritrócitos (CTE), leucócitos (CTL) e trombócitos (CTT); e alguns testes bioquímicos, como albumina (ALB), hemoglobina (Hb) e proteínas totais (PT). Os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos obtidos foram comparados aos valores de referência para animais hígidos presentes em literatura. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram o teste de Mann-Whitney e para determinar o efeito do grau de parasitismo sobre as diferentes variáveis, a regressão linear. O grau de significância adotado para todas as análises foi de p<0,05. Em Bothrops jararaca, com exceção da contagem total de leucócitos que apresentou-se aumentada, não houve alteração de nenhum dos demais perfis hematológicos e bioquímicos. Por outro lado, em C. durissus houve alteração significativa no valor médio de todos os parâmetros quando comparados aos valores de referência. Verificamos que não houve correlação entre o valor de OPG e os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos analisados em nenhuma das espécies, o que sugere que não há uma relação direta entre o grau de parasitismo e os perfis hematológicos e bioquímicos.

Eimeria spp. in captive-reared corncrakes (Crex crex): results of a GeneScan assay consistent with high prevalence of infection and extra-intestinal life stages.

Eimeria crecis and Eimeria nenei have been detected in association with enteric disease ("coccidiosis") in the corncrake (Crex crex: Family Rallidae, Order Gruiformes). Both parasite species are common in apparently healthy free-living corncrakes, but captive-bred juvenile birds reared for reintroduction appeared particularly susceptible to clinical coccidiosis. We investigated the occurrence and relative pathogenicity of these Eimeria species in this juvenile corncrake population and developed a diagnostic species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for their identification. PCR amplification and sequencing of 18S rDNA were performed on genomic DNA extracted from samples of corncrake intestine, liver and spleen. Sequences generated were used to design a GeneScan diagnostic PCR assay targeting a species-specific TTA indel located within the 18S rDNA - the results suggested this assay was more sensitive than the 18S rDNA/amplicon sequencing approach. Eimeria sp. DNA (consistent with Eimeria sp. infection) was detected at a high prevalence and E. crecis was the predominant species. Each Eimeria species was detected in cases with and without histological evidence of coccidiosis: parasite detection was not statistically associated with disease. In addition to intestinal tissue, liver and spleen samples were positive for Eimeria sp. DNA. Its detection in tissues other than intestine is unusual and a novel finding in corncrakes, although extra-intestinal infection occurs with closely related Eimeria species in cranes (Family Gruidae, Order Gruiformes). Eimeria sp. infection of corncrakes appears typically to be chronic, and to exhibit extra-intestinal spread: as in cranes, these characteristics may be adaptations to the host's migratory nature.

Feed addition of curcumin to laying hens showed anticoccidial effect, and improved egg quality and animal health.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of commercial laying hens could have an anticoccidial action and improve egg quality. For this, 60 laying hens were divided into three groups: T0 (the control group); T30 and T50 (30 and 50 mg/kg of curcumin in the feed, respectively). Eggs recently laid were collected on days 14 and 21 of the experiment, and stored for 21 days. It was observed increased specific gravity and yolk index in stored eggs of the groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. The yolk color reduced in the eggs stored from groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. Moreover, TBARS levels were lower in fresh and stored eggs from groups T30 and T50. It was observed increased TAC levels in fresh eggs from groups T30 and T50 and in stored eggs from the group T50. The presence of curcumin was not detected by HPLC in the yolk and albumen. Seric levels of albumin and uric acid did not differ between groups, while seric levels of total proteins increased on day 21 on groups T30 and T50. Finally, it was observed a significant reduction on the number of oocysts in fecal samples on days 14 and 21 of T30 and T50 compared to T0. Based on these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of curcumin in the diet of laying hens has an anticoccidial effect and improves egg quality.

A clinically rare occurrence of rectal mucosal prolapse associated with tenesmus in a calf caused by Eimeria sp.

Eimeria sp. is a host-specific intracellular parasite that mostly affects young animals. This parasite causes great economic losses in livestock sector. A 6 weeks old calf was brought to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar with the history of inappetance and passage of foul smelling diarrhoeic feces rich in occult blood and mucous for the last 3 days. On clinical examination, calf was found to be present in lateral recumbency and showed severe tenesmus, prolapsed rectal mucosa along with small quantity of blood mixed feces sticking to the perineum and tail regions. Diagnosis was done based on clinical observations and fecal examination which showed oocysts of Eimeria sp. The prolapsed rectal mucosa was corrected aseptically by manual procedure. The calf was treated with a combination of sulfadimidine and amprolium along with supportive therapy. The calf recovered clinically after 5 days of therapy and further fecal examination showed no evidence of oocysts of Eimeria sp.

Fasciola hepatica infection and association with gastrointestinal parasites in Creole goats from western Argentina / Fasciola hepatica infecção e associação com parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos crioulos do oeste da Argentina

Goats, called "the cow of the poor", are the livestock species with the most significant population growth worldwide in recent years. Gastrointestinal parasitism constitutes one of the main constraints to its outdoor and extensive breeding in temperate and tropical countries. Despite a Creole goat population of nearly 4 million heads, local reports on parasitological prevalence are scarce, and while Fasciola hepatica infection is spread all over Argentina, the goat is usually neglected as a reservoir and economic losses are not considered. To evaluate gastrointestinal parasitism prevalence and associations between parasite genera and species, with emphasis on fascioliasis, Creole goats from the plateau and Andean regions from western Argentina were investigated by coprological techniques, and associations were statistically assessed. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the animals harbored one or more parasite types, while 46% showed mixed infections. Significant positive associations between F. hepatica + Strongyle eggs, Eimeria sp. + Nematodirus sp. andNematodirus sp. + Trichuris oviswere detected. Further studies are required to define the causality of these associations and their relevance in epidemiology. F. hepaticais rarely considered as goat parasite in the country, but a 33% prevalence poses an interrogation on the role goats play on the transmission and dissemination of this zoonotic trematode.

As cabras, nomeadas como "a vaca dos pobres", são as espécies de gado com o crescimento populacional mais significativo nos últimos anos em todo o mundo. O parasitismo gastrintestinal constitui uma das principais limitações à sua criação extensiva em clima temperado e tropical. Na Argentina, apesar de uma população de caprinos crioulos de cerca de quatro milhões de cabeças, são escassos os relatórios locais de prevalências parasitológicas. Embora a infecção por Fasciola hepatica esteja espalhada em todo o país, as cabras são geralmente negligenciadas como um reservatório, e as perdas econômicas não são consideradas. Para avaliar a prevalência do parasitismo gastrintestinal e associações entre os gêneros e espécies de parasitos, com ênfase na fasciolose, caprinos crioulos da região andina e do planalto do oeste de Argentina foram avaliados por meio de técnicas coprológicas. Oitenta e cinco por cento dos animais hospedaram um ou mais tipos de parasitos, enquanto 46% hospedaram infecções mistas. Foram encontradas associações significativas entre F. hepatica+ ovos de estrongilídeos, Eimeria sp. +Nematodirus sp. e Nematodirus sp. +Trichuris ovis. Mais estudos são necessários para definir a causalidade dessas associações e sua relevância na epidemiologia. Raramente F. hepatica é considerada como um parasito de cabra no país, mas uma prevalência de 33% suscita uma interrogação sobre o papel dos caprinos na transmissão e disseminação desse trematódeo zoonótico.

Frequency of species of Eimeria in females of the holstein-friesian breed at the post-weaning stage during autumn and winter / Frequência das espécies de Eimeria em fêmeas da raça holandesa na fase de recria durante o outono-inverno

The frequency of species of the genus Eimeria in a dairy herd in the municipality of Boa Esperança, Southern region of the State of Minas Gerais was assessed. From 37 females of the Friesian breed aged three to seven months, 259 feces samples were analyzed between May and September 2008. The examinations to quantify oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) and identify Eimeria species were conducted at the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory of the Federal University of Lavras. Eleven species of Eimeria were identified, namely: E. bovis (23.2 percent), E. zuernii (22.6 percent), E. ellipsoidalis (20.3 percent), E. cylindrica (14.1 percent), E. subspherica (5.4 percent), E. canadensis (3.5 percent), E. alabamensis (2.4 percent), E. auburnensis (2.4 percent), E. pellita (2.1 percent), E. brasiliensis (2 percent) and E. bukidnonensis (1.9 percent). E. bovis, E. zuernii and E. ellipsoidalis were the most frequent and the ones with the highest oocyst shedding over time (p < 0.05). Differences in OPG counts were found between most months studied (p < 0.05). The large number of Eimeria species found, in particular E. bovis and E. zuernii, indicates that Eimeria sp. has significant pathogenic potential in dairy cattle in the South of Minas Gerais.

Avaliou-se a frequência das espécies do gênero Eimeria em um rebanho leiteiro, criado no município de Boa Esperança, região Sul do Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram analisadas 259 amostras de fezes de 37 fêmeas bovinas, da raça holandesa, com faixa etária compreendida entre três e sete meses, no período de maio a setembro de 2008. O exame para quantificar oocisto por grama de fezes (OPG) e identificação das espécies de Eimeria foi realizado no Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária da UFLA. Foram identificadas onze espécies de Eimeria, sendo elas: E. bovis (23,2 por cento), E. zuernii (22,6 por cento), E. ellipsoidalis (20,3 por cento), E. cylindrica (14,1 por cento), E. subspherica (5,4 por cento), E. canadensis (3,5 por cento), E. alabamensis (2,4 por cento), E. auburnensis (2,4 por cento), E. pellita (2,1 por cento), E. brasiliensis (2 por cento) e E. bukidnonensis, sendo E. bovis, E. zuernii e E. ellipsoidalis as mais frequentes e aquelas com maior número de oocistos eliminados ao longo do tempo (p < 0,05). Diferenças na contagem de OPG foram encontradas na maioria dos meses avaliados (p < 0,05). A grande quantidade de espécies de Eimeria encontradas, em especial E. bovis e E. zuernii, indicam um importante potencial patogênico da Eimeria sp. em gado leiteiro no Sul de Minas Gerais.