Pathology and treatment of Eimeria zuernii coccidiosis in calves: Investigations in an infection model (original) (raw)
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Parasitology Research, 2011
16 calves were each infected with suspensions containing a mixture of approximately 230,000 Eimeria bovis and 70,000 E. zuernii oocysts, which resulted in detection of oocysts in faeces of 12 of 16 calves by day +14 after infection. On day +14 after infection calves were either treated (n = 8) with toltrazuril at 15 mg/kg body weight or with a placebo. Observations were made on the clinical condition, faecal score and liveweight of calves daily from one day post infection (p.i.) until 24 days p.i. when all calves were euthanised and examined post mortem. Samples were collected from ileum and colon for histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression studies. The study demonstrated an efficacy of toltrazuril for the treatment of E. bovis and E. zuernii infections in calves reaching 99 % (based on arithmetic mean oocyst counts in faeces) within three days of treatment and remaining at or above this level for six days. Toltrazuril did not have a significant effect on the pattern and extent of immune cellular infiltration in the mucosa of ileum and colon, but the expression of the genes coding IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-a in the ileum and TNF-a in the colon were elevated in calves treated with toltrazuril. Higher levels of oocyst shedding were significantly associated with lower expression of genes coding for IL-2, IL-10 and higher IP-10. It is concluded that toltrazuril is effective for the treatment of coccidiosis due to E. bovis and E. zuernii in calves and enables the development of a normal or enhanced immune response to infection. S54 S54 ENDoPArAsitEs ENDoPArAsitEs ENDoPArAsitEs S55 S55 ENDoPArAsitEs immunohistochemistry and gene expression of cytokines and chemokines.
IJVST-2021- Vol.13, No.2, 2021
This study was conducted to investigate the pathogenesis process of E. ahsata and its morphological, pathological, and distribution of lesions in the involved tissues during 42 days of infection. Twelve lambs were randomly divided into two groups including the control and the infected groups after confirmation of their health. The animals in the experiment group were orally infected with 1× 105 sporulated oocysts. From 7 days after inoculation (DAI), the feces were sampled and oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) were individually examined for each lamb. . At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 DAI, one lamb from each group was necropsied and the abomasum, small and large intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleens, and livers were grossly investigated. From 21 to 42 DAI, mild to severe clinical lesions such as congestion and edema were seen on the mucosal surface of the small intestine associated with white and small foci about 1-2 mm, especially jejunum and ileum. From 7 DAI to the end of the study various stages of the parasite life cycle, infiltration of inflammatory cells, epithelial hyperplasia of villi, and destruction of villi epithelium were seen. The results showed that E. ahsata was pathogenic in lambs and the macro and microscopic lesions were mostly seen in the jejunum.
Detection and Identification of Eimeria species in Naturally Infected Calves at Assiut Governorate
Zagazig Veterinary Journal, 2018
The current study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria species among 75 diarrheic calves in Assiut Governorate. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. were found in 46.7% (35/75) of the examined fecal samples from diarrheic calves using light microscope and 88% (22/25) by using PCR. Very high significant difference of Eimeria infection was recorded in calves 3-6 months of age, 73.3% (22/30) and 1 week-3 months of age 28.9% (13/45). The prevalence of Eimeria spp. in calves with diarrhea showed the highest rate in summer (69.2%), followed by winter (36.4%), autumn (25%) and spring (7.7%). Eight species of Eimeria were isolated by parasitological examination. The prevalence of Eimeria spp. was E. zuernii (51.4%) followed by E. bovis (31.4%), E. alabamensis (31.4%), E. cylindrica (25.7%), E. subspherica (14.3%), E. canadensis (11.4%), E. ellipsoidalis (5.7%) and E. auburnensis (2.9%). Single infection of Eimeria spp. was found in 48.6% of the infected calves, whereas mixed infection involved two, three or four Eimeria spp. was observed in 51.4% of the infected calves. In conclusion, season and age of the calves were the most significant aspects connected with the possibility of infection with coccidiosis The PCR is a more reliable, sensitive and less time-consuming approach for diagnosis of Eimeria.
Incidence and therapeutic management of Eimeria species infection in Murrah buffalo calves
Buffalo Bulletin
The present study was undertaken to examine the incidence of Eimeria species infection in Murrah buffalo calves and evaluate the therapeutic management of the disease. In November 2019, 9 to 10 buffaloes calves up to 3 months of age showed symptoms of diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and poor weight gain at an organised dairy farm. Based on history, faecal samples were collected from 20 buffaloes calves and subjected to standard qualitative coprological examination and quantitative analysis using a modified McMaster technique. Out of 20 faecal samples, 90% were positive for coccidia oocysts. Among positive samples, 11% were heavily infected and 16% had a moderate level of infection of Eimeria spp. Six species of Eimeria were identified, E. bareillyi was the most often encountered species, accounting for 37.39%, followed by E. bovis (22.76%), E. zuernii (14.63%), E. ellipsoidalis (13.82%), E. canadensis (13.82%), and E. cylindrica (6.50%). Blood examination of mild and severely affected ...
Preventive veterinary medicine, 2008
We compared the therapeutic effect of three anticoccidial drugs (toltrazuril, sulphadimidine and amprolium) in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves experimentally infected with Eimeria bovis (E. bovis) and E. zuernii oocysts (3 Â 104 oocyst/calf). Buffalo calves (1.5-4 month old, 70-kg body weight) were randomly allocated into 3 groups (9 calves each). Group T was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with toltrazuril (20 mg/kg BW twice orally at a 1-week interval). Group S was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with sulphadimidine (125 mg/kg injected IM followed by half dose for 4 successive days). Group A was experimentally infected with oocysts and treated with amprolium (50 mg/kg orally for 7 successive days). Each group had three subgroups (three calves/subgroup) to represent timing of the drug administration: 1st day of coccidia infection (FD), onset of clinical signs of coccidiosis (CC), and onset of oocyst shedding into the faeces (OS). Clinical signs, body-weight gain (BWG) and number of oocysts per gram feces (OPG) were monitored daily for 35 days post-infection (DPI). The OPG were reduced (but the BWG was not different) in the T calves compared to S and A calves. Within the same group, treatment from the 1st day of infection reduced the OPG and increased the BWG compared to the later treatment timings. #
Clinical coccidiosis in calves and its treatment
2018
A total of three cases, around two month old non-descript calves, were brought to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Jabalpur in the month of January and February 2018 with a history of inappetence and bloody diarrhoea for last 2-3 days. On clinical examination, calves were found rough hair coat, dehydration, weakness, dry muzzle, pale mucous membrane, low body temperature and blood mixed faeces attached to the perineum regions. Samples were collected per rectum and brought to the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and processed for standard qualitative and quantitative examination. Parasitological examination of the faecal sample revealed the presence of coccidian oocysts and after sporulation, a total five Eimeria species were identified. Eimeria zuernii was found to be the most predominant species followed by Eimeria pellita like, Eimeria subspherica, Eimeria alabamensis and Eimeria bovis. The affected calves were treated with Biotrim @ 3-4 ml IV and supportive medication f...
Excretion of Eimeria alabamensis Oocysts in Grazing Calves and Young Stock
Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B, 2000
The aims of the present study were to investigate the excretion of Eimeria alabamensis oocysts by young cattle during their first grazing season and during the first 16 days of their second grazing period. In trial 1, nine first-season grazing heifers were studied and found to have become infected with E. alabamensis shortly after turnout. The next grazing period they were turned out on to a permanent pasture together with two first-season grazing calves. Faecal samples were collected before turnout and then daily from day 3 to day 16. The second-season grazing heifers excreted insignificant numbers of E. alabamensis oocysts, whereas one of the two first-season grazing calves excreted up to 703 000 oocysts/g of faeces (OPG), indicating that the pasture was contaminated. In trial 2, faecal samples were collected from 12 calves before their first turnout in May, daily from day 2 to day 20 after turnout and then once a week until the end of September. The calves grazed pastures used in previous years by first-season grazing calves. Nine of the calves developed clinical E. alabamensis coccidiosis 4-7 days after turnout and excreted more than 950 000 OPG on days 9-10. By day 17 the oocyst excretion had decreased below 900 OPG and remained low throughout the rest of the grazing season. The results of the two studies indicate that reinfections with E. alabamensis are of little clinical importance in calves grazing contaminated pastures, and that young stock infected with E. alabamensis during their first grazing season may be used to cleanse contaminated pastures without risk of developing clinical coccidiosis.
Eimeriosis in Danish Dairy Calves – Correlation between Species, Oocyst Excretion and Diarrhoea
Parasitology Research, 2013
The study collected up-to-date data on prevalence and importance of Eimeria infections in Danish dairy calves with suspected clinical eimeriosis and analysed correlation between Eimeria spp., oocyst excretion and diarrhoea. From October 2010 through August 2011, veterinarians collected faecal samples from dairy herds (n = 52) with > 50 cows and a history of diarrhoea in young stock. Individual faecal samples were collected 3-4 weeks following re-housing to common pens from calves (n = 453) aged 3 weeks to 6 months. Faecal consistency and total number of oocysts per gram of faeces (opg) were determined, along with opg values for the specific Eimeria spp. Association between opg and faeces Author's personal copy S170 PROTOZOA but one Eimeria-positive herds. Diarrhoea was seen in 35.9 % of the calves, and a significant (p = 0.003) positive correlation was detected between diarrhoea and total opg as well as diarrhoea and oocyst excretion for E. zuernii (p = 0.03), E. bovis (p = 0.05) and E. cylindrica (p = 0.04). No such relationship could be detected for E. ellipsoidalis (p = 0.87), E. subspherica (p = 0.54) or E. auburnensis (p = 0.10). Further studies should focus on possible synergistic effects of multiple Eimeria spp. infections as well as interaction between Eimeria spp. and other enteric pathogens.
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Bovine coccidiosis is one of the most common livestock diseases worldwide, and usually affects cattle under one-year-old. High infection rates occur from environments that were already contaminated with infected animals. A study on the prevalence, species and risk of occurrence of Eimeria species in calves was conducted at Asella, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Management systems, breed, age, sex, and site were considered as variables for the surveillance. For this, fecal samples were collected from 384 randomly selected calves of age less than or equal to 12 months. Sporulation was applied at room temperature for 10-14 days. The flotation technique was applied on fecal samples and these were examined using direct microscopic examination to detect presence of Eimeria species. Eimeria oocysts weredetected in 72.4% of the total samples with ranges of 68-100% prevalence in all factors considered. Ten different Eimeria species were identified: E. bovis (44.5%), E. zuernii (26.3%), E. auburnensis (10.9), E. canadensis (9.4%), E. ellipsoidalis (5.7%), E. subspherica (6.5%), E. cylindrical (3.1%), E. alabamensis (2.6%), E. wyomingensis (2.6%) and E. bukidnonensis (2.1%) in decreasing order of prevalence. Of the 278 positive calves, 52.2% were infected with single species, while 47.8% were infected with 2-4 of identified species. Significantly lower prevalence in calves fed colostrums (71.2%) than those not fed colostrum (100%) (χ2 = 6.3; p <0.05) were observed in early birth. However, no statistical association in infection was observed within all other risk factors considered (p >0.05). Infection with one or more species was found to be insignificant in sex, feeding system, and cleaning frequency (p >0.05). The present finding showed the role of early colostrum feeding in a remarkable reduction of coccidiosis. However, the majority of assessed factors had a great contribution for the contamination and maintenance of Eimeria on the farm and its primes at 68.4%-100%, with high risk of infection to subsequent calves. Moreover, the occurrence of infection, with single (52.2%) to multiple of four (1.4%) pathogenic Eimeria spp. in positive cases, indicated the downside of substandard management systems, making calves prone to subclinical cases thus hampering growth and health, with considerable economic losses. Therefore, early feeding with sufficient amount of colostrum, practicing good management in calves and implementation of proper hygienic measures in their environments should be recommended to reduce direct and indirect economic losses from the infection.
Experimental Parasitology, 2008
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, haematological, biochemical, lipid peroxidation, ultrasonographic and pathologic findings in hepatic coccidiosis induced by Eimeria stiedae in rabbits, and also to compare the treatment effects of both toltrazuril and ivermectin separately and in combination. In this study, 56 rabbits were divided into eight groups. The first group was designated as healthy control group. Rabbits were infected with 40.000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were allocated as the infected control group, infected + toltrazuril-treated group, infected + ivermectin-treated group, infected + toltrazuril + ivermectin-treated group, non-infected + toltrazuril-treated group, non-infected + ivermectin-treated group, non-infected + toltrazuril + ivermectin-treated group, respectively. Haematocrit, Haemoglobin and MCV values as well as percentage of lymphocyte decreased in Groups 2 and 4 whereas leucocyte counts and percentage of granulocyte leucocyte increased. Serum GGT, ALT and AST activities increased but albumin value decreased. Plasma MDA concentrations increased whereas erythrocyte CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD activities decreased. Mean oocyst numbers in per gram faeces (epg values) increased in both groups during the study. Ultrasonographic examination revealed that the liver was enlarged and had hyperechogenic parenchyma. Bile ducts were dilated and hyperechogenic and the gall bladder was dilated. The livers of these animals were enlarged and typical macroscopic and microscopic findings of coccidiosis were present. Treatment with toltrazuril and toltrazuril + ivermectin combination were highly effective in reducing faecal oocyst output in infected rabbits. Haematological, biochemical and lipid peroxidation parameters and, ultrasonographic findings of the liver were close to control values for Groups 3 and 5. Necropsy of these animals showed no visible lesions related to hepatic coccidiosis although a few oocysts were detected in the bile duct epithelial cells.