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Guedes AC, Conde-Felipe M, Barba E, Molina JM, Del Carmen Muñoz M, Ferrer O, Martín S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A, Ruiz A. Metaphylactic strategies using toltrazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110133. [PMID: 38266373 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Goat coccidiosis compromises animal welfare, reduces productivity and may cause mortality and delayed growth rates in goat kids around the weaning period worldwide. This field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metaphylactic treatments with two doses of toltrazuril (20 or 40 mg/kg body weight - BW, p. o.), at different timing, in kids naturally infected with Eimeria spp. A total of 97 healthy goat kids (Majorera milk aptitude breed) were divided into five groups, depending on the age of treatment (2 or 7 weeks). One group remained untreated as a negative control until the end of the study. Faecal oocyst shedding, faecal consistency, and body weight of the animals were monitored at day 0 and at weekly intervals. Counts of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) were determined by a modified McMaster technique. Morphometric identification of Eimeria species was carried out on individual faecal samples from each experimental group after oocyst sporulation. Goat kids treated at two weeks of age maintained OPG values close to zero during the 5 weeks post-treatment and, overall, had lower faecal oocyst counts than untreated control animals. No significant differences were observed between the two doses of toltrazuril used in two-week-old treated animals. By contrast, when treatment was carried out at seven weeks of age, the dose of 40 mg/kg BW of toltrazuril reduced oocyst levels for longer and to a greater extent than the 20 mg/kg dose. Irrespectively of the treatment and dose, toltrazuril delayed the appearance of pathogenic Eimeria species, i. e. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and Eimeria arloingi. As a whole, Eimeria christenseni, with a rather moderate pathogenicity, was highly predominant throughout the study period, including the untreated control group, which was probably the reason why clinical signs of coccidiosis were barely observed throughout the experiment. Under these circumstances, the positive effect of toltrazuril on body weight condition observed in some treated groups was difficult to correlate to the timing and doses. Metaphylactic treatments with 20 mg/kg BW toltrazuril given at two weeks of age are sufficient to control oocyst excretion in goat kids; whereas if administered later in 7-week-old animals, thereby coinciding with the frequently observed peak of oocyst elimination in goat kids under field conditions, a higher dose might be advisable to prevent environmental contamination with infectious oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu C Guedes
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Magnolia Conde-Felipe
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Emilio Barba
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - José Manuel Molina
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Muñoz
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Otilia Ferrer
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Sergio Martín
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonio Ruiz
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
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Zapa DMB, Heller LM, de Aquino LM, Couto LFM, Gomes LVC, Ferreira LL, Vettorato LF, Barufi F, de Oliveira Arriero Amaral H, Chiummo RM, Sonada RB, de Castro Rodrigues D, Sakamoto CAM, Soares VE, da Costa AJ, Lopes WDZ. Toltrazuril + fenbendazole for cattle: Pharmacokinetics and efficacy against Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100968. [PMID: 38199704 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The present work evaluated the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the association of 15cmg/kg toltrazuril +5cmg/kg fenbendazole against Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in calves of different regions of Brazil (Center-West, Southeast, and South). A total of seven experiments were carried out, five of which determined formulation efficacy against Eimeria spp., considering the following aspects: therapeutic, preventive, metaphylactic, and residual efficacy. Therapeutic efficacy experiments for GINs were carried out by parasitological necropsy. The toltrazuril + fenbendazole association demonstrated ≥95% efficacy against Eimeria spp. for 21 days post-treatment (DPT). When used preventively and metaphylatically, the same association demonstrated ≥97% efficacy against E. zuernii, E. ellipsoidalis, E. cylindrica, E. bovis, E. wyomingensis and E. auburnensis. Toltrazuril + fenbendazole administered seven days before challenge was 100% effective against all these Eimeria species. Results of therapeutic, preventive, metaphylactic and residual efficacies can be related to the pharmacokinetic results, especially considering toltrazuril sulfone, which was detected in animal plasma for a longer period than the parent compound. Toltrazuril + fenbendazole achieved 100% anthelminthic efficacy against the GINs Haemonchus placei (L4), Cooperia pectinata and Oesophagostomum radiatum; 99.94% against adult H. placei; and 99.98% against C. puntacta. The association of toltrazuril + fenbendazole, associated with other measures, is an important and suitable tool for the control and treatment of Eimeria spp. and GINs in young cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Maria Beltrán Zapa
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Luciana Maffini Heller
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lídia Mendes de Aquino
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Monteiro Couto
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Claudio Alessandro M Sakamoto
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alvimar José da Costa
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP/CPPAR. Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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3
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Denwood MJ, Kaplan RM, McKendrick IJ, Thamsborg SM, Nielsen MK, Levecke B. A statistical framework for calculating prospective sample sizes and classifying efficacy results for faecal egg count reduction tests in ruminants, horses and swine. Vet Parasitol 2023; 314:109867. [PMID: 36621042 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is the primary diagnostic tool used for detecting anthelmintic resistance at the farm level. It is therefore extremely important that the experimental design of a FECRT and the susceptibility classification of the result use standardised and statistically rigorous methods. Several different approaches for improving the analysis of FECRT data have been proposed, but little work has been published on how to address the issue of prospective sample size calculations. Here, we provide a complete and detailed overview of the quantitative issues relevant to a FECRT starting from basic statistical principles. We then present a new approach for determining sample size requirements for the FECRT that is built on a solid statistical framework, and provide a rigorous anthelminthic drug efficacy classification system for use with FECRT in livestock. Our approach uses two separate statistical tests, a one-sided inferiority test for resistance and a one-sided non-inferiority test for susceptibility, and determines a classification of resistant, susceptible or inconclusive based on the combined result. Since this approach is based on two independent one-sided tests, we recommend that a 90 % CI be used in place of the historically used 95 % CI. This maintains the desired Type I error rate of 5 %, and simultaneously reduces the required sample size. We demonstrate the use of this framework to provide sample size calculations that are rooted in the well-understood concept of statistical power. Tailoring to specific host/parasite systems is possible using typical values for expected pre-treatment and post-treatment variability in egg counts as well as within-animal correlation in egg counts. We provide estimates for these parameters for ruminants, horses and swine based on a re-examination of datasets that were available to us from a combination of published data and other sources. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the use of the framework, and parameter estimates are presented to estimate the required sample size for a hypothetical FECRT using ivermectin in cattle. The sample size calculation method and classification framework presented here underpin the sample size recommendations provided in the upcoming FECRT WAAVP guidelines for detection of anthelmintic resistance in ruminants, horses, and swine, and have also been made freely available as open-source software via our website (https://www.fecrt.com).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ray M Kaplan
- Pathobiology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Stig M Thamsborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin K Nielsen
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, KY, USA
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
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Long-term efficacy of toltrazuril in naïve calves prophylactically treated and experimentally infected with Eimeria spp. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2571-2578. [PMID: 35895113 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria are ubiquitous parasites and eimeriosis treatment is based on coccidiostats or coccidicides used prophylactically, metaphylactically, or therapeutically. The long-term efficacy of toltrazuril (TZR, 15 mg/kg) against experimentally infected naïve calves was investigated. Seven groups (six treated and one control) of six animals each were formed. Animals of each group received a single TZR prophylactic oral treatment on days - 42, - 35, - 28, - 21, - 14, and - 7 before the challenge with infectious sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. (100,000 oocysts: 59.5% E. zuernii, 38.1% E. bovis, 1.2%, E. alabamensis, and 1.2% E. ellipsoidalis). The long-term efficacy was assessed based on Eimeria spp. oocyst excretion by fecal oocyst counts. Three calves from the control group presented diarrhea with blood, which was not observed in animals belonging to the treatment groups. The TZR achieved efficacy greater than 95.0% up to 14 and 7 days. This formulation showed efficacy above 95% for 7 to 14 days, between 82 and 84% for 21 to 28 days and between 50 and 64% for 35 to 42 days.
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Bangoura B, Bhuiya MAI, Kilpatrick M. Eimeria infections in domestic and wild ruminants with reference to control options in domestic ruminants. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2207-2232. [PMID: 35680677 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria infections are commonly seen in a variety of mammalian hosts. This genus of unicellular sporozoan parasites causes significant disease (coccidiosis) in different livestock species leading to economic losses for agricultural producers. Especially the production of cattle, sheep, and goat is strongly dependent on efficient coccidiosis control. However, many other livestock hosts like, e.g., camelids, bison, rabbits, and guinea pigs may benefit from reduced parasite transmission and targeted control measures as well. Besides livestock, also wildlife and pet animals may be affected by Eimeria infections resulting in clinical or subclinical coccidiosis. Wildlife herd health is crucial to conservation efforts, and Eimeria species are a prevalent pathogen in multiple mammalian wildlife species. This review aims to highlight the epidemiology of mammalian Eimeria infections in both wild and domestic ruminants, including host specificity, transmission, survival of environmental oocysts, occurrence, and risk factors for infection. Understanding general drivers of Eimeria infection may support adequate livestock and wildlife management. Furthermore, control options for livestock with reference to management factors, drug application, and alternative approaches are discussed. The goal of Eimeria control should be to reduce pathogen transmission in different host species and to improve sustainable livestock production. Controlling Eimeria infections in livestock is important considering both their animal welfare impact and their high economic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Bangoura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA.
| | - Md Ashraful Islam Bhuiya
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
| | - Michelle Kilpatrick
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
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Blomstrand BM, Enemark HL, Steinshamn H, Aasen IM, Johanssen JRE, Athanasiadou S, Thamsborg SM, Sørheim KM. Administration of spruce bark (Picea abies) extracts in young lambs exhibits anticoccidial effects but reduces milk intake and body weight gain. Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:10. [PMID: 35461282 PMCID: PMC9034609 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eimeria spp. are widespread apicomplexan parasites known to cause coccidiosis in livestock, resulting in reduced animal welfare and productivity, particularly in sheep. The treatment options are limited, and there is an emerging development of resistance against registered pharmaceuticals. Spruce bark is rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as condensed tannins, which are bioactive compounds previously shown to have antiparasitic activity. Here, we examined the anticoccidial properties of bark extract of Norway spruce (Picea abies) against a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. by treating Eimeria-infected pre-ruminant lambs with water-extracted bark daily for 12 days. We hypothesised that the bark extract would reduce the faecal oocyst excretion and, consequently, the severity of diarrhoea. Results Oral administration of spruce bark extract significantly reduced the excretion of Eimeria oocysts in milk-fed lambs post treatment till the end of the trial 22 days post infection. This difference in oocyst excretion between the treated and the untreated infected animals increased with time. Compared to the untreated and the sham-infected control group, the group treated with bark extract had softer faeces and reduced milk intake during the treatment period. After discontinuing the treatment, the treated animals got a more solid and formed faeces compared to that of the untreated control group, and the milk intake increased to the level of the sham-infected, untreated control group. The bark extract treated animals had a lower body weight and a lower mean daily body weight gain throughout the whole duration of the experiment. Conclusions Bark extract from Norway spruce showed marked anticoccidial properties by reducing the faecal oocyst count and associated diarrhoea in young lambs. Simultaneously we experienced detrimental effects of the treatment, displayed as reduced feed intake and daily body weight gain. Therefore, we suggest conducting similar studies with lower bark extract dosage to explore the possibilities of a better trade-off to reduce the negative impact while maintaining the antiparasitic effect. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13028-022-00629-y.
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Lu C, Yan Y, Jian F, Ning C. Coccidia-Microbiota Interactions and Their Effects on the Host. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:751481. [PMID: 34660347 PMCID: PMC8517481 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.751481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common parasitic disease in animals, coccidiosis substantially affects the health of the host, even in the absence of clinical symptoms and intestinal tract colonization. Gut microbiota is an important part of organisms and is closely related to the parasite and host. Parasitic infections often have adverse effects on the host, and their pathogenic effects are related to the parasite species, parasitic site and host-parasite interactions. Coccidia-microbiota-host interactions represent a complex network in which changes in one link may affect the other two factors. Furthermore, coccidia-microbiota interactions are not well understood and require further research. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which coccidia interact directly or indirectly with the gut microbiota and the effects on the host. Understanding the mechanisms underlying coccidia-microbiota-host interactions is important to identify new probiotic strategies for the prevention and control of coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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Sánchez-Herencia D, Mamani-Mango G, Coila-Añasco P. Eimeria control in baby alpacas using toltrazuril as a prophylactic measure in humid Puna. JOURNAL OF THE SELVA ANDINA ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.36610/j.jsaas.2021.080200082x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sánchez-Herencia D, Mamani-Mango G, Coila-Añasco P. Control de Eimerias en crías de alpacas con toltrazuril como medida profiláctica, puna húmeda. JOURNAL OF THE SELVA ANDINA ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.36610/j.jsaas.2021.080200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Meradi S, Bentounsi B. Lamb's Eimeria infections raised in a steppic region and their impacts on clinical indicators (FAMACHA © and Disco). J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:599-605. [PMID: 34475639 PMCID: PMC8368340 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 290 lambs in 29 small flocks were studied from October to January 2020, conducted in a semi-extensive rearing system. The objective was to identify by the microscopic morphology of oocysts the Eimeria species that infect lambs in a steppe region of eastern Algeria, as well as to evaluate on these parasites two clinical indicators of diarrhea (Disco) and anemia (FAMACHA©) used in targeted selective treatments against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). This present work completes the previous evaluations carried out in steppe conditions in our laboratory on GIN and cestodes. All these enteric parasites can influence these indicators. They constitute by their morbidity and their presence, alone or concomitantly, a factor determining or aggravating diarrhea, the main problem of sheep farming. The prevalence of Eimeria sp. oocysts was 56.2%. Eight species were identified: E. intricata (50.3%), E. bakuensis (43.6%), E. ovinoidalis (27.6%), E. crandallis (23.9%), E. parva (20.9%), E. weybridgensis (13.5%), E. pallida (9.2%) and E. ashata (6.7%). Unlike GIN and Cestodes where only Disco was affected, E. ovinoidalis was strongly affecting both indicators, while E. crandalis was slightly less affecting. This confirms the pathogenicity of these two species and suggests that their presence should also be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Meradi
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, University of Batna 1, Batna, Algeria
| | - Bourhane Bentounsi
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
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11
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Preparation, characterization and pharmacokinetic studies of sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin-toltrazuril inclusion complex. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Silva LMR, Carrau T, Vila-Viçosa MJM, Musella V, Rinaldi L, Failing K, Cortes HCE, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. Analysis of potential risk factors of caprine coccidiosis. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100458. [PMID: 33308721 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Caprine coccidiosis represents a major concern in goat industry worldwide causing high economic losses, mainly due to poor weight gains, treatment costs and even death of kids. Therefore, analyses on risk factors involved in the establishment and outcome of this disease are important to improve infection status and herd management. In Portugal, approximately 400,000 goats are reared every year. The majority of them are allocated in the southern part of the country. In the current study, a representative number of animals (382 goats) and herds (37 herds) from Alentejo were monitored. Faecal samples from five young and five adult goats of each farm were collected rectally and examined individually by using the modified McMaster technique for oocyst counts (oocyst per gram of faeces - OPG). Additionally, a questionnaire on the husbandry conditions and anti-parasitic treatments was performed. Overall, a prevalence of Eimeria infections of 99% and 100% was detected on animal and herd level, respectively. Eimeria arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae as the two most pathogenic caprine species also constituted the most prevalent ones (34.91% and 29.90%, respectively), both in the young and the adult goat groups. As expected, OPG vales were significantly higher (p = 0.031) in young than in adult goats. Furthermore, risk factor analyses revealed young age, higher total number of animals on the farm and outdoor kidding as strongly associated with a higher risk of caprine coccidiosis. Overall, the high prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria species on Portuguese goat farms in combination with the occurrence of related risk factors strengthen the importance of coccidiosis control in caprine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M R Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany; Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, MED - Mediteranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Evora, Portugal.
| | - T Carrau
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - M J M Vila-Viçosa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, MED - Mediteranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Evora, Portugal
| | - V Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - L Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - K Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - H C E Cortes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, MED - Mediteranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Evora, Portugal
| | - A Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - C Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
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13
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Song X, Yang X, Zhang T, Liu J, Liu Q. A Novel Rhoptry Protein as Candidate Vaccine against Eimeria tenella Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030452. [PMID: 32806700 PMCID: PMC7565193 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) is a highly pathogenic and prevalent species of Eimeria that infects chickens, and it causes a considerable disease burden worldwide. The secreted proteins and surface antigens of E. tenella at the sporozoite stage play an essential role in the host–parasite interaction, which involves attachment and invasion, and these interactions are considered vaccine candidates based on the strategy of cutting off the invasion pathway to interrupt infection. We selected two highly expressed surface antigens (SAGs; Et-SAG13 and Et-SAG) and two highly expressed secreted antigens (rhoptry kinases Eten5-A, Et-ROPK-Eten5-A and dense granule 12, Et-GRA12) at the sporozoite stage. Et-ROPK-Eten5-A and Et-GRA12 were two unexplored proteins. Et-ROPK-Eten5-A was an E. tenella-specific rhoptry (ROP) protein and distributed in the apical pole of sporozoites and merozoites. Et-GRA12 was scattered in granular form at the sporozoite stage. To evaluate the potential of rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A, rEt-GRA12, rEt-SAG13 and rEt-SAG proteins as a coccidiosis vaccine, the protective efficacy was examined based on survival rate, lesion score, body weight gain, relative body weight gain and oocyst output. The survival rate was significantly improved in rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A (100%) and rEt-GRA12 (100%) immune chickens compared to the challenged control group (40%). The average body weight gains of rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A, rEt-GRA12, rEt-SAG13 and rEt-SAG immunized chickens were significantly higher than those of unimmunized chickens. The mean lesion score and oocyst output of the rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A immunized chickens were significantly reduced compared to unimmunized challenged chickens. These results suggest that the rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A protein effectively triggered protection against E. tenella in chickens and provides a useful foundation for future work developing anticoccidial vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingju Song
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.S.); (X.Y.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xu Yang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.S.); (X.Y.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Taotao Zhang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.S.); (X.Y.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.S.); (X.Y.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (X.S.); (X.Y.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence:
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14
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Morgoglione ME, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Alves LC, Saralli G, Bruni G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. A 10-Year Surveillance of Eimeria spp. in Cattle and Buffaloes in a Mediterranean Area. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:410. [PMID: 32851006 PMCID: PMC7417623 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. are widespread parasitic infections in cattle and water buffaloes and may impair health, welfare, and production of these livestock species. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of eimeriosis and (ii) to characterize the Eimeria species in large ruminants in a Mediterranean area, in order to plan effective control strategies. Parasitological data were obtained from a 10-year surveillance program (2010–2019) on 3,631 farms (2,089 buffalo and 1,542 cattle farms) sampled in central and southern Italy. Pooled fecal samples were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique with an analytic sensitivity of 2 oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) utilizing a saturated sodium chloride flotation solution (specific gravity = 1.200). Eimeria species identification was performed by morphometric analysis after a one week incubation of oocysts in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The results showed high prevalence of Eimeria (up to 100%) in both cattle and buffaloes in the 10 years of surveillance, even if a slight reduction was reported in the last three years. The overall prevalence of eimeriosis was 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 90.2–93.1) in cattle farms and 81.5% (95% CI = 79.8–83.1) in water buffalo farms. The mean OPG value was 66.8 (min = 2; max = 8,065) in cattle and 55.9 (min = 2; max = 15,415) in water buffaloes, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In total, nine species of Eimeria were found in cattle the most prevalent being Eimeria bovis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. cylindrica, and E. zuernii, whereas in water buffaloes eight species of Eimeria were found, the most prevalent being E. ellipsoidalis, E. auburnensis, E. bovis, and E. zuernii. Mixed infections were common in both ruminant species. The seasonal pattern showed a higher prevalence of eimeriosis in cattle in spring (86.9%) whereas in buffalo farms the prevalence was higher in winter (82.3%) and summer (82.4%). In conclusion, the 10-year surveillance program indicates that eimeriosis is common in cattle and water buffaloes and therefore continuous effective control strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Leucio Camara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Bruni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Venkatas J, Adeleke MA. A review of Eimeria antigen identification for the development of novel anticoccidial vaccines. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1701-1710. [PMID: 31065831 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a major poultry disease which compromises animal welfare and costs the global chicken industry a huge economic loss. As a result, research entailing coccidial control measures is crucial. Coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria parasites that are highly immunogenic. Consequently, a low dosage of the Eimeria parasite supplied by a vaccine will enable the host organism to develop an innate immune response towards the pathogen. The production of traditional live anticoccidial vaccines is limited by their low reproductive index and high production costs, among other factors. Recombinant vaccines overcome these limitations by eliciting undesired contaminants and prevent the reversal of toxoids back to their original toxigenic form. Recombinant vaccines are produced using defined Eimeria antigens and harmless adjuvants. Thus, studies regarding the identification of potent novel Eimeria antigens which stimulate both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in chickens are essential. Although the prevalence and risk posed by Eimeria have been well established, there is a dearth of information on genetic and antigenic diversity within the field. Therefore, this paper discusses the potential and efficiency of recombinant vaccines as an anticoccidial control measure. Novel protective Eimeria antigens and their antigenic diversity for the production of cheap, easily accessible recombinant vaccines are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Venkatas
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - M A Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Odden A, Stuen S, Enemark HL, Robertson LJ, Molina JM, Ruiz A. Preliminary studies on in vitro methods for the evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy/resistance in ruminants. Exp Parasitol 2019; 201:34-41. [PMID: 31034815 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovine Eimeria spp. infections cause increased mortality, reduced welfare and substantial economic losses, and anticocccidials are important for their control. Recent reports of anticoccidial resistance against ovine Eimeria spp. necessitate the development of in vitro methods for the detection of reduced anticoccidial efficacy, especially since the in vivo methods are both expensive, time consuming and requires the use of otherwise healthy animals. The aim of the present study was therefore to approach a preliminary standardization of in vitro assays for evaluation of the efficacy of the most commonly used anticoccidials in ruminants. For this purpose, apart from the evaluation of inhibition of oocyst sporulation, most effort was concentrated on assessment of the capacity of the different anticoccidials to inhibit both the invasion and further development (up to the first schizogony) of E. ninakohlyakimovae sporozoites in bovine colonic epithelial cells (BCEC). For this purpose, infected cultures were monitored 1, 8 and 15 days post infection to determine the infection rate, number of immature schizonts and number, size and appearance of mature schizonts, respectively. No clear inhibitory effect was found with any of the anticoccidial formulations tested, and we could not identify why there were no measurable effects from the different anticoccidials. Despite the lack of positive results, further investigations should be encouraged, as this could decrease the need for animal experiments and could be used in the initial assessment of anticoccidial efficacy of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Odden
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, N-4325, Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, N-4325, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Heidi L Enemark
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, N-0106, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - José Manuel Molina
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Ruiz
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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17
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Odden A, Enemark HL, Ruiz A, Robertson LJ, Ersdal C, Nes SK, Tømmerberg V, Stuen S. Controlled efficacy trial confirming toltrazuril resistance in a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:394. [PMID: 29976240 PMCID: PMC6034276 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2976-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. infections in lambs causes increased mortality and substantial production losses, and anticoccidials are important for control of the infection. Anticoccidial resistance has been reported in poultry and swine, and we recently described reduced toltrazuril efficacy in ovine Eimeria spp. in some Norwegian sheep farms using a newly developed faecal oocyst count reduction test (FOCRT). The aim of the present study was to use a controlled efficacy trial to assess the efficacy of toltrazuril against a field isolate suspected of being resistant. METHODS Twenty lambs, 17-22 days old and raised protected against exposure to coccidia, were infected with a field isolate of 100,000 Eimeria spp. oocysts. This isolate was obtained from a farm with a previously calculated drug efficacy of 56% (95% confidence interval: -433.9 to 96.6%). At day 7 post-infection, 10 of the lambs were orally treated with 20 mg/kg toltrazuril (Baycox Sheep vet., Bayer Animal Health), while the other 10 lambs (controls) were given physiological saline. Clinical examinations were conducted, and weight gains recorded. Daily faecal samples were scored for diarrhoea on a scale from 1 to 5, and oocyst excretion was determined using a modified McMaster technique. Oocysts were morphologically identified to species level. At 17-24 days post-infection, the lambs were euthanized and necropsied. RESULTS The tested Eimeria isolate was resistant against toltrazuril, and resistance was seen in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. In addition, no significant differences in faecal score, growth, gross pathology or histological changes were identified between the two groups. The pathogenic E. ovinoidalis was the dominant species, and no significant difference in the individual prevalence of E. ovinoidalis post-treatment was found between treated (66.9%) and control lambs (61.9%). Other species identified included E. crandallis/weybridgensis, E. parva, E. marsica, E. faurei, E. pallida, E. ahsata and E. bakuensis. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms toltrazuril resistance in ovine Eimeria spp.; in addition, the data support the use of FOCRT as an appropriate tool for field evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy. Due to limited anticoccidial treatment alternatives, these findings may have important implications for the sheep industry, particularly in northern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Odden
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - Heidi L. Enemark
- Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Antonio Ruiz
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Ersdal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - Silje K. Nes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - Vibeke Tømmerberg
- Animalia, Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, P.O. Box 396, Økern, 0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
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