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Pereira MA, Vila-Viçosa MJ, Coelho C, Santos C, Esteves F, Cruz R, Gomes L, Henriques D, Vala H, Nóbrega C, Mega AC, de Melo C, Malva M, Braguez J, Mateus TL. Pulmonary and Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Small Ruminant Autochthonous Breeds from Centre Region of Portugal-A Cross Sectional Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1241. [PMID: 38672389 PMCID: PMC11047328 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The production of small ruminant autochthonous breeds in the Centre region of Portugal is practiced in a semi-extensive husbandry system, exposing animals to parasitic infections. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and identify risk factors. Fecal samples of 203 goats and 208 sheep from 30 herds were collected per rectum and subjected to the modified Baermann test. The overall prevalence of infection was 57.7%, significantly higher in goats (95.6%) than in sheep (20.7%) (p < 0.001). According to the binary logistic regression model, sheep dewormed with albendazole, mebendazole plus closantel, or ivermectin plus clorsulon presented a risk of Protostrongylidae infection 29.702, 7.426, or 8.720 times higher, respectively, than those dewormed with eprinomectin. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was investigated in 307 fecal samples using Mini-FLOTAC®. The overall prevalence of infection was 86.3%, also significantly higher in goats (93.2%) than in sheep (79.9%) (p < 0.001). Strongyle-type eggs were the most frequently identified, both in sheep (69.8%) and goats (87.8%), followed by Eimeria oocysts (40.3% in sheep and 68.9% in goats). Considering the high prevalence and the burden of lungworm parasitic infection, it is urgent to determine its economic impact and the repercussions in animal health in the Centre region of Portugal to establish appropriate therapeutic guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aires Pereira
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Maria João Vila-Viçosa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora—Pólo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal;
- MED, Instituto Mediterrâneo para a Agricultura, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, Universidade de Évora—Pólo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Catarina Coelho
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Carla Santos
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Rita Cruz
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), EpiUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Gomes
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Diogo Henriques
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Helena Vala
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Mega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.C.); (C.S.); (F.E.); (R.C.); (L.G.); (D.H.); (H.V.); (C.N.); (A.C.M.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Carolina de Melo
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Alameda de Santa Apolónia 253, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Madalena Malva
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Joana Braguez
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.M.); (J.B.)
- CIAC—Centro de Investigação em Artes e Comunicação Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Sala 0.28, Edifício 1, FCHS, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- CEIS20—Centro de Estudos Interdisciplinares, Rua Filipe Simões nº 33, 3000-186 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Letra Mateus
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), EpiUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Àlvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Gutiérrez J, Blasco-Castello JL, Marcos-Santamaría M, Cano-Alsua S, Elvira L, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. A questionnaire-based survey in Spain provides relevant information to improve the control of ovine coccidiosis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1326431. [PMID: 38125679 PMCID: PMC10730930 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1326431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovine coccidiosis is a widespread intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria spp. Lambs are infected by the ingestion of sporulated oocysts, experiencing diarrhea and low growth rates. Control should be based on measures to reduce infection pressure and stress on the animals as well as on appropriate diagnosis and strategic treatment. To obtain information on how control measures are implemented in the ovine sector in Spain, a questionnaire-based survey was completed in 2022 by 154 veterinarians and 173 farmers working in this sector. Coccidiosis was highlighted as a relevant disease by 34% of the respondents. The period of greatest risk seemed to differ between production systems, being mainly early after weaning (7-15 days after weaning) in meat flocks and feedlots and later (1-2 months after weaning) in dairy flocks. The absence of cleaning and disinfection measures was identified as a risk factor by 51% of the veterinarians, with 22% mentioning overcrowding of animals and 22% indicating that coccidiosis has more incidence in flocks with large number of animals. The use of laboratory diagnosis methods (fecal oocyst count) was unusual in 70 and 84% of the veterinarians and farmers, respectively. Regarding control, dairy flocks usually housed a larger number of animals under intensive conditions, and they implemented more frequently control measures for coccidiosis than meat flocks. Anticoccidial drugs were used in 79% of the flocks, and in 74-82% of them, they were applied based on clinical criteria. Comparing protocols for anticoccidial treatment among different production systems, in meat flocks, anticoccidial drugs were applied more frequently when clinical signs were observed, and coccidiostats were used for less than 28 days compared to dairy flocks. These results highlight the need for improvement in the use of anticoccidial treatments adjusted to the new regulatory framework in the EU, which in turn will rationalize the use of antimicrobial compounds and may help to mitigate the impact of coccidiosis in flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez
- MSD Animal Health, Polígono Industrial El Montalvo, C/Zeppelin, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | - Santiago Cano-Alsua
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Elvira
- MSD Animal Health, Polígono Industrial El Montalvo, C/Zeppelin, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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González S, del Rio ML, Díez-Baños N, Martínez A, Hidalgo MDR. Contribution to the Knowledge of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus) from the Province of León, Spain: An Epidemiological and Molecular Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3117. [PMID: 37835723 PMCID: PMC10571729 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A study of gastrointestinal nematodes in roe deer was carried out in the regional hunting reserves of Riaño and Mampodre, Province of León, Spain, to provide information on their prevalence and intensity of infection in relation to the sampling areas, age of the animals, and body weight. Through a regulated necropsy of the animals, all of them harbored gastrointestinal nematodes in their digestive tract, with a mean intensity of parasitism of 638 ± 646.1 nematodes/infected animal. Eleven genera were found and 18 species of gastrointestinal nematodes were identified, three of them polymorphic: Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus capricola, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Haemonchus contortus, Spiculopteragia spiculoptera/Spiculopteragia mathevossiani, Ostertagia leptospicularis/Ostertagia kolchida, Ostertagia (Grosspiculopteragia) occidentalis, Teladorsagia circumcincta/Teladorsagia trifurcate, Marshallagia marshalli, Nematodirus europaeus, Cooperia oncophora, Capillaria bovis, Oesophagostomum venulosum, and Trichuris ovis. All of them have already been cited in roe deer in Europe, but Marshallagia marshalli, Capillaria bovis, and Ostertagia (Grosspiculopteragia) occidentalis are reported for the first time in Spain in this host. The abomasum was the intestinal section, where the prevalence (98.9%) and mean intensity (x¯ = 370.7 ± 374.4 worms/roe deer; range 3-1762) were significantly higher, but no statistically significant differences were found when comparing the sampling areas and age of animals. The animals with lower body weight had a higher parasite load than those in better physical condition, finding, in this case, statistically significant differences (p = 0.0020). Seven genera and 14 species were identified. In the small intestine, 88% of the animals examined presented gastrointestinal nematodes, with an average intensity of x¯ = 131.7 ± 225.6 parasites/infected animal, ranging between 4-1254 worms. No statistically significant differences were found when the three parameters studied were compared. Four genera and seven species were identified. In the large intestine/cecum, 78.3% of the examined roe deer presented adult worms, with an average intensity of 6.3 ± 5.5 worms/infected animal; range 1-26 worms. Only statistically significant differences were observed when considering the mean intensity of parasitism and the sampling area (p = 0.0093). Two genera and two species were identified. Several of the species found in the study were studied molecularly, and with the sequences obtained compared with those deposited in GenBank, phylogenetic trees were prepared to determine their taxonomic status. Using coprological techniques, the existing correlation in the shedding of gastrointestinal nematode eggs in roe deer was investigated with that of semi-extensive sheep farms in the same study area to verify the existence of cross-transmission of these parasites between wild and domestic animals. The high values found in the studied parameters show that northern Spain is an area of high-intensity infection for roe deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24007 León, Spain; (S.G.); (M.d.R.H.)
| | - María Luisa del Rio
- Department of Animal Health, Section of Immunobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24007 León, Spain;
| | - Natividad Díez-Baños
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24007 León, Spain; (S.G.); (M.d.R.H.)
| | - Angélica Martínez
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - María del Rosario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24007 León, Spain; (S.G.); (M.d.R.H.)
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Pelegrin-Valls J, Álvarez-Rodríguez J, Martín-Alonso MJ, Aquilué B, Serrano-Pérez B. Impact of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp inclusion and warm season on gastrointestinal morphological parameters, immune-redox defences and coccidiosis in concentrate-fed light lambs. Res Vet Sci 2023; 163:104969. [PMID: 37639805 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.104969] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp and warm season on gastrointestinal morphological parameters, immune-redox defences and coccidiosis in concentrate-fed light lambs. Weaned lambs were assigned to one of three concentrate-based diets: C0 (without carob pulp), C15 (150 g/kg of carob pulp) and C30 (300 g/kg of carob pulp) from 40 to 80 days of age in two consecutive cold and warm batches. Blood samples were collected at Day 80 to determine the metabolic status. Rectal faeces were sampled at Days 50, 65 and 80 to determine consistency and oocyst count per gram. Inclusion of carob pulp in lamb diets did not affect lamb growth but reduced coccidia oocyst excretion, improved faecal consistency and gastrointestinal morphological parameters, enhancing the ruminal thickness of the papilla living strata and reducing the darkness of the epithelium colour. Moreover, carob condensed tannins in the lambs' diet enhanced the expression of antioxidant SOD2 in rumen, while down-regulated NRF2, SOD1, CAT and PPARG in ileum. There was no interaction between the treatments and season in the evaluated variables. Lambs from the warm season exhibited reduced growth performance, altered ruminal epithelium, lower circulating iron levels, increased protein concentrations and higher coccidiosis susceptibility. In addition, regulatory immune and antioxidant mechanisms to counterbalance reactive oxygen species production in gastrointestinal tissues were evident. Dietary inclusion of carob pulp (150 and 300 g/kg) in lamb diets improved gastrointestinal health and homeostasis but did not ameliorate the deleterious effects of warm season.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Beatriz Aquilué
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida 25198, Spain
| | - Beatriz Serrano-Pérez
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida 25198, Spain; AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Lleida 25198, Spain.
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Bouroutzika E, Ciliberti MG, Caroprese M, Kantzoura V, Theodosiadou EK, Batikas G, Michailidis ML, Stampinas EG, Mimikou Z, Pantsios G, Saratsis A, Valasi I. Melatonin Administration to Pregnant Ewes for Coccidiosis Control in Their Offspring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2381. [PMID: 37508158 PMCID: PMC10376582 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142381] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In livestock research, there has been a growing interest in the impact of melatonin on both health and disease conditions. The hypothesis of the present study was that melatonin treatment prenatally could support the immune competence and growth of experimentally infected lambs. This is the first study that aimed to investigate the impact of melatonin administration throughout pregnancy on immunity and oocyst excretion of pre-partum ewes and their offspring after experimental infection with Eimeria species. Thirty pregnant ewes were allocated into five equal groups, ΚΜ, ΚC, CM, CC, and NC, and gave birth to 47 lambs. Ewes of the KM and KC groups were orally challenged with a cocktail of Eimeria-sporulated oocysts (mainly consisting of Eimeria ovinoidalis), on day 120 of pregnancy, as well as all the lambs at the age of 5-9 days apart from those born from the NC group (environmental control). Fecal samples were collected from all ewes before infection and at parturition and from all lambs 14 times (S0-S13), before infection and during the following 8 weeks, for counting oocysts per gram of feces (OPG). Immunoglobulin (IgG) and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) levels were determined in ewes' plasma collected before infection and at parturition, in lambs' plasma at 24 and 72 h after their birth, and in colostrum samples at parturition and 72 h later. Body weight of lambs was recorded five times from birth until the age of 60 days. Accordingly, the leucogram was evaluated in blood samples collected six times within the same period. On average, IgG concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in the blood of KM-ewes compared to KC and CC groups and in colostrum of KM-ewes compared to other groups (p < 0.001). KM-lambs had greater IgG titer and IFN-γ level than the other groups (p < 0.05). The IL-10/ IFN-γ ratio in KM-ewes was lower than the CC group (p = 0.06). Overall, the growth rate of lambs did not differ among groups (p > 0.05). Total oocysts' excretion in KM- and CM-lambs was reduced by 94.9% (p = 0.05) and 92.6% (p = 0.025), respectively, compared to KC-lambs, following the 3-week period after challenge, when E. ovinoidalis predominated in all groups. The dominant type of leucocytes was monocytes in all experimentally infected lambs, but not in NC-lambs, while overall lymphocytes were lower in KC-lambs than in NC-lambs (p < 0.05). Considering that almost all young indoor-reared lambs are exposed to coccidia species during their early life, melatonin treatment prenatally could suggest an alternative management tool in alleviating infection pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efterpi Bouroutzika
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Maria Giovanna Ciliberti
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Caroprese
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vaia Kantzoura
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Batikas
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | | | - Zafeiro Mimikou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Georgios Pantsios
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Irene Valasi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
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Mohamed HI, Arafa WM, El-Dakhly KM. Ovine coccidiosis and associated risk factors in Minya, Egypt. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Coccidiosis is a potential protozoal disease of economic importance in sheep worldwide. The current study aimed to detect the prevalence of ovine coccidiosis and identification of the recovered species in Minya, Egypt. Three hundred and fifty sheep from Minia, Egypt, were coprologically examined for the occurrence of Eimeria species oocysts by using the standard floatation technique.
Results
Oocysts were detected in 180 (51.43%) animals. Mixed infection was recorded in 37.14% (130/350) and single infection was revealed in 14.29% (50/350) sheep. The prevalence of coccidiosis was significantly higher in young sheep. Fourteen Eimeria species were detected; Eimeria bakuensis, E. webybridgensis, E. ahusta, E. intricata, E. granulosa, E. faurei, E. ninakohlyakim-ovae, Eimeria coitae-like, E. parva, E. pallida, E. marsica, E. crandallis, E. ovinoidalis and E. arloingi. The most predominant Eimeria species was Eimeria parva (14.57%; 51/350) followed by E. ovinoidalis (14.0%; 49/350), E. granulosa (8.29%; 29/350), E. bakuensis (7.14%; 25/350), E. intricata (5.43%; 19/350), E. faurei and E. webybridgensis (4.86%; 17/350 each), E. pallida (4.0%; 14/350), E. ninakohlyakim-ovae (3.71%; 13/350), E. crandallis and E. ahsata (3.43%; 12/350 each), E. marsica and E. arloingi (1.71%; 6/350 each). The least abundant species was E. coitae-like (1.14%; 4/350).
Conclusion
Fourteen Eimeria species were recovered from sheep in Minya, Egypt; Eimeria bakuensis, E. webybridgensis, E. ahusta, E. intricata, E. granulosa, E. faurei, E. ninakohlyakim-ovae, Eimeria coitae-like, E. parva, E. pallida, E. marsica, E. crandallis, E. ovinoidalis and E. arloingi. Eimeria parva was the most common while E. coitae-like was the least. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for the occurrence of E. coitae-like in sheep in Egypt. Prevention and effective control programs should be strictly followed to avoid economic losses resulted from the coccidian infection.
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Sweeny AR, Corripio-Miyar Y, Bal X, Hayward AD, Pilkington JG, McNeilly TN, Nussey DH, Kenyon F. Longitudinal dynamics of co-infecting gastrointestinal parasites in a wild sheep population. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-12. [PMID: 35264257 PMCID: PMC10090596 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Within-year variation in infection is a ubiquitous feature of natural populations, but is determined by a complex interplay of environmental, parasitological and host factors. At the same time, co-infection is the norm in the wild. Longitudinal dynamics of co-infecting parasites may therefore be further complicated by covariation across multiple parasites. Here, we used fecal parasite egg and oocyst counts collected repeatedly from individually marked wild Soay sheep to investigate seasonal dynamics of six gastrointestinal parasite groups. Prevalence and abundance tended to be higher in spring and summer, and abundance was higher in lambs compared to adults. We found that within-year variation in highly prevalent strongyle nematode counts was dependent on adult reproductive status, where reproductive ewes had distinct dynamics compared to males and barren ewes. For similarly prevalent coccidia we found an overall peak in oocyst counts in spring but no differences among males, barren and pregnant ewes. Using multivariate mixed-effects models, we further show that apparent positive correlation between strongyle and coccidia counts was driven by short-term within-individual changes in both counts rather than long-term among-individual covariation. Overall, these results demonstrate that seasonality varies across demographic and parasite groups and highlight the value of investigating co-infection dynamics over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Xavier Bal
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jill G. Pilkington
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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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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Genetic parameters of animal traits associated with coccidian and nematode parasite load and growth in Scottish Blackface sheep. Animal 2021; 15:100185. [PMID: 33653675 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitism is a global problem for grazing ruminants which can be addressed in a sustainable way through breeding animals to be more resistant to disease. This study estimates the genetic parameters of common and new disease phenotypes associated with natural nematode and coccidian infection in Scottish Blackface sheep to underpin future genetic improvement strategies for parasite control. Data on faecal egg counts (FEC) from different species of strongyle parasites and faecal oocyst counts (FOC) from coccidian parasites were collected on 3-month-old lambs together with a faecal soiling score in the breech area dagginess (DAG) and live weight (LWT). Faecal count data were obtained for Strongyles (FECS), Nematodirus (FECN) and Coccidia (FOC). Data from 3 731 lambs sampled between 2011 and 2017 were included. Faecal egg counts and DAG records were log-transformed prior to analysis. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Average age at sampling was 92 days with a mean LWT of 24.5 kg. Faecal soiling was not evident in 69% of lambs. Coccidia were the most prevalent parasite (99.5%), while Strongyles and Nematodirus had a prevalence of 95.4% and 72.7%, respectively. Heritability estimates (±SE) were 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.33 ± 0.04 for FECS, FECN, FOC, DAG and LWT, respectively. Strongyles faecal egg count had a strong and positive genetic correlation with FECN (0.74 ± 0.09) and a moderate positive correlation with FOC (0.39 ± 0.15) while DAG was negatively genetically correlated with LWT (-0.33 ± 0.15). The significant positive genetic correlations between FECS, FECN and FOC at 3 months of age show that co-selection of sheep for resistance to these different parasites is feasible. Selection for increased resistance to parasite infection is not expected to adversely affect live BW, as no significant antagonistic genetic correlations were found between LWT and FEC. There were significant antagonistic phenotypic and genetic relationships between DAG and LWT being -0.19 ± 0.02 and -0.33 ± 0.15, respectively, indicating that the expression of the manifestation of disease in lambs may be a more meaningful indicator of the impact of parasite burden on productivity.
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Determinants of Eimeria and Campylobacter infection dynamics in UK domestic sheep: the role of co-infection. Parasitology 2021; 148:623-629. [PMID: 33541446 PMCID: PMC10090772 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a well-recognized disease of livestock. Enteric Eimeria infections are common, but disease usually only manifests when infection intensity is abnormally high. Campylobacter species are important zoonotic enteric bacterial pathogens for which livestock are important reservoir hosts. The diversity and epidemiology of ovine Eimeria and Campylobacter infections on two farms in north-western England were explored through a 24-month survey of shedding in sheep feces. Most animals were infected with at least one of 10 different Eimeria species, among which E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis were most common. An animal's age and the season of sampling were associated with the probability and intensity of Eimeria infection. Season of sampling was also associated with the probability of Campylobacter infection. Interestingly, higher intensities of Eimeria infections were significantly more common in animals not co-infected with Campylobacter. We explored the determinants of E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis infections, observing that being infected with either significantly increased the likelihood of infection with the other. The prevalence of E. ovinoidalis infections was significantly lower in sheep infected with Campylobacter. Recognition that co-infectors shape the dynamics of parasite infection is relevant to the design of effective infection control programmes.
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Effect of toltrazuril at single dose against Eimeria spp. in lambs kept at pasture in condition favorable to coccidiosis. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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SWARNKAR CP, SINGH D, KHAN FA. Factors influencing regional epidemiology of strongyle nematodes at organized sheep farms in Rajasthan. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i3.102318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to observe the influence of year, season, month, breed, age and sex on epidemiology of strongyle nematodes in different sheep breeds managed at organised farms in arid and semi-arid Rajasthan by evaluating 14,030 fresh faecal samples (from April 2016 to March 2019). The overall incidence of strongyle worms was significantly higher (74.1%) in semi-arid as compared to 27.4% in arid region. Among breeds, it varied from 25.6% in Magra to 74.8% in Malpura sheep. The effect of year was significant on regional as well breed-wise incidence. Season had significant effect on regional incidence with maximum incidence during monsoon. A significant breed variation in overall and seasonal incidence was found only in arid region. Irrespective of sheep breed, significantly higher incidence of strongyle worms was observed in adult sheep in both the regions. Male had significantly higher incidence of strongyle worms in both the regions. The effect of agro-climatic region was significant on overall intensity of strongyle worms with mean FECs of 117.8±3.7 epg in arid and 1098.9±45.2 epg in semi-arid region. Breed-wise, the effect of year on intensity of strongyle nematodes was significant in arid region only. Seasonal intensity was significantly higher during monsoon season in both the agro-climatic regions and in all the breeds. Effect of age on overall intensity of infection was also significant in both the regions with higher mean FECs in adult animals as compared to young ones. In both the regions, males possessed higher FECs as compared to females. On coproculture, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus sp and Oesophagostomum sp were recovered with maximum (71.1±2.1%) mean annual proportion of H. contortus. Availability of infective larvae of GI nematodes on herbage was observed during monsoon and extended up to post-monsoon season in semi-arid region. Comparatively higher herbage infectivity was not noticed in semi-arid farm with a peak of 2,100.0±97.9 L3/kg dry matter of herbage in September. The study suggest a marked influence of agro-climatic region on epidemiology and dynamics of strongyle nematodes in sheep flocks and on pasture. The breed variation was evident only in arid conditions. Further, the magnitude of monthly intensity of strongyle infection in arid region suggested anthelmintics intervention through targeted selective approach instead of strategic en-mass drench.
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Olmos LH, Colque Caro LA, Avellaneda-Cáceres A, Medina DM, Sandoval V, Aguirre DH, Micheloud JF. First record of clinical coccidiosis (Eimeria ovinoidalis) in adult sheep from northwestern Argentina. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100429. [PMID: 32862909 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis of sheep is an intestinal infection caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. An outbreak of the disease in adult sheep from Salta province, northwestern Argentina, was studied to establish its clinical, epidemiological, pathological and etiological aspects. The affected animals were part of a flock of 20 sheep brought from Formosa province about 10 days before. Most sheep (80% incidence) showed hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration and loss of body condition; six of them died and two that became permanently recumbent were euthanized. Three necropsied sheep showed mild mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, diffuse proliferative enteritis in the small and large intestines, and mucosal thickening. Histopathological studies exhibited diffuse proliferative enteritis and presence of structures compatible with intracellular coccidia at different stages of development. Parasitological studies (n = 12) resulted in an average of 16,636.6 (± 15,266.8) Eimeria oocysts per gram of feces (range 1680-46,400). Taxonomy of Eimeria species based on analysis of sporulated oocysts derived from 4 fecal samples (n = 100 oocyst per sample) showed, on average, a high prevalence of E. ovinoidalis (61.5%), followed by E. parva (27.2%), and lower proportions of E. crandallis (5.3%), E. ahsata (3.2%) and E. intricata (2.8%). Clinical and pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of coccidiosis in the affected sheep; parasitological results showed that E. ovinoidalis was the main species responsible for the clinical signs. Clinical coccidiosis is considered unusual in adult sheep, but the present case shows that under favorable environmental and/or management conditions, this infection may be highly deleterious for adult sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Olmos
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CIAP, Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, Área de Investigación en Salud Animal, EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina.
| | - L A Colque Caro
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CIAP, Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, Área de Investigación en Salud Animal, EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - A Avellaneda-Cáceres
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina
| | - D M Medina
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina
| | - V Sandoval
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - D H Aguirre
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CIAP, Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, Área de Investigación en Salud Animal, EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - J F Micheloud
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CIAP, Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, Área de Investigación en Salud Animal, EEA Salta, Salta, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina
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Abstract
Ruminant coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a significant and widespread enteric disease in young livestock worldwide. High morbidities and significant mortalities may be observed. For disease diagnosis, fecal samples from clinically ill animals should be analyzed for both, identity (ie, pathogenicity) of Eimeria species and excreted oocyst amount. To prevent coccidiosis-related economic losses, management measures to reduce infection pressure and improve general animal health are crucial. Anticoccidial drugs are widely used to control clinical and subclinical disease. Treatment is most efficient when applied prophylactically or metaphylactically. To avoid development of parasite drug resistance, drugs should be used sustainably.
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Rahal N, Meireles M, Baptista R, Denadai D, Bovino F, Feitosa F, Peiró J, Mendes L. Ocorrência de espécies do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875, em cordeiros confinados. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Este trabalho descreve as espécies do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875, que ocorreram em um confinamento de cordeiros, bem como as dinâmicas da eliminação de oocistos no ambiente, a correlação com o ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) e as variáveis climáticas, durante nove semanas. Cento e quatro cordeiros de diversas raças e cruzas, com aproximadamente 60 dias de vida, foram confinados e submetidos a pesagens e avaliações clínicas e coprológicas periódicas. Amostras de fezes com mais de 500 oocistos de Eimeria por grama de fezes (OoPG) foram separadas para esporulação e identificação das espécies. Entre os oocistos avaliados, foram identificadas as espécies: E. parva, E. crandallis, E. ovinoidalis, E. weybridgensis, E. bakuensis, E. marsica, E. ahsata, E. granulosa, E. pallida e E. faurei. Eimeria crandallis foi a mais frequente, presente em 44 das 58 amostras avaliadas, enquanto E. parva foi a mais abundante nas contagens individuais. Nenhum dos animais apresentou quadro de eimeriose, e coeficientes negativos foram encontrados nas correlações OoPG vs. GMD (-0,075) e OoPG vs. pluviosidade (-0,1164), enquanto para OoPG vs. temperatura foi encontrado coeficiente positivo (0,2914). Animais positivos para a eliminação de oocistos apresentaram infecção mista nas avaliações semanais, com até sete espécies parasitando um mesmo cordeiro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - F. Bovino
- Fundação Educacional de Andradina, Brazil
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16
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Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 263:54-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Odden A, Denwood MJ, Stuen S, Robertson LJ, Ruiz A, Hamnes IS, Hektoen L, Enemark HL. Field evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy: A novel approach demonstrates reduced efficacy of toltrazuril against ovine Eimeria spp. in Norway. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:304-311. [PMID: 29777962 PMCID: PMC6039322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Ovine Eimeria spp. infections cause reduced welfare, increased mortality, and substantial economic losses, and anticoccidials are crucial for their control. Recent reports of toltrazuril resistance in pigs, and anecdotal reports of reduced anticoccidial efficacy in lambs, necessitate evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy. Due to the substantial lifecycle differences between nematodes and coccidia, current WAAVP methods for assessing anthelmintic efficacy are not suitable for such evaluations. Faecal samples were collected from 8 pairs of twin lambs from 36 Norwegian sheep farms 6-8 days after turnout. One twin of each pair was then treated with 20 mg/kg toltrazuril and a second faecal sample from all lambs was collected 7-11 days later. Oocyst excretion rate in all samples was determined using McMasters. Suitability of treatment timing was investigated by evaluating the increase in mean log oocyst excretion in untreated lambs. Based on comparisons between groups, a threshold of ≥0.75 (13 farms) was used to identify farms where drug efficacy could be assessed with confidence, drug efficacy on farms with increases of ≥0.5 but <0.75 (7 farms) were evaluated with caution, and drug efficacy on farms with increases of <0.5 (16 farms) was not estimated. Reduction in oocyst excretion between samples from treated lambs compared with controls from the 20 farms with a threshold of ≥0.5 were then analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. The results were classified based on 95% CI obtained using parametric bootstrapping. Among these 20 farms, two exhibited reduced drug efficacy (upper 95% CI < 95%), 13 had good efficacy (lower 95% CI > 90%), and for 5 the results were inconclusive. This is the first evidence-based report of reduced anticoccidial efficacy in ovine Eimeria spp. Additionally, we highlight the problem of sub-optimal timing of treatment (16/36 farms), which could potentially result in incorrect conclusions being reached regarding lack of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Odden
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Matthew J Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 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
| | - Inger Sofie Hamnes
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Hektoen
- Animalia, Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, P.O. Box 396, Økern, 0513 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi L Enemark
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
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Freudenschuss B, Ruttkowski B, Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Pagès M, Ladinig A, Joachim A. Antibody and cytokine response to Cystoisospora suis infections in immune-competent young pigs. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:390. [PMID: 29973271 PMCID: PMC6031197 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, investigations on the immune response to Cystoisospora suis infections focused on suckling piglets, the age group clinically most affected. Actively immunizing piglets is unfeasible due to their immature immune system and the typically early infection in the first days after birth. Therefore, understanding and possibly enhancing the immune response of immune-competent animals is the prerequisite to develop a passive immunization strategy for piglets which currently rely on very limited treatment options. Methods To investigate antibody and cytokine responses of immune-competent animals and the impact of the oral immunization protocol on their immune response, growers with unknown previous exposure to C. suis (10–11 weeks-old) were infected one or three times with different doses (600 and 6000 or 200 and 2000, respectively) of C. suis oocysts, and compared to uninfected controls. Oocyst excretion was evaluated, and blood and intestinal mucus antibody titers were determined by IFAT. Systemic production of Th1, Th2, inflammatory and regulatory cytokines was determined in different immune compartments at mRNA and (after stimulation with a recombinant merozoite-protein) at protein level by PCR and multiplex fluorescent immunoassay, respectively. Results Infection generated significantly increased serum IgA and IgG levels against C. suis sporozoites and merozoites, irrespective of infection mode, with IgG against merozoites showing the strongest increase. No clinical signs and only occasional excretion were observed. The systemic cytokine response to C. suis was only weak. Nonetheless, in white blood cells, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA-levels significantly increased after infection, whereas IFN-ɣ, IL-2 and TGF-β expression tended to decrease. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), IL-10 and TNF-α levels were elevated while splenic cytokine expression was unaltered upon infection. Stimulated MLN-derived lymphocytes from infected pigs produced slightly more IL-12 and less IFN-α than controls. Conclusions An infection and a subsequent systemic immune response can be induced in immune-competent animals by all evaluated infection models and growers can be used as models to mimic sow immunizations. The immune response to C. suis, although mild and with considerable variation in cytokine expression, was characterized by a Th2-associated and regulatory cytokine profile and antibody production. However, none of the parameters clearly stood out as a potential marker associated with protection. Antibody titers were significantly positively related with oocyst excretion and might thus serve as correlates for parasite replication or severity of infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Freudenschuss
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Singh D, Swarnkar C, Khan F. Epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites and impact of two anthelmintic treatment systems in sheep flocks of arid and semi-arid Rajasthan. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Age-related immune response to experimental infection with Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae in goat kids. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:155-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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de Souza Rodrigues F, Cezar AS, de Menezes FR, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF, de Avila Botton S. Efficacy and economic analysis of two treatment regimens using toltrazuril in lambs naturally infected with Eimeria spp. on pasture. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2911-2919. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5597-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Odden A, Enemark HL, Robertson LJ, Ruiz A, Hektoen L, Stuen S. Treatment against coccidiosis in Norwegian lambs and potential risk factors for development of anticoccidial resistance-a questionnaire-based study. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1237-1245. [PMID: 28190155 PMCID: PMC5360830 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of anticoccidials in Norwegian sheep flocks and identify farms with management procedures likely to select for drug resistance. Data were obtained by a questionnaire sent to all members of the Norwegian Sheep Recording System in October 2015. The data set consisted of 1215 answers, corresponding to 8.5% of Norwegian sheep flocks. Anticoccidials were used in 82.7% of flocks. Main treatment was at turnout (38.6% of treated flocks) or 1 week after turnout (32.4%). Interestingly, clinical signs possibly related to coccidiosis were observed by almost 40% of the farmers after treatment, which might be an indication of drug resistance. Correlations between the apparently reduced anticoccidial efficacy and management conditions, such as the size of the farms, were found. From the farmers' perspective, metaphylactic treatment was used in 88.5% of treated flocks, of which approximately one third had no history of clinical coccidiosis. Even though farmers seem aware of the importance of good drenching routines based on reliable estimates of weights and calibration of drench guns, drench gun used for anticoccidial administration was never calibrated in 12.1% of the flocks. Finally, dose estimation was made by visual appraisal in 27.5% of the flocks, which can lead to incorrect dosing. Based on the present study, it cannot be determined whether the apparent treatment failure was related to management practises, incorrect administration of the drug, other infections or actual anticoccidial drug resistance.
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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
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 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, 0033, 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
| | - Lisbeth Hektoen
- Animalia Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, P.O. Box 396 Økern, 0513, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, 0033, 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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Pérez-Fonseca A, Alcala-Canto Y, Salem AZM, Alberti-Navarro AB. Anticoccidial efficacy of naringenin and a grapefruit peel extract in growing lambs naturally-infected with Eimeria spp. Vet Parasitol 2016; 232:58-65. [PMID: 27890083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to determine the anti-Eimeria efficacy of an extract of grapefruit peels (GF) and commercial naringenin (NAR) in naturally-infected lambs, as well as the influence of these flavonoids on the oxidative status during ovine coccidiosis. Pharmacokinetic profiles were also determined. Extracts were administered per os to Eimeria naturally infected growing lambs during 90 consecutive days. The commercial anticoccidial drug toltrazuril (TTZ) was included in this trial as a standard. Twenty-four lambs were divided into four groups: NAR, lambs given a daily dose of 5mg of a commercial naringenin extract of 98% higher purity per kg body weight; GF, lambs that recived a daily dose of 5mg of ethanolic extract of grapefruit peels per kg body weight; TTZ, lambs treated with 20mg of toltrazuril/kg body weight on days 0 and 15 of the experiment; and CTRL, untreated lambs that received daily dose of 30ml of water. Daily doses of GF and NAR were dissolved in 30ml of water and orally given to animals; whereas toltrazuril was administered as a single dose of an undiluted suspension to lambs of the TTZ group. The CTRL group received 30ml of water; as well as the TTZ group for the period after the single dose administration. Fecal and serum samples were collected from all lambs. Anticoccidial efficacy was estimated by coprological techniques. Generation of nitric oxide levels and the antioxidant capacity of the experimental compounds were determined by the Griess and ABTS assays, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters of NAR and the GF extract were obtained. On day 30 post-ingestion, anticoccidial efficacy was 91.76% (NAR) and 89.65% (GF); whereas 99.63% of efficacy was achieved with TTZ 15days after treatment. NAR, GF and TTZ significantly reduced oxidative stress in infected animals. The mean daily weight gain for each group was 122g (NAR), 122g (GF), 143g (TTZ) and 98g (CTRL). Following the oral administration of NAR and GF, values in plasma approached maximum concentrations within 2.1 to 2.5h. In conclusion, the administration of NAR and the GF extract reduced Eimeria oocyst output, oxidative stress and promoted higher mean daily weight gains in infected lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Pérez-Fonseca
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yazmin Alcala-Canto
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abdelfattah Z M Salem
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico.
| | - Aldo B Alberti-Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Rumiantes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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First description of an in vitro culture system for Eimeria ovinoidalis macromeront formation in primary host endothelial cells. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:516-519. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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Jacobson C, Williams A, Yang R, Ryan U, Carmichael I, Campbell AJ, Gardner GE. Greater intensity and frequency of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocyst shedding beyond the neonatal period is associated with reductions in growth, carcase weight and dressing efficiency in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2016; 228:42-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Rodrigues FDS, Tavares LER, Paiva F. Efficacy of treatments with toltrazuril 7.5% and lasalocid sodium in sheep naturally infected with Eimeria spp. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2016; 25:293-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental formulation of toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ on a naturally acquired infection of Eimeria spp. in suckling lambs kept on pasture and, in another trial, evaluate the comparative efficacy between lasalocid and toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ in newly weaned sheep under feedlot conditions that had been naturally infected with Eimeria spp. In the first experiment, 30 suckling lambs were divided into two groups: A - treated with toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ and B- control. In experiment 2, 30 weaned sheep were divided into three groups: I - treated with toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™, II - treated with lasalocid and III - control. Treatment group A showed an efficacy of 90, 99.4 and 87.3% on days 5, 10 and 20, respectively. Treatment group I had an efficacy of 98.2, 92.6 and 94.5%, while group II had an efficacy of 72.7, 81.6 and 95.9% on days 7, 21 and 42, respectively. Eight Eimeria species were identified; E. ovinoidalis was the most common. Treatment with the toltrazuril 7.5% +Trimix ™ formulation was effective against Eimeria spp. in suckling lambs in field conditions and lambs weaned in under feedlot conditions.
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Souza LEBD, Cruz JFD, Teixeira Neto MR, Albuquerque GR, Melo ADB, Tapia DMT. Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:410-5. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The aim of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of Eimeria species affecting sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Fecal samples of native sheep were collected during the rainy and dry seasons. The degree of infection was determined by counting oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, and the morphometric method was used for species identification. Oocysts were found in all the properties assessed, in which 68.3% of the animals were infected. The prevalence of oocysts was influenced by the season and animal category (P<0.05). It was higher during the rainy season than the dry season (80.2% vs. 55.8%) and highest in young animals than the adults animals (68.2% vs. 39.6%). The OPG was lower during the dry season (1,269 ± 312 vs. 4,400 ± 1,122). Ten species were found; of these, E. ovinoidalis, E. granulosa, E. faurei, and E. crandallis were the most frequent. E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis were found in all properties, with their prevalences being 19.4% and 13.6% respectively. The high prevalence of pathogenic species shows that eimeriosis is a risk for animals raised extensively in the semiarid region.
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Yang R, Jacobson C, Gardner G, Carmichael I, Campbell AJ, Ryan U. Longitudinal prevalence, oocyst shedding and molecular characterisation of Eimeria species in sheep across four states in Australia. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ruiz A, Muñoz M, Molina J, Hermosilla C, Rodríguez F, Andrada M, Martín S, A.Guedes, Pérez D, Matos L, López A, Taubert A. Primary infection of goats with Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae does not provide protective immunity against high challenge infections. Small Rumin Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Idris A, Moors E, Sohnrey B, Gauly M. Gastrointestinal nematode infections in German sheep. Parasitol Res 2012; 110:1453-9. [PMID: 21979784 PMCID: PMC3305884 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2648-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and variation of natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lambs according to birth type, gender and breed based on individual faecal egg counts (FEC) from various regions in Germany. A total of 3,924 lambs (3 to 15 months old) with different genetic backgrounds (Merinoland, German Blackhead Mutton, Rhoen, Texel and Merino long-wool) were individually sampled during the grazing period between 2006 and 2008. Furthermore, pooled faecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate the third-stage larvae of the nematode spp. Sixty-three percent of the lambs were infected with GIN. The infections were mostly low to moderate and involved several nematode species. The Trichostrongylus spp. was the predominant species based on the percentage of larvae in faecal cultures. Only 11.4% of the lambs were free of Eimeria oocysts. Tapeworm eggs were encountered in 13.2% of all samples. The prevalence of GIN infections varied significantly (P < 0.001) among farms. A significantly higher FEC (P < 0.05) was observed in multiple-born lambs when compared with singletons. Moreover, male lambs were more susceptible to infection than females (P < 0.001). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between breeds regarding FEC. Inter-individual variations were higher than inter-breed differences, which may indicate the possibility of selection within these breeds for parasites resistance as described in earlier studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Idris
- Department of Animal Science, Georg August University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Abstract
There is evidence of genetically determined host resistance mechanisms for most of the sheep parasites evaluated. The mechanisms vary; from no or reduced establishment, early expulsion, to suppression of parasites resulting in reduced size and fecundity. There is a need to integrate breeding for parasite resistance with the genetic improvement of production traits in farm animals, aiming for optimum solutions for potentially conflicting responses. Sustainable parasite control must be based on Integrated Parasite Management utilising an interdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J E Karlsson
- Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, 299 Eulup-Manurup Road, Mt Barker, WA 6324, Australia.
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Debenham JJ, Johnson R, Vogelnest L, Phalen DN, Whittington R, Slapeta J. Year-long presence of Eimeria echidnae and absence of Eimeria tachyglossi in captive short-beaked echidnas ( Tachyglossus aculeatus ). J Parasitol 2012; 98:543-9. [PMID: 22236183 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2982.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The short-beaked echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus ) is 1 of 5 extant species of monotreme, found only in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The aim of this study was to identify the species of coccidia present and establish a range of subclinical Eimeria spp. (Coccidia: Apicomplexa) oocyst shedding in echidnas from eastern Australia over 18 mo. The coccidia were detected in 89% (49/55) of fecal samples from 12 long-term monitored and healthy captive echidnas, 75% (3/4) of 4 healthy long-term captive echidnas, 83% (5/6) of 6 short-term captive echidnas, and 60% (6/10) of 10 wild echidnas. Echidnas captive for 4 to 23 yr shed 100-46,000 oocysts g(-1) of E. echidnae and remained clinically healthy during this study. Sub-adult and adult wild, and short-term captive, echidnas shed oocysts of both E. echidnae and E. tachyglossi . The lack of coccidia in juvenile short-beaked echidnas suggests these animals are probably non-immune and should not be placed in environments heavily contaminated with oocysts. In addition, no oocysts were found in captive long-beaked echidnas ( Zaglossus bartoni bartoni , n = 2) housed at Taronga Zoo. This study represents an important step in understanding the host-parasite interaction between coccidia and short-beaked echidnas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Debenham
- Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Daş G, Ataşoğlu C, Akbağ HI, Tölü C, Yurtman IY, Savaş T. Effects of kefir on coccidial oocysts excretion and performance of dairy goat kids following weaning. Trop Anim Health Prod 2011; 44:1049-55. [PMID: 22189816 PMCID: PMC3345116 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-011-0039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate effects of kefir, a traditional source of probiotic, on coccidial oocysts excretion and on the performance of dairy goat kids following weaning. Twin kids were randomly allocated to one of two groups at weaning. Kids of the first group received 20 ml of kefir daily for 6 weeks (KEF), while kids in the control group were given a placebo (CON). Individual faecal samples were regularly (n = 18 per kid) taken to quantify the number of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (OpG). There were no differences between the groups in terms of body weight development (P > 0.05) and feed consumption. Kids of both groups were not able to consume enough feed to meet their nutrient requirements during the first 3 weeks following weaning. KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples than CON (P = 0.043). Kefir did not affect the maximum oocyst excretion and age of the kids at the highest oocyst excretion (P > 0.05). KEF shed numerically 35% lower coccidial oocysts than the controls, which corresponded to a statistical tendency (P = 0.074) in lowering Log-OpG in comparison to CON. While KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples and tended to shed lower OPG by around one-third, the frequency of diarrhea, level of highest oocyst excretion, and performance of the kids remained unaffected. Therefore, it is concluded that overall effects of kefir do not have a significant impact on sub-clinical infection and performance in weaned kids under relatively high-hygienic farming conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gürbüz Daş
- Department of Animal Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Çanakkale, Turkey.
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35
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Saratsis A, Joachim A, Alexandros S, Sotiraki S. Lamb coccidiosis dynamics in different dairy production systems. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:131-8. [PMID: 21571436 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Foundation, NAGREF Campus, PO Box 60272, 57001 Thermi, Greece.
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36
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the effect of zinc-enriched diet fed to goats and their kids on the number of Coccidia oocysts shed by kids, on clinical signs of coccidiosis, weight gains, and kids’ blood plasma concentration of zinc. A total of 22 goat kids were divided into 4 groups of 5 or 6 animals. Goats and kids from the control group did not receive any additional zinc, the second group was supplemented with inorganic zinc (zinc oxide), the third group was given zinc lactate, and the fourth group received chelated zinc. Samples of kids’ faeces were taken weekly from 3 to 9 weeks of their age (a total of 7 samples were taken). Samples of faeces were examined by a quantitative method to detect the number of oocysts. Kids were weighed weekly and their blood was taken in order to determine zinc concentrations in blood plasma. Animals from the group supplemented with zinc chelate and zinc lactate shed a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower number of oocysts (13.4% and 11.9%, respectively) compared to the number of oocyst shed by control and zinc oxide supplemented groups (25% and 49.7%, respectively). Shedding of oocysts was not accompanied by clinical symptoms of coccidiosis in any of the groups. Kids supplemented with zinc chelate showed significantly highest weight gains and blood plasma concentration of zinc (p ≤ 0.05) as compared to control and inorganic zinc supplemented groups. Organic zinc is to be recommended to be used as a prophylaxis against coccidiosis in goat kids.
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37
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von Borstel UK, Moors E, Schichowski C, Gauly M. Breed differences in maternal behaviour in relation to lamb (Ovis orientalis aries) productivity. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Mundt HC, Dittmar K, Daugschies A, Grzonka E, Bangoura B. Study of the comparative efficacy of toltrazuril and diclazuril against ovine coccidiosis in housed lambs. Parasitol Res 2009; 105 Suppl 1:S141-50. [PMID: 19575235 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1505-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A blinded, controlled and randomised field study was conducted on a sheep farm with a known history of coccidiosis and a high prevalence mainly of the pathogenic coccidium Eimeria ovinoidalis. The efficacy of treatment with toltrazuril (Baycox 5% suspension) against natural infections with Eimeria crandallis and/or Eimeria ovinoidalis in housed lambs was investigated in comparison with diclazuril and untreated controls. Both drugs were administered either metaphylactically (i.e., in the prepatency of Eimeria spp.) or therapeutically (after onset of oocyst excretion). A total of 145 animals aged 1 to 5 days at the start of the study were included. Examination of faecal samples was performed every second day between days 13 and 49 of the study. The assessment of treatment efficacy was based mainly on total oocyst excretion and the number of E. crandallis and E. ovinoidalis oocysts (OPG) shed throughout the study. Oocyst excretion was reduced significantly in both groups treated with toltrazuril compared with the untreated control group and with both diclazuril-treated groups. The most prevalent and most severe diarrhoea was observed in the untreated control group. In this study, toltrazuril proved to be highly effective in controlling ovine coccidiosis both metaphylactically and therapeutically. The efficacy of toltrazuril was significantly higher than the efficacy of the control substance with regard to the duration and amount of oocyst excretion, both for the comparison of metaphylactic as well as therapeutic treatment.
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Abstract
For hundreds of years, the unmanaged Soay sheep population on St Kilda has survived despite enduring presumably deleterious co-infections of helminth, protozoan and arthropod parasites and intermittent periods of starvation. Important parasite taxa in young Soay sheep are strongyles (Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus vitrinus and Teladorsagia circumcincta), coccidia (11 Eimeria species) and keds (Melophagus ovinus) and in older animals, Teladorsagia circumcincta. In this research, associations between the intensity of different parasite taxa were investigated. Secondly, the intensities of different parasite taxa were tested for associations with variation in host weight, which is itself a determinant of over-winter survival in the host population. In lambs, the intensity of strongyle eggs was positively correlated with that of Nematodirus spp. eggs, while in yearlings and adults strongyle eggs and coccidia oocysts were positively correlated. In lambs and yearlings, of the parasite taxa tested, only strongyle eggs were significantly and negatively associated with host weight. However, in adult hosts, strongyles and coccidia were independently and negatively associated with host weight. These results are consistent with the idea that strongyles and coccidia are exerting independent selection on Soay sheep.
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Swinkels W, Post J, Cornelissen J, Engel B, Boersma W, Rebel J. Immune responses to an Eimeria acervulina infection in different broilers lines. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2007; 117:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2007.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease of wild and domestic ruminant animals in every country of the world. This article provides basic information regarding the terminology, biology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and control methods applicable to the causative agents and their interaction with host animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Jolley
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, WY, USA.
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43
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Craig BH, Pilkington JG, Kruuk LEB, Pemberton JM. Epidemiology of parasitic protozoan infections in Soay sheep (Ovis aries L.) on St Kilda. Parasitology 2006; 134:9-21. [PMID: 16978448 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006001144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The feral Soay sheep (Ovis aries L.) population on Hirta, St Kilda, is host to a diverse component parasite community, but previous parasitological studies of the population have only focussed on the metazoan species. This paper reports the first epidemiological study of the protozoan species comprising Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis and 11 species of Eimeria in Soay sheep across 3 years of varying host population density. Prevalence and intensity of almost all species of protozoa significantly decreased with host age, with the exception of E. granulosa, which increased in prevalence with host age. The prevalence of C. parvum appeared to vary positively with host population density but that of G. duodenalis did not vary significantly with density. Most species of Eimeria showed a distinct lag in infection level following the host population crash of 2002, taking up to 2 years to decrease. Mixed Eimeria species intensity and diversity were highest in 2002, a year of low host density. Parasite diversity decreased with host age and was higher in males. There were 5 positive pair-wise associations between protozoa species in terms of prevalence. The results of this study highlight the potential for protozoal infection to shape the evolution of parasite resistance in wild host populations harbouring diverse parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Craig
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, Scotland.
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44
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Swinkels WJC, Post J, Cornelissen JB, Engel B, Boersma WJA, Rebel JMJ. Immune responses in Eimeria acervulina infected one-day-old broilers compared to amount of Eimeria in the duodenum, measured by real-time PCR. Vet Parasitol 2006; 138:223-33. [PMID: 16549248 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2005] [Revised: 01/27/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
T-cell responses are supposed to be the major immune reactions in broilers infected with Eimeria. The nature of such T-cell responses is influenced by the species of Eimeria involved, age of the host, amount of parasites and the preceding infection history. In young chicks the intestine is still developing in length while the lymphocyte populations in the gut develop and differentiate. In chicks infected at young age the immune response may be different in quality as compared to responses in adults. We investigated the (T-cell) immune responses of young broilers to a primary Eimeria acervulina infection in relation to the number of parasites used for infection. In our experiment we infected one-day-old broilers with a low (5 x 10(2) oocysts) and a high (5 x 10(4) oocysts) dose of E. acervulina. We used a newly developed species specific real-time PCR to quantify total amount of parasites in the duodenum as the number of oocysts in faeces may not be representative for the exposure of the gut immune system. We characterized T-cell subsets in the duodenum by means of FACS-analyses, lymphocyte proliferation assays with spleen lymphocytes and the mRNA profiles of different cytokines (TGF-beta2, -4, IFN-gamma, IL-2, -6, -8 and -18) in the duodenum by means of real-time PCR. From day 5 p.i. broilers with a high dose of E. acervulina had a significantly lower body weight than the control group. No increase in CD4(+) cells, but a strong increase in CD8(+) cells was observed at days 7 and 9 p.i. in the duodenum of broilers infected with a high dose E. acervulina. IL-8 mRNA responses were observed after infection with low and with high infection doses, but no IFN-gamma and TGF-beta mRNA responses were found in the duodenum. The specific proliferative T-cell responses to a low infectious dose were not significantly different as compared to the control group. In conclusion, based on the kinetics of observed responses a primary infection with a high dose of E. acervulina in one-day-old broilers seems to generate an immune response that shows a peak at the time of oocyst excretion, whereas the immune response to a low dose is less explicit.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J C Swinkels
- Animal Sciences Group, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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Jäger M, Gauly M, Bauer C, Failing K, Erhardt G, Zahner H. Endoparasites in calves of beef cattle herds: management systems dependent and genetic influences. Vet Parasitol 2005; 131:173-91. [PMID: 15979802 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2004] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 05/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Prevalences and intensities of excretion of faecal stages of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Eimeria spp., Strongyloides papillosus and strongyles were determined in a German upland area in German Angus (GA) and German Simmental (GS) suckler of beef cattle herds covering two winter housing periods and the grazing season between them. Influences of the housing systems applied (maintenance on deep litter with (DL+) and without run-out (DL--), on slatted floor (SF) or by winter run-out yarding (WO)), breed differences and genetic influences by the sire were determined by statistical analyses; levels of IgG antibodies to E. bovis antigen were measured by ELISA. G. duodenalis was observed with a maximum prevalence of 38% in 4 weeks old calves, a cumulative incidence of 58% 9 weeks after birth and with generally low intensities. C. parvum infections were relatively rare with cumulative incidences of 20--25% in week 5 after birth. Highest prevalences were associated with housing system DL-- and a long-lasting calving period. Cumulative incidence of Eimeria spp. was almost 100%. E. bovis predominated by far followed by E. ellipsoidalis/zuernii. Mean maximum intensity of 1000 OpG occurred in week 7 after birth. Up to an age of the calves of 7 weeks >75% of all oocysts belonged to E. bovis. Prevalences and excretion intensities were lowest under the housing conditions SF and WO. Maternal antibodies in calves to E. bovis antigen were directly and inversely correlated with mean OpG values in GA and GS calves, respectively. S. papillosus was common with a cumulative incidence of 53% 9 weeks after birth and occurred independent of the housing system. Mean strongyle egg prevalence was 50% with 50--100 EpG by means throughout the grazing season. Egg excretion intensity in the early months of grazings was correlated with the age of the calves at turnout to pasture. Under the conditions of housing system DL-- GA calves could better control S. papillosus infections than GS calves whereas the latter were generally more effective in controlling the protozoa. Results of ANCOVA suggest significant paternal influences on S. papillosus infections in both breeds and on the protozoal infections in GA calves. The former could be disclosed independent of the housing system whereas environmental factors played an important role in the latter cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jäger
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 2, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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