A case of Eimeria gilruthi infection in a sheep in northern England

Eimeria gilruthi-associated abomasitis in a group of ewes

Nine of 23 (39%) research ewes with severe diarrhea and weight loss had histologic lesions consistent with Eimeria gilruthi infection in their abomasa. Gross anatomic lesions included hundreds of opaque 1-mm nodules in abomasal mucosa that corresponded microscopically to 200-300 µm diameter organisms surrounded by areas of necrosis. Analysis of fecal samples from 4 ewes demonstrated oocysts from typical ovine Eimeria species, none of which were E. gilruthi. Two separate PCR reactions were performed on abomasal tissue from 4 sheep to amplify the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, respectively. The resultant 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences shared 99% homology with multiple Eimeria species in GenBank. The ITS region shared 77% homology with E. ellipsoidalis in GenBank. Further studies are needed to understand the life cycle and pathogenicity of E. gilruthi. Our results underscore the inclusion of E. gilruthi in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea and weight loss in sheep.

Abomasal Coccidiosis Associated with Proliferative Abomasitis in a Sheep

Abomasal coccidiosis was diagnosed in an 11-month-old female sheep that died after a 2-week period of anorexia and diarrhea. The abomasal mucosa was grossly thickened with a nodular surface and focal areas of hemorrhage. Microscopically, the middle to deep abomasal mucosa contained many intact and ruptured giant protozoal schizonts associated with hyperplasia of mucous neck cells, parietal cell atrophy, moderate lymphocytic-plasmacytic inflammation, and fibrosis centered on mineralized remnants of degenerate schizont walls. Sexual tissue stages and oocysts were not present. Microscopic features of schizonts and ultrastuctural features of merozoites were comparable to previous descriptions of Eimeria (Globidium) gilruthi, a coccidian of uncertain taxonomic status historically associated with incidental infections of the abomasum in sheep and goats. The distinctive lesions suggest that, similar to ostertagiasis, heavy coccidial infection of the abomasum should be considered as a cause of anorexia, diarrhea, and proliferative abomasitis in sheep.

Clinical coccidiosis in adult cattle

Coccidiosis is caused by the protozoan parasite belongs to the genous Eimeria spp. which parasitizes the epithelium lining of the alimentary tract. Infection damages the lining of the gut causing diarrhoea and possibly dysentery. Coccidiosis is primarily a disease of young animals but can affect older animals that are in poor condition. In a farm, seven adult cattle had foul smell bloody diarrhoea, anorexia, emaciation condition, smudging of the perineum and tail with blood stained dung. Laboratory examinations of the dung samples revealed the presence of coccidian oocysts. Animals were treated with 33.33 % (w/v) sulphadimidine, along with supportive and fluid therapy. After completion of 1 week of therapy all the affected cattle were recovered from the diarrhoea.