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Rahmani A, Ahmed Laloui H, Kara R, Dems MA, Cherb N, Klikha A, Blake DP. The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: a major challenge for the poultry sector. Avian Pathol 2024; 53:368-379. [PMID: 38529824 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2024.2336091] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Coccidiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant economic burden to the poultry industry. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the financial losses associated with Eimeria infection in chickens in Algeria, relying on data provided by key stakeholders in the Algerian poultry industry to assess sub-clinical as well as clinical impact. We employed the updated 2020 version of a model established to estimate the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, taking into consideration specific cultural and technical aspects of poultry farming in Algeria. The findings predict economic losses due to coccidiosis in chickens of approximately £86.7 million in Algeria for the year 2022, representing £0.30 per chicken raised. The majority of the cost was attributed to morbidity (74.9%), emphasizing the substantial economic impact of reduced productivity including decreased bodyweight gain and increased feed conversion ratio. Costs associated with control measures made up 20.5% of the total calculated cost, with 4.6% of the cost related to mortality. These figures provide a clear indication of the scope and economic impact of Eimeria infection of chickens in Algeria, illustrating the impact of practices common across North Africa. They underscore the ongoing requirement for effective preventive and control measures to reduce these financial losses while improving productivity and welfare, ensuring the economic sustainability of the Algerian poultry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderrahmen Rahmani
- Animal Production Team, Biotechnology and Agriculture Division; Biotechnology Research Center; Ali Mendjli, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Hamza Ahmed Laloui
- Animal Production Team, Biotechnology and Agriculture Division; Biotechnology Research Center; Ali Mendjli, Constantine, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Abdesselem Dems
- Bio-informatics and Bio-statistics Unit (BIBS-U); Biotechnology Research Center; Ali Mendjli, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Nora Cherb
- Environment Biotechnology Division; Biotechnology Research Center; Ali Mendjli, Constantine, Algeria
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Zhao Y, Zhang S. Comparative Analysis of Codon Usage Bias in Six Eimeria Genomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8398. [PMID: 39125967 PMCID: PMC11313453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The codon usage bias (CUB) of genes encoded by different species' genomes varies greatly. The analysis of codon usage patterns enriches our comprehension of genetic and evolutionary characteristics across diverse species. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of CUB and its influencing factors in six sequenced Eimeria species that cause coccidiosis in poultry: Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria praecox, and Eimeria maxima. The GC content of protein-coding genes varies between 52.67% and 58.24% among the six Eimeria species. The distribution trend of GC content at different codon positions follows GC1 > GC3 > GC2. Most high-frequency codons tend to end with C/G, except in E. maxima. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between GC3 content and GC3s/C3s, but a significantly negative correlation with A3s. Analysis of the ENC-Plot, neutrality plot, and PR2-bias plot suggests that selection pressure has a stronger influence than mutational pressure on CUB in the six Eimeria genomes. Finally, we identified from 11 to 15 optimal codons, with GCA, CAG, and AGC being the most commonly used optimal codons across these species. This study offers a thorough exploration of the relationships between CUB and selection pressures within the protein-coding genes of Eimeria species. Genetic evolution in these species appears to be influenced by mutations and selection pressures. Additionally, the findings shed light on unique characteristics and evolutionary traits specific to the six Eimeria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
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Muñoz-Gómez V, Furrer R, Yin J, Shaw AP, Rasmussen P, Torgerson PR. Prediction of coccidiosis prevalence in extensive backyard chickens in countries and regions of the Horn of Africa. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110143. [PMID: 38325134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110143] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is one of the leading morbidity causes in chickens, causing a reduction of body weight and egg production. Backyard chickens are at risk of developing clinical and subclinical coccidiosis due to outdoor housing and scavenging behaviour, jeopardizing food security in households. The objectives of this study were to estimate clinical prevalence of coccidiosis at country and regional levels in the Horn of Africa in extensive backyard chickens. A binomial random effects model was developed to impute prevalence of coccidiosis. Previously gathered prevalence data (n = 40) in backyard chickens was used to define the model. Precipitation (OR: 1.09 (95% CI: 1.05-1.13) and the presence of seasonal rainfall (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.27-2.70) significantly increase prevalence. Results showed an overall prevalence of coccidiosis in the Horn of Africa of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.15-0.29). Ethiopia, the Republic of South Sudan and Kenya showed the highest prevalence and Djibouti the lowest. Significant differences between Djibouti and the countries with highest prevalence were found. However, no evidence of a significant difference between the rest of the countries. Kenya and Ethiopia showed larger prevalence differences between regions. Results could assist with the targeting of testing for coccidiosis, the observation for clinical disease of chickens living in specific regions and as a baseline for the evaluation of future control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Muñoz-Gómez
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Reinhard Furrer
- Department of Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jie Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Alexandra Pm Shaw
- Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Rasmussen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Das M, Masharing N, Makri MM. Phylogenetic analysis of Eimeria tenella isolates from chicken of sub-tropical mountains of Meghalaya, India. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:110. [PMID: 38227220 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidiosis is the most common and pathogenic intestinal disease caused by different species of Eimeria is chicken. In this study, we describe the prevalence, molecular diagnosis and evolutionary insight of Eimeria tenella in chicken of Meghalaya's sub-tropical mountainous area. METHODS AND RESULTS Faecal samples (337 no.) and dead chicks (298 no.) were collected every month from January to July' 2023 from poultry farms (4nos.) in and around Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. The chicks were categorized into different age groups viz. < 3, 3-6 and > 6 weeks. Samples were examined by flotation techniques and post-mortem. The oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria tenella's 18 S rRNA gene genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. Fecal sample and postmortem examinations revealed 24.04% and 33.22% infections of Eimeria sp., respectively. Oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded highest and lowest in July (26,500) and February (9800), respectively. Amplification of the 18 S rRNA small subunit gene (SSU) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed a 1790 bp band size. The amplicon was sequenced and deposited in the NCBI database. BLAST analyses of the SSU rRNA gene of E. tenella, Umiam, Meghalaya isolate (OR458392.1) revealed sequence similarities of more than 99% with SSU rRNA gene sequences available in the NCBI database. Pair wise alignment exhibited nucleotide homology ranging from 71.59 to 100.0% with the maximum sequence homology (100.0%) shared with the E. tenella isolate from Turkey (HQ680474.1) and the lowest homology of 95.6% with UK (HG994972.1). Umiam isolate were found to have 97.08% and 100.0% nucleotide similarities with E. tenella from both the UK (AF026388.1) and the USA (U40264.1), respectively. However, nucleotide similarities of 98.24%, 85.33%, 84.75% and 81.35% were observed with E. tenella strain Bangalore (JX312808.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-1 (JX093898.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-3 (JX093900.1) and E. tenella isolate Kerala-2 (JX093899.1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China. CONCLUSION Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. Distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Das
- Division of Animal and Fishery Sciences, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India.
| | - Nampher Masharing
- Division of Animal and Fishery Sciences, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Mun Mun Makri
- Division of Animal and Fishery Sciences, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
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Soares Júnior JC, Itoyama BF, Beretta BMS, Hossotani CMDS, Silva MSC, Silva GSD, Nakamura AA, Lopes FL, Meireles MV. Identification of Eimeria spp. in domestic chickens raised in alternative poultry production systems in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e011123. [PMID: 38055436 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify Eimeria spp. in alternative poultry production systems (APPS) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples (168) and DNA extracted from fecal samples obtained in APPS located in different Municipalities in the State of São Paulo (93) were examined by microscopy or genera-specific PCR (ITS-1 locus). Samples positive for Eimeria spp. were examined using Eimeria lata, Eimeria nagambie, and Eimeria zaria species-specific PCR protocols (ITS-2 locus) and another E. lata-specific PCR (candidate IMP1 genomic locus) followed by molecular cloning (E. lata and E. zaria ITS-2 amplicons) and genetic sequencing. All positive DNA samples were also submitted to genera-specific nested PCR (18S rRNA gene) followed by next-generation sequencing to identify Eimeria spp. Eimeria nagambie, E. zaria, and Eimeria sp. were identified by ITS2-targeted species-specific PCRs and genetic sequencing. Next-generation sequencing identified, in order of prevalence: E. nagambie; Eimeria acervulina; Eimeria mivati; Eimeria praecox; Eimeria brunetti; Eimeria mitis; Eimeria sp.; Eimeria maxima; E. zaria, and Eimeria necatrix/tenella. Our results confirmed, for the first time in Brazil, the identification of E. nagambie, E. zaria, and Eimeria spp. ITS-2 and 18S rRNA gene sequences not yet described in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Ferraz Itoyama
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Giane Serafim da Silva
- Instituto Biológico, Agência Paulista de Tecnologia Agropecuária, Votuporanga, SP, Brasil
| | - Alex Akira Nakamura
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | - Flávia Lombardi Lopes
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
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Jaramillo-Ortiz JM, Burrell C, Adeyemi O, Werling D, Blake DP. First detection and characterisation of Eimeria zaria in European chickens. Vet Parasitol 2023; 324:110068. [PMID: 37931476 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The global poultry industry has experienced dramatic growth in recent decades, increasing the significance of pathogens of chickens. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria can cause the disease coccidiosis, compromising animal health and welfare, and incurring significant annual costs. Seven Eimeria species have long been recognised to infect chickens, supplemented by three new candidate species first reported from Australia in 2007/8. Named Eimeria lata, Eimeria nagambie and Eimeria zaria, one or more of these new species have been reported in Australia, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Venezuela, and most recently the United States of America, but none have been detected in Europe. Here, a panel of 56 unvaccinated broiler chicken farms were sampled in the final week of production from France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom to assess the occurrence of all ten Eimeria species using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall, 39 of 56 (69.6%) farms were found to host at least one species. Eimeria acervulina, E. tenella, and E. maxima were most common, with E. mitis and E. praecox also widespread. Eimeria necatrix was detected on one farm in France, while E. brunetti was not detected. Eimeria zaria was detected for the first time in Europe, appearing in Greece and Italy (one occurrence each). New primers were designed to confirm detection of E. zaria and provide template for phylogenetic comparison with the reference isolate from Australia. Detection of E. zaria in Europe reinforces the importance of integrated control for coccidiosis given the lack of protection induced by current anticoccidial vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Jaramillo-Ortiz
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, United Kingdom
| | - Caela Burrell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, United Kingdom
| | - Oluwayomi Adeyemi
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Werling
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, United Kingdom
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, United Kingdom.
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Ramalingam V, Muthusamy R, Bohra K, Palavesam A, Gopal D. Cloning, expression and purification of Eimeria maxima gametocyte antigen-EmGam56 for control of poultry coccidiosis. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:773-777. [PMID: 38009159 PMCID: PMC10667185 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01610-w] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry coccidiosis is an important devitalizing enteric protozoan disease caused by a group of obligatory intracellular apicomplexan parasites of the Genus Eimeria contributing to major economic loss in commercial poultry worldwide. As the current method of chemotherapeutic control using ionophores in feed had led to development of drug resistant isolates, the need for development of prophylactic vaccines is the most viable alternate and eco-friendly control strategy as on date. Of the several candidate vaccines, the EmGam 56 is one of the most promising candidates which protect the birds against E. maxima, E. tenella and E. acervulina, the three most pathogenic coccidian species infecting commercial chicken. EmGam56 is a major wall forming component of macrogametocyte of E. maxima and a candidate with high immunogenicity and low virulence. The present study was planned and carried out for the generation of E.coli expressed recombinant gametocyte antigen-EmGam56 using pET 28(a+) as cloning vector and BL21 DE3 (pLysS) as prokaryotic expression system in a Bio-fermentor (New Brunswick™ Scientific BioFlo 310). The recombinant protein was purified by conventional (Ammonium sulphate precipitation) and by automatic purification system (AKTA prime) in Ni-NTA column for a planned immunization trial with experimental chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayashanthi Ramalingam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB), Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600051 Chennai, India
| | - Raman Muthusamy
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB), Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600051 Chennai, India
- Department of Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077 India
| | - Kasthuri Bohra
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB), Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600051 Chennai, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB), Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600051 Chennai, India
| | - Dhinakarraj Gopal
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals (TRPVB), Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, 600051 Chennai, India
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Barimah AJ, Ofosua TY, Addo HO, Agbomadzi SK, David AB, Agyei SB, Eric AA. Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness Among Selected Tertiary Students in the Accra Metropolis on Zoonotic Infections. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231214444. [PMID: 38035254 PMCID: PMC10685779 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231214444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Zoonotic infections are a serious threat to human health and a direct risk that could potentially be fatal. Animals both domestic and wild serve as reservoirs for zoonotic infections. Thus, frequent contact with animals might occasionally result in the transfer of infections from animals to people. Ghana is especially susceptible to the effects of zoonotic infections due to the increase in the household human-animal ratio. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge level of tertiary students in a selected tertiary institution on zoonotic infections. Methods A quantitative research method was employed making use of a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population chosen for the research was mainly students from the University of Ghana. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting participants for the study. 440 participants were selected for the study. The university's four primary colleges served as the strata for the basis of data collection. Results The study revealed a moderate knowledge level among students. The term "zoonoses" was understood by the majority (70%) of the respondents. Respondents knew at least one route of transmission of zoonotic infection. For the spread of zoonotic infections, close contact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated food were seen as ways of spread by a majority. Conclusion Although the basic strategies required for the control and elimination of the zoonotic diseases in such tertiary institutions are well known and practiced as per the study findings, zoonoses still persists and this can be attributed to low education on the subject. Knowledge and awareness level on zoonoses especially in tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana could be improved if relevant authorities create adequate enlightenment programs on improving the knowledge of zoonotic diseases through a variety of media including seminars, workshop, television, radio, newspaper and social media.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henry Ofosu Addo
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana - Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Zhou X, Wang L, Zhu P, Yang Z, Wang Z, Chen Y, Gu X, He R, Xu J, Jing B, Yang G, Chen S, Wu S, Xie Y. Comprehensive molecular characterization of complete mitogenome assemblies of 33 Eimeria isolates infecting domestic chickens. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:109. [PMID: 36935516 PMCID: PMC10026407 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05712-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria is one of the most severe chicken diseases and poses a great economic threat to the poultry industry. Understanding the evolutionary biology of chicken Eimeria parasites underpins development of new interactions toward the improved prevention and control of this poultry disease. METHODS We presented an evolutionary blueprint of chicken coccidia by genetically characterizing complete mitogenome assemblies of 33 isolates representing all seven known Eimeria species infecting chickens in China. Further genome- and gene-level phylogenies were also achieved to better understand the evolutionary relationships of these chicken Eimeria at the species level. RESULTS 33 mitogenomes of chicken eimerian parasites ranged from 6148 bp to 6480 bp in size and encoded typical mitochondrial compositions of apicomplexan parasites including three protein-coding genes (PCGs), seven fragmented small subunit (SSU) and 12/13 fragmented large subunit (LSU) rRNAs. Comparative genomics provided an evolutionary scenario for the genetic diversity of PCGs-cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and 3 (cox1 and cox3) and cytochrome b (cytb); all were under purifying selection with cox1 and cox3 being the lowest and highest evolutionary rates, respectively. Genome-wide phylogenies classified the 33 Eimeria isolates into seven subgroups, and furthermore Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix were determined to be more closely related to each other than to the other eight congenic species. Single/concatenated mitochondrial protein gene-based phylogenies supported cox1 as the genetic marker for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies for avain coccidia. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, these are the first population-level mitogenomic data on the genus Eimeria, and its comprehensive molecular characterization provides valuable resources for systematic, population genetic and evolutionary biological studies of apicomplexan parasites in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Lidan Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Pengchen Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Zijiang Yang
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 1088477, Japan
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Bo Jing
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China.
| | - Shuangyang Wu
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, 611130, China.
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Andreopoulou M, Chaligiannis I, Sotiraki S, Daugschies A, Bangoura B. Prevalence and molecular detection of Eimeria species in different types of poultry in Greece and associated risk factors. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2051-2063. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07525-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Alam MZ, Dey AR, Rony SA, Parvin S, Akter S. Phylogenetic analysis of Eimeria tenella isolated from the litter of different chicken farms in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1563-1569. [PMID: 35384356 PMCID: PMC9297755 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eimeria tenella is the most pathogenic intracellular protozoan parasite of seven Eimeria species causing chicken coccidiosis around the world. This species is particularly responsible for caecal coccidiosis leading to serious morbidity–mortality and financial loss in poultry production. Methods The present study explored the genetic diversity of E. tenella. Litter slurry was collected from 18 broiler farms located in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. Litter samples were processed for oocyst isolation–identification using parasitological techniques followed by genomic DNA extraction from sporulated oocysts. For molecular analysis, the internaltranscribedspacer1 gene of E. tenella was amplified using species‐specific primers and sequenced. After editing and alignment, 263 bp sequences were used for analysis. Results Genetic analysis showed seven distinct genotypes and detected six single nucleotide polymorphisms among the 18 E. tenella isolates. The nucleotide and genotype diversity were 0.00507 and 0.8235, respectively. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with 66 sequences (seven studied genotypes and 59 reference sequences from GenBank database). The neighbour‐joining tree represented that the studied E. tenella isolates were grouped with reference E. tenella isolates with strong nodal support (100%) and the nucleotide sequences of E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. mitis and E. praecox formed separate clusters without any geographical boundaries. Conclusions This is the first study on the genetic analysis of E. tenella from Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. These findings will provide baseline data on the species conformation and genetic variations of E. tenella. Further extensive investigation will be needed to reveal the population genetic structure of this parasite and thus will facilitate the planning of effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zahangir Alam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Anita Rani Dey
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Aqter Rony
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Shahnaz Parvin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Shirin Akter
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Attree E, Sanchez-Arsuaga G, Jones M, Xia D, Marugan-Hernandez V, Blake D, Tomley F. Controlling the causative agents of coccidiosis in domestic chickens; an eye on the past and considerations for the future. CABI AGRICULTURE AND BIOSCIENCE 2021; 2:37. [PMID: 34604790 PMCID: PMC8475900 DOI: 10.1186/s43170-021-00056-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a potentially severe enteritis caused by species of obligate intracellular parasites of the genus Eimeria. These parasites cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry, predominantly due to compromised efficiency of production as well as the cost of control. These losses were recently estimated to cost chicken producers approximately £10.4 billion worldwide annually. High levels of Eimeria infection cause clinical coccidiosis which is a significant threat to poultry welfare, and a pre-disposing contributory factor for necrotic enteritis. Control of Eimeria parasites and coccidiosis is therefore an important endeavour; multiple approaches have been developed and these are often deployed together. This review summarises current trends in strategies for control of Eimeria, focusing on three main areas: good husbandry, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. There is currently no "perfect solution" and there are advantages and limitations to all existing methods. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present current control strategies and suggest how these may develop in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Attree
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Arsuaga
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Jones
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Dong Xia
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia Marugan-Hernandez
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Damer Blake
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Tomley
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- UKRI GCRF One Health Poultry Hub, Ahmedabad, India
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Genetic and biological characterisation of three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units that infect chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:621-634. [PMID: 33713650 PMCID: PMC8186487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Biology and genetics suggest cryptic Eimeria Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) from chickens are new species. New Eimeria spp. that infect chickens are pathogenic and require control. Anticoccidial vaccination of chickens does not control three new Eimeria spp.
More than 68 billion chickens were produced globally in 2018, emphasising their major contribution to the production of protein for human consumption and the importance of their pathogens. Protozoan Eimeria spp. are the most economically significant parasites of chickens, incurring global costs of more than UK £10.4 billion per annum. Seven Eimeria spp. have long been recognised to infect chickens, with three additional cryptic operational taxonomic units (OTUs) first described more than 10 years ago. As the world’s farmers attempt to reduce reliance on routine use of antimicrobials in livestock production, replacing drugs that target a wide range of microbes with precise species- and sometimes strain-specific vaccines, the breakthrough of cryptic genetic types can pose serious problems. Consideration of biological characteristics including oocyst morphology, pathology caused during infection and pre-patent periods, combined with gene-coding sequences predicted from draft genome sequence assemblies, suggest that all three of these cryptic Eimeria OTUs possess sufficient genetic and biological diversity to be considered as new and distinct species. The ability of these OTUs to compromise chicken bodyweight gain and escape immunity induced by current commercially available anticoccidial vaccines indicates that they could pose a notable threat to chicken health, welfare, and productivity. We suggest the names Eimeria lata n. sp., Eimeria nagambie n. sp. and Eimeria zaria n. sp. for OTUs x, y and z, respectively, reflecting their appearance (x) or the origins of the first isolates of these novel species (y, z).
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Fatoba AJ, Zishiri OT, Blake DP, Peters SO, Lebepe J, Mukaratirwa S, Adeleke MA. Study on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria species from broilers and free-range chickens in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 87:e1-e10. [PMID: 33054259 PMCID: PMC7564691 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted from January to October 2018 with the objective to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria species in broiler and free-range chickens in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. A total of 342 faecal samples were collected from 12 randomly selected healthy broiler chicken farms and 40 free-range chickens from 10 different locations. Faecal samples were screened for the presence of Eimeria oocysts using a standard flotation method. The species of Eimeria isolates were confirmed by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) partial region and sequences analysis. Among broiler and free-ranging chickens, 19 out of 41 pens (46.3%) and 25 out of 42 faecal samples (59.5%) were positive for Eimeria infection. Molecular detection revealed the following species: Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti and Eimeria mitis in all the samples screened. Similarly, polymerase chain reaction assays specific for three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units were negative for all the samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS-1 sequences supported species identity with the greatest variation detected for E. mitis. This study provides information on the range and identity of Eimeria species, and their genetic relatedness, circulating in commercially reared broilers and free-ranging chickens from different locations in KwaZulu-Natal province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun J Fatoba
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville.
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Blake DP, Knox J, Dehaeck B, Huntington B, Rathinam T, Ravipati V, Ayoade S, Gilbert W, Adebambo AO, Jatau ID, Raman M, Parker D, Rushton J, Tomley FM. Re-calculating the cost of coccidiosis in chickens. Vet Res 2020; 51:115. [PMID: 32928271 PMCID: PMC7488756 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species parasites, has long been recognised as an economically significant disease of chickens. As the global chicken population continues to grow, and its contribution to food security intensifies, it is increasingly important to assess the impact of diseases that compromise chicken productivity and welfare. In 1999, Williams published one of the most comprehensive estimates for the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, featuring a compartmentalised model for the costs of prophylaxis, treatment and losses, indicating a total cost in excess of £38 million in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1995. In the 25 years since this analysis the global chicken population has doubled and systems of chicken meat and egg production have advanced through improved nutrition, husbandry and selective breeding of chickens, and wider use of anticoccidial vaccines. Using data from industry representatives including veterinarians, farmers, production and health experts, we have updated the Williams model and estimate that coccidiosis in chickens cost the UK £99.2 million in 2016 (range £73.0-£125.5 million). Applying the model to data from Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, India, New Zealand, Nigeria and the United States resulted in estimates that, when extrapolated by geographical region, indicate a global cost of ~ £10.4 billion at 2016 prices (£7.7-£13.0 billion), equivalent to £0.16/chicken produced. Understanding the economic costs of livestock diseases can be advantageous, providing baselines to evaluate the impact of different husbandry systems and interventions. The updated cost of coccidiosis in chickens will inform debates on the value of chemoprophylaxis and development of novel anticoccidial vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damer P. Blake
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA UK
| | - Jolene Knox
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA UK
| | - Ben Dehaeck
- Huvepharma N.V, Uitbreidingstraat 80, 2600 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Huntington
- Liverpool Science Park, Innovation Centre 2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF UK
| | - Thilak Rathinam
- Huvepharma Inc, 525 Westpark Dr, Ste 230, Peachtree City, GA 30259 USA
| | - Venu Ravipati
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh India
| | - Simeon Ayoade
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria
| | - Will Gilbert
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
| | - Ayotunde O. Adebambo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria
| | - Isa Danladi Jatau
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, 600 051 India
| | - Daniel Parker
- Slate Hall Veterinary Practice, Unit 28 Moorlands Trading Estate, Moor Lane, Metheringham, Lincolnshire, LN4 3 HX UK
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
| | - Fiona M. Tomley
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA UK
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Abstract
Coccidiosis is an antagonistic poultry disease which negatively impacts animal welfare and productivity. The disease is caused by an obligate, intracellular protozoon known as Eimeria. Several Eimeria species known to infect chickens have been well documented. However, recent studies have elucidated the emergence of three novel genetic variants or operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The discovery of OTUx, OTUy and OTUz complicates the identification and diagnosis of coccidiosis. OTUs are clusters of unknown or uncultivated organisms that are grouped according to a similarity in DNA sequence to a set of specific gene markers. OTUs have been reported in the Earth's Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, Venezuela, India, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, China and Ghana. Elucidating their impact on the poultry industry is fundamental in preventing anticoccidial resistance and to access the potential of OTUs as vaccine candidates to provide cross-protection against similar Eimeria species. The identification of OTUs further decreases the risk of false negative coccidial diagnosis. Therefore, this article reviews the importance and risk imposed by OTUs, coupled with their prevalence and geographical distribution in chickens globally.
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Fatoba AJ, Adeleke MA. Diagnosis and control of chicken coccidiosis: a recent update. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:483-493. [PMID: 30538344 PMCID: PMC6261147 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a deadly disease that hampers chicken's productivity and welfare. Thus, the disease is a major menace to the global poultry industry. Coccidiosis which is caused by the apicomplexan parasite of the genus Eimeria has seven known species which affect the different parts of the intestinal tract of chickens. The disease which occurs by ingestion of sporulated oocyst has been associated with poor poultry management system. Mixed infection among the species of this parasite contributes to both pathogenicity and misdiagnosis of the disease. A progress in identification and diagnosis approach which cuts across pathological, morphological and molecular has been reported for this parasite. Control measures which include anticoccidial drugs, vaccines and natural products have dominated literature for this disease. However, the emergence of genetic and antigenic diversity with implication on resistance to anticoccidials among different strains of Eimeria parasite has generated concerns on the effectiveness of the current anticoccidial vaccines. A new look on the control strategy therefore becomes imperative. This study reviews the current trends on the identification and control of chicken coccidiosis with focus on (1) Avian coccidiosis (2) Epidemiology of chicken coccidiosis (3) Eimeria parasite and distribution in poultry (4) Diagnosis of Eimeria parasite (5) Control measures of coccidiosis (6) Threats posed by genetic and antigenic diversity of Eimeria parasite on coccidiosis control. Genomic study on diversity of Eimeria parasite becomes imperative for effective vaccine design against coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun Joseph Fatoba
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban, 4000 South Africa
| | - Matthew Adekunle Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban, 4000 South Africa
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Mitochondrial genomes of Australian chicken Eimeria support the presence of ten species with low genetic diversity among strains. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:58-66. [PMID: 28807311 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Modern molecular approaches have vastly improved diagnostic capabilities for differentiating among species of chicken infecting Eimeria. Consolidating information from multiple genetic markers, adding additional poultry Eimeria species and increasing the size of available data-sets is improving the resolving power of the DNA, and consequently our understanding of the genus. This study adds information from 25 complete mitochondrial DNA genomes from Australian chicken Eimeria isolates representing all 10 species known to occur in Australia, including OTU-X, -Y and -Z. The resulting phylogeny provides a comprehensive view of species relatedness highlighting where the OTUs align with respect to others members of the genus. All three OTUs fall within the Eimeria clade that contains only chicken-infecting species with close affinities to E. maxima, E. brunetti and E. mitis. Mitochondrial genetic diversity was low among Australian isolates likely reflecting their recent introduction to the country post-European settlement. The lack of observed genetic diversity is a promising outcome as it suggests that the currently used live vaccines should continue to offer widespread protection against Eimeria outbreaks in all states and territories. Flocks were frequently found to host multiple strains of the same species, a factor that should be considered when studying disease epidemiology in the field.
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Tan L, Li Y, Yang X, Ke Q, Lei W, Mughal MN, Fang R, Zhou Y, Shen B, Zhao J. Genetic diversity and drug sensitivity studies on Eimeria tenella field isolates from Hubei Province of China. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:137. [PMID: 28274278 PMCID: PMC5343410 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian coccidiosis is an intracellular intestinal parasitic disease, caused by intracellular intestinal parasites from the genus Eimeria, among which Eimeria tenella is one of the most pathogenic species and causes great economic losses. Frequent applications of anticoccidial drugs have resulted in the development of drug-resistance in E. tenella. In the present study, we sought to determine the genetic diversity of E. tenella isolates prevalent in chicken farms in Hubei Province of China and examine their sensitivity to three anticoccidial drugs. The results provide useful information for the prevention and control of coccidiosis in this region. Methods Eimeria tenella oocysts were isolated from faecal samples collected from different commercial broiler production farms in Hubei Province, China. After oocyst sporulation and animal inoculation for expansion of the field isolates, DNA and RNA were extracted from excysted sporozoites for molecular characterization. Species identification of field isolates were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of ribosomal DNA. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for population genetic analysis. Subsequently, sequences of the major sporozoite surface antigen (SAG), micronemal protein 2 (MIC-2) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes from genomic DNA, and the Eimeria tenella cation-transport ATPase (EtCat ATPase) gene from cDNA were obtained for genotyping using multi-sequence alignments. Finally, sensitivity of the field isolates to three commonly used anticoccidial drugs (diclazuril, decoquinate and maduramycin) were tested to assess the prevalence of drug resistance in E. tenella in Hubei Province of China. Results Analysis of the ITS1 sequences indicated that all the isolates were E. tenella. RAPD analysis and multi-sequence alignments of the SAG, MIC-2, EtCat ATPase and cytb showed genetic diversity among these isolates. Finally, drug sensitivity tests demonstrated that all field isolates were sensitive to diclazuril but resistant to decoquinate (except for the isolates from eastern Hubei) and maduramicin. Conclusions Population genetic analysis indicated that genetic polymorphisms among field isolates were closely related with their regional distributions. Drug sensitivity testing demonstrated that E. tenella isolates in Hubei Province were sensitive to diclazuril, but resistant to maduramycin and decoquinate. The results presented here provide important information for the control and preventions of coccidiosis in the Hubei Province of China. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2067-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyun Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqiang Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Mudassar Niaz Mughal
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Stadler RV, White LA, Hu K, Helmke BP, Guilford WH. Direct measurement of cortical force generation and polarization in a living parasite. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1912-1923. [PMID: 28209732 PMCID: PMC5541842 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-07-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexa is a large phylum of intracellular parasites that are notable for the diseases they cause, including toxoplasmosis, malaria, and cryptosporidiosis. A conserved motile system is critical to their life cycles and drives directional gliding motility between cells, as well as invasion of and egress from host cells. However, our understanding of this system is limited by a lack of measurements of the forces driving parasite motion. We used a laser trap to measure the function of the motility apparatus of living Toxoplasma gondii by adhering a microsphere to the surface of an immobilized parasite. Motion of the microsphere reflected underlying forces exerted by the motile apparatus. We found that force generated at the parasite surface begins with no preferential directionality but becomes directed toward the rear of the cell after a period of time. The transition from nondirectional to directional force generation occurs on spatial intervals consistent with the lateral periodicity of structures associated with the membrane pellicle and is influenced by the kinetics of actin filament polymerization and cytoplasmic calcium. A lysine methyltransferase regulates both the magnitude and polarization of the force. Our work provides a novel means to dissect the motile mechanisms of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V Stadler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Lauren A White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Brian P Helmke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - William H Guilford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Chengat Prakashbabu B, Thenmozhi V, Limon G, Kundu K, Kumar S, Garg R, Clark EL, Srinivasa Rao ASR, Raj DG, Raman M, Banerjee PS, Tomley FM, Guitian J, Blake DP. Eimeria species occurrence varies between geographic regions and poultry production systems and may influence parasite genetic diversity. Vet Parasitol 2016; 233:62-72. [PMID: 28043390 PMCID: PMC5239766 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Multivariate analysis revealed comparable poultry clusters in north and south India. Eimeria species occurrence varied between system clusters. E. tenella occurrence across systems may underpin region-specific genetic diversity. E. necatrix was found to be more common in north than south India.
Coccidiosis is one of the biggest challenges faced by the global poultry industry. Recent studies have highlighted the ubiquitous distribution of all Eimeria species which can cause this disease in chickens, but intriguingly revealed a regional divide in genetic diversity and population structure for at least one species, Eimeria tenella. The drivers associated with such distinct geographic variation are unclear, but may impact on the occurrence and extent of resistance to anticoccidial drugs and future subunit vaccines. India is one of the largest poultry producers in the world and includes a transition between E. tenella populations defined by high and low genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the prevalence of Eimeria species defined by high and low pathogenicity in northern and southern states of India, and seek to understand factors which vary between the regions as possible drivers for differential genetic variation. Faecal samples and data relating to farm characteristics and management were collected from 107 farms from northern India and 133 farms from southern India. Faecal samples were analysed using microscopy and PCR to identify Eimeria occurrence. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to transform correlated putative risk factors into a smaller number of synthetic uncorrelated factors. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify poultry farm typologies, revealing three distinct clusters in the studied regions. The association between clusters and presence of Eimeria species was assessed by logistic regression. The study found that large-scale broiler farms in the north were at greatest risk of harbouring any Eimeria species and a larger proportion of such farms were positive for E. necatrix, the most pathogenic species. Comparison revealed a more even distribution for E. tenella across production systems in south India, but with a lower overall occurrence. Such a polarised region- and system-specific distribution may contribute to the different levels of genetic diversity observed previously in India and may influence parasite population structure across much of Asia and Africa. The findings of the study can be used to prioritise target farms to launch and optimise appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long-term control.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chengat Prakashbabu
- Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - V Thenmozhi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - G Limon
- Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - K Kundu
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S Kumar
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R Garg
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - E L Clark
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - D G Raj
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - M Raman
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - P S Banerjee
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - F M Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - J Guitian
- Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - D P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Clark EL, Tomley FM, Blake DP. Are Eimeria Genetically Diverse, and Does It Matter? Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:231-241. [PMID: 27593338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria pose a risk to all livestock species as a cause of coccidiosis, reducing productivity and compromising animal welfare. Pressure to reduce drug use in the food chain makes the development of cost-effective vaccines against Eimeria essential. For novel vaccines to be successful, understanding genetic and antigenic diversity in field populations is key. Eimeria species that infect chickens are most significant, with Eimeria tenella among the best studied and most economically important. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based haplotyping has been used to determine population structure, genotype distribution, and potential for cross-fertilization between E. tenella strains. Here, we discuss recent developments in our understanding of diversity for Eimeria in relation to its specialized life cycle, distribution across the globe, and the challenges posed to vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Clark
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK; Current address: The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Fiona M Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Clark EL, Macdonald SE, Thenmozhi V, Kundu K, Garg R, Kumar S, Ayoade S, Fornace KM, Jatau ID, Moftah A, Nolan MJ, Sudhakar NR, Adebambo AO, Lawal IA, Álvarez Zapata R, Awuni JA, Chapman HD, Karimuribo E, Mugasa CM, Namangala B, Rushton J, Suo X, Thangaraj K, Srinivasa Rao ASR, Tewari AK, Banerjee PS, Dhinakar Raj G, Raman M, Tomley FM, Blake DP. Cryptic Eimeria genotypes are common across the southern but not northern hemisphere. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:537-44. [PMID: 27368611 PMCID: PMC4978698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The seven Eimeria spp. recognised to infect chickens are present globally. Cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units (OTUs) are common in the southern but not northern hemisphere. Parasite population structure appears to vary between Eimeria spp.
The phylum Apicomplexa includes parasites of medical, zoonotic and veterinary significance. Understanding the global distribution and genetic diversity of these protozoa is of fundamental importance for efficient, robust and long-lasting methods of control. Eimeria spp. cause intestinal coccidiosis in all major livestock animals and are the most important parasites of domestic chickens in terms of both economic impact and animal welfare. Despite having significant negative impacts on the efficiency of food production, many fundamental questions relating to the global distribution and genetic variation of Eimeria spp. remain largely unanswered. Here, we provide the broadest map yet of Eimeria occurrence for domestic chickens, confirming that all the known species (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria tenella) are present in all six continents where chickens are found (including 21 countries). Analysis of 248 internal transcribed spacer sequences derived from 17 countries provided evidence of possible allopatric diversity for species such as E. tenella (FST values ⩽0.34) but not E. acervulina and E. mitis, and highlighted a trend towards widespread genetic variance. We found that three genetic variants described previously only in Australia and southern Africa (operational taxonomic units x, y and z) have a wide distribution across the southern, but not the northern hemisphere. While the drivers for such a polarised distribution of these operational taxonomic unit genotypes remains unclear, the occurrence of genetically variant Eimeria may pose a risk to food security and animal welfare in Europe and North America should these parasites spread to the northern hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Clark
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Sarah E Macdonald
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - V Thenmozhi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Krishnendu Kundu
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajat Garg
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saroj Kumar
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Simeon Ayoade
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Kimberly M Fornace
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Isa Danladi Jatau
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Abdalgader Moftah
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew J Nolan
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - N R Sudhakar
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - A O Adebambo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - I A Lawal
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ramón Álvarez Zapata
- Universidad Central de Venezuela, Facultad de Agronomía Instituto de Producción Animal, Av. Universidad via El Limón, Maracay, Venezuela
| | | | - H David Chapman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Esron Karimuribo
- Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Claire M Mugasa
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, University of Zambia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Anup K Tewari
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Partha S Banerjee
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - G Dhinakar Raj
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - M Raman
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Fiona M Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Jatau ID, Lawal IA, Kwaga JKP, Tomley FM, Blake DP, Nok AJ. Three operational taxonomic units of Eimeria are common in Nigerian chickens and may undermine effective molecular diagnosis of coccidiosis. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:86. [PMID: 27259544 PMCID: PMC4893269 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chicken is fast becoming the world's most consumed meat. As a consequence poultry health is more important now than ever before, with pathogens of chickens recognised as serious threats to food security. One such threat are Eimeria species parasites, protozoa which can cause the disease coccidiosis. Eimeria can compromise economic poultry production and chicken welfare, and have serious consequences for poor livestock keepers. Seven Eimeria species that infect chickens are recognised with a global enzootic distribution. More recently three cryptic Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUx, y and z) have been described in populations of Eimeria recovered from chickens in Australia. Two of the three OTUs have also been detected in sub-Saharan Africa, but their occurrence, pathology and the risk they pose is largely unknown. RESULTS Nigeria has witnessed a dramatic expansion in poultry production and is now the largest poultry producer in Africa. Here, faecal samples collected from nine of 12 commercial chicken farms sampled in Kaduna state, Nigeria, were found to contain eimerian oocysts. After amplification by in vivo propagation all three cryptic OTU genotypes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including OTUy for the first time outside of Australia. Comparison with a widely used, established Eimeria species-specific PCR assay revealed failure to detect the OTU genotypes. CONCLUSIONS All three of the Eimeria OTU genotypes appear to be common in north-western Nigeria. The failure of a leading species-specific molecular assay to detect these genotypes indicates a risk of false negative Eimeria diagnosis when using molecular tools and suggests that the spatial occurrence of each OTU may be far wider than has been recognised. The risk posed by these novel genotypes is unknown, but it is clear that a better understanding of Eimeria occurrence is required together with the validation of effective diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa D Jatau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Idris A Lawal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Jacob K P Kwaga
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Fiona M Tomley
- Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Andrew J Nok
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Population, genetic, and antigenic diversity of the apicomplexan Eimeria tenella and their relevance to vaccine development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E5343-50. [PMID: 26354122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1506468112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylum Apicomplexa includes serious pathogens of humans and animals. Understanding the distribution and population structure of these protozoan parasites is of fundamental importance to explain disease epidemiology and develop sustainable controls. Predicting the likely efficacy and longevity of subunit vaccines in field populations relies on knowledge of relevant preexisting antigenic diversity, population structure, the likelihood of coinfection by genetically distinct strains, and the efficiency of cross-fertilization. All four of these factors have been investigated for Plasmodium species parasites, revealing both clonal and panmictic population structures with exceptional polymorphism associated with immunoprotective antigens such as apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). For the coccidian Toxoplasma gondii only genomic diversity and population structure have been defined in depth so far; for the closely related Eimeria species, all four variables are currently unknown. Using Eimeria tenella, a major cause of the enteric disease coccidiosis, which exerts a profound effect on chicken productivity and welfare, we determined population structure, genotype distribution, and likelihood of cross-fertilization during coinfection and also investigated the extent of naturally occurring antigenic diversity for the E. tenella AMA1 homolog. Using genome-wide Sequenom SNP-based haplotyping, targeted sequencing, and single-cell genotyping, we show that in this coccidian the functionality of EtAMA1 appears to outweigh immune evasion. This result is in direct contrast to the situation in Plasmodium and most likely is underpinned by the biology of the direct and acute coccidian life cycle in the definitive host.
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Barkway CP, Pocock RL, Vrba V, Blake DP. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the species-specific detection of Eimeria that infect chickens. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 25741643 PMCID: PMC4354661 DOI: 10.3791/52552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria species parasites, protozoa which cause the enteric disease coccidiosis, pose a serious threat to the production and welfare of chickens. In the absence of effective control clinical coccidiosis can be devastating. Resistance to the chemoprophylactics frequently used to control Eimeria is common and sub-clinical infection is widespread, influencing feed conversion ratios and susceptibility to other pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens. Despite the availability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tools, diagnosis of Eimeria infection still relies almost entirely on traditional approaches such as lesion scoring and oocyst morphology, but neither is straightforward. Limitations of the existing molecular tools include the requirement for specialist equipment and difficulties accessing DNA as template. In response a simple field DNA preparation protocol and a panel of species-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays have been developed for the seven Eimeria recognised to infect the chicken. We now provide a detailed protocol describing the preparation of genomic DNA from intestinal tissue collected post-mortem, followed by setup and readout of the LAMP assays. Eimeria species-specific LAMP can be used to monitor parasite occurrence, assessing the efficacy of a farm's anticoccidial strategy, and to diagnose sub-clinical infection or clinical disease with particular value when expert surveillance is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L Pocock
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, London
| | - Vladimir Vrba
- BIOPHARM, Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Drugs
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, London;
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