Prevalence of Eimeria infection and risk factors associated with domestic chickens raised in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

Eimeria infection has been considered the most important protozoan infection of the poultry industry in Nigeria because of its high incidence. A total of 400 faecal samples were collected from 10 farms in Nsukka LGA and analyzed using the Wisconsin’s faecal floatation technique. Data on the management practices of these farms were collected using a wellstructured questionnaire. Eimeria tenella was the only identified species. A total of 158 (39.5%) of the domestic chickens sampled were infected with the protozoan parasite. There was significant difference (p < 0.0001) of E. tenella between towns and between the studied farms. Of the 5 towns sampled, the prevalence was highest at Obukpa town 52 (65.0%) and in birds aged 7 weeks 20 (83.3%) and least at Edem 2 (2.5%) and in birds aged 32 weeks 2 (5.0%). The mean intensity of infection was highest at Obukpa (9.35 ± 9.24) and in birds aged 4weeks (11.50 ± 11.09) and least in Edem town and in birds aged 32 weeks. The difference in prevalence between birds of different ages was significant (p <0.0001). Majority of the farms practiced deep litter housing compared to battery cage users (90% vs. 10%). The most used vaccine was combination 7 (70%). Fifty percent of the farms employed the expertise of veterinary doctors in vaccine administration. Eimeria infection, the main cause of coccidiosis in chicken, has continued to be a major challenge in poultry production and management. Conclusively, the prevalence of Eimeria infection is moderately low as a result of the widespread use of vaccines and anticoccidials.

Management and Control of Eimeria Infection in Goats

Coccidian parasites of the genus Eimeira cause coccidiosis in farm animals, which develop in both the small and the large intestines. Coccidiosis is a major economic concern in many livestock, especially in young animals, as a result of losses caused by clinical infection (diarrhea) and subclinical (poor weight gain in particular) and the required treatment costs. Herein, we summarize geographical distribution of Eimeria parasites, their life cycle, pathogenesis, clinical signs, economic losses due to coccidiosis, diagnosis, recent information on control and prevention, and anticoccidial drugs for Eimeria infection in goats. With regard to poverty alleviation in most developing agricultural countries, it is important to maintain and develop goat-related industries. Proper management should be used to prevent losses and reduce the productivity from coccidiosis in young animals by: reducing the level of environmental contamination by infectious oocysts; minimizing stress; and avoiding overcrowding.

Review on Prevalence and risk fa Review on Prevalence and risk factors of Eimeria species in Buffaloes

The research was performed in order to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria spp in buffalo. Coccidiosis, is a common livestock disease include water buffaloes and nothing is known about the most pathogenic species of Eimeria. Since the highest prevalence of oocyst shedding and incidence of disease occurs in buffalo calves less than one year of age. The omnipresent occurrence and negative effects of the infection on health and buffalo growth output are taken into account. Therefore, both farmers and veterinarians should pay greater attention to infections with Eimeria spp. And there is little analysis of data reported in Iraq and the world regarding Eimeria infection in river buffalo spp.

Ameliorating Effects of Different Extracts of Culinary Mushroom Species on the Production Performance of Healthy and Eimeria Infected Commercial Broiler Birds

In this research, three edible mushroom species including Pleurotus (P.) ostreatus, P. sajor-caju and Lentinus (L.) edodes were processed for hot water, methanolic and polysaccharide extracts. These extracts were administered to commercial broiler birds. Production performance was determined as weight gains and feed conversion ratios (FCR) in healthy birds on weekly basis. Further, groups were subjected to oral Eimeria infection and weight gains were monitored from days 4 to 12 post inoculation. Study revealed significantly higher (P < 0.05) weight gains in experimental groups given different mushroom extracts during 4th, 5th and 6th weeks of experiment in comparison to control. Feed conversion ratios observed in the control groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) as compared to experimental groups especially methanolic extracts of all three mushroom species during 5th and 6th weeks of the experiment. After Eimeria inoculation, weight gains of the experimental groups given different mushroom extracts were significantly higher (P < 0.05) on 10th, 11th and 12th day. Results concluded that aqueous, methanolic and polysaccharide extracts of P. ostreatus, P. sajor-caju and L. edodes had potential to improve the production in healthy birds and may also enhance the weights in commercial broiler birds suffering from Eimeria infection. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Prevalence, Identification and Geographical Distribution of Eimeria spp. in Wild Rodents in Malang, East Java

Eimeria is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that infected various species and known as the enteric monoxenous coccidian. This study aims to determine the prevalence, identification and geographical distribution study of gastrointestinal protozoa Eimeria spp. in wild rodents in Malang city, East Java. A total of 74 rodents were collected from different part of Malang, using single live traps. Rats were euthanized with ketamine and xylazine. Samples of stools were taken from gastrointestinal tract. Coprological procedure using floatation method lead to the demonstration of Eimeria spp. oocysts in the faecal samples examined at 400 and 1000 magnifications of light microscope. Cultivation in dichromate potassium 2.5% was carried out for all of coccidian positive samples. The identification is based on morphology and morphometry. Eimeria identification data was analyzed descriptively, while the analysis of species and gender of rodents on prevalence used chi square. Result, the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in Malang is 11 (14.9%). It was suggesting coccidiosis caused by Eimeria nieschulzi. In addition, Chi square analysis showed that species of rats did not have a significant relationship (P>0.05) to the incidence of Eimeria infection, however it has significant correlation between gender of rats and Eimeria infection (P<0.05). The geographical of Eimeria spp. spots were showed in 8 Sampling area, in Lowokwaru, Klojen, Kedung kandang and Sukun sub district. Findings of this study showed that wild rodents in Malang city are infected with intestinal coccidian parasites.

The Modulating Effect of Dietary Beta-Glucan Supplementation on Expression of Immune Response Genes of Broilers during a Coccidiosis Challenge

This study investigated the effects of a yeast-derived β-glucan (Auxoferm YGT) supplementation on mRNA expression of immune response genes in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of broiler chickens during a mixed Eimeria infection. Day (d)-old chicks (n = 1440) were fed diets containing 0% or 0.1% YGT. On d 8 post-hatch, half the replicate pens (n = 8) were challenged with a mixed inoculum of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella. On d 10 and d 14 post-hatch, the spleen, thymus, and bursa were collected to evaluate mRNA abundance by quantitative real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX model (2-way interaction) and differences were established by LS-MEANS with significance reported at p ≤ 0.05. In spleen tissues at d 10, expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were elevated in both 0.1% YGT-fed challenged and non-challenged birds. In thymus tissues at d 14, expression of IL-10, IL-17F, interferon (IFN)-γ, iNOS, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were elevated in challenged birds fed 0.1% YGT. In bursal tissues at d 10 and d 14, expression of IL-10, IFN-γ, iNOS (d 10 only), and MIF were elevated in 0.1% YGT-fed challenged and non-challenged birds. Dietary β-glucan supplementation to chicken diets modulated their immune response to the Eimeria challenge.

Patterns of Eimeria excretion in young Icelandic calves

Faecal samples were collected from a total of 11 calves on three dairy farms (four from two farms and three from one) where calves generally thrive well and no anti-coccidial treatment is habitually carried out. One of the farms keeps calves in groups on hay/straw bedding, one keeps calves in pairs on plastic slats and then in groups on concrete slats, and the third one keeps calves in groups on concrete slats. Faecal consistency and the total number of Eimeria spp. oocysts per gram faeces (OPG) were determined and species identification was carried out by morphology. Eimeria oocysts were detected in all calves at some point of the study period, and diarrhoea was seen in 55% of the calves. The highest peak in oocyst excretion was 69,300 OPG. The first peak in oocyst excretion was seen 2-3 weeks after calves had been moved to group pens, and a second peak was seen 2-3 weeks later. Nine Eimeria species were found, including E. bovis and E. zuernii. The results are in accordance with previous studies showing that one of the risk factors for Eimeria infection in calves is entering a group pen where older calves are already being kept.

Understanding the interactions between Eimeria infection and gut microbiota, towards the control of chicken coccidiosis: a review

The gastrointestinal tract in poultry harbours a diverse microbial community that serves a crucial role in digestion and protection. Disruption of the gut environment due to Eimeria spp. parasite infection causes an imbalance in intestinal homeostasis, driving the increment of pathogens such as Clostridium species. Coccidiosis infection affects the composition and integrity of gut microbiota, resulting in elevated susceptibility to diseases that pose a serious threat to the overall health and productivity of chickens. Anticoccidial drugs have proven effective in curbing coccidiosis but with concerning drawbacks like drug resistance and drug residues in meat. The exploration of natural alternative strategies such as probiotics and phytochemicals is significant in controlling coccidiosis through modification and restoration of gut microbiota, without inducing drug resistance. Understanding the interaction between Eimeria parasites and gut microbiota is crucial for the control and prevention of coccidiosis, and the development of novel alternative treatments.

Traditional Diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in Fallow Deer at Middle Parts of Iraq

Eimeria is an apicomplex protozoon which affects many species of birds, domestic and wild animals including deer. This is the first study in Iraq that was designed for diagnosis Eimeria spp. in deer using traditional methods. Eighty fecal samples of Fallow deer (Damadama) were collected in different provinces in the middle part of Iraq during December 2018 to the end of September 2019. Samples were examined by direct smear and flotation with Sheather's solution. The total infection rate with Eimeria spp. was 70% (56/80), in which higher infection rate was observed in female deer (78%, 39/50). The results also showed that Fawn at age<3-11 months recorded higher rate of infection (86.3%, 19/22). Eimeria infection was more prevalent in Karbala and Baghdad provinces where recorded (73.3% and 72%) respectively, sharp increase of infection recorded during March (87.5%, 7/8). In addition, four species of Eimeria (E. crandalis, E. intricate, E. parva, and E. sordida) were detected in Iraqi deer according to morphological characterization of oocysts. This study highlighted the distribution of some Eimeria species in deer and revealed the effect of some epidemiological factors on prevalence in different middle Iraq provinces.