Eimeria minasensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the domestic goat Capra hircus, from Brazil

Prevalence and pathology of coccidiosis in goats in southeastern Iran

Coccidiosis is an economically disease that caused by Eimeria spp. Small and large intestines are target tissues of this protozoan parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidial infection and pathology of coccidiosis of goats in Kerman, southeastern Iran, from February 2010 to July 2011. Faecal samples (approximately 3-5 g) were obtained from the rectum of 208 goats. The samples were determined microscopically for the presence of oocysts. Eimeria species were identified following sporulation of faeces in a thin layer of 2.5 % potassium dichromate for one or 2 weeks at 27 °C. Results showed the presence of multiple species in 187 out of 208 analyzed samples (89.91 %). Nine different Eimeria species were identified: E. arloingi (68.26 %), E. christenseni (50.9 %), E. ninakohlyakimovae (41.8 %), E. caprina (31.7 %), E. alijevi (29.8 %), E. jolchijevi (26.92 %), E. apsheronica (22.59 %), E. hirci (11.05 %), and E. pallida (5.2 %). Goats were considered in three age groups (less than 2 years old, 2-3 years old and over 3 years old). Obtained data indicated that coccidiosis was relatively common among the goats in this area. The highest rate of oocyte counts were observed in goats over 3 years old and females were more affected than male. The sex and age of the goat had not significant effects on the prevalence of coccidiosis, as well. There was no significant difference in oocyte per gram during different months. Coccidial lesions occurred in the jejunum and ileum more than other parts of intestine. Grossly, the affected tissues revealed non-pedunculated whitish nodules. Histopathologically, these nodules were characterized as proliferative enteritis with presence of different stages of the Eimeria in the hyperplastic epithelium and mild inflammatory reaction. Parasitological, gross and microscopic examinations revealed Eimeria infection was common in goats of Kerman, southeastern Iran.

Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida)

The oocysts of the coccidia are robust structures, frequently isolated from the feces or urine of their hosts, which provide resistance to mechanical damage and allow the parasites to survive and remain infective for prolonged periods. The diagnosis of coccidiosis, species description and systematics, are all dependent upon characterization of the oocyst. Therefore, this review aimed to the provide a critical overview of the methodologies, advantages and limitations of the currently available morphological, morphometrical and molecular biology based approaches that may be utilized for characterization of these important structures. It has become apparent that no single methodology is sufficient to fully characterize these structures and the majority of researchers favor the use of combinational or polyphasic approaches.

Effects of kefir on coccidial oocysts excretion and performance of dairy goat kids following weaning

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of kefir, a traditional source of probiotic, on coccidial oocysts excretion and on the performance of dairy goat kids following weaning. Twin kids were randomly allocated to one of two groups at weaning. Kids of the first group received 20 ml of kefir daily for 6 weeks (KEF), while kids in the control group were given a placebo (CON). Individual faecal samples were regularly (n = 18 per kid) taken to quantify the number of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (OpG). There were no differences between the groups in terms of body weight development (P > 0.05) and feed consumption. Kids of both groups were not able to consume enough feed to meet their nutrient requirements during the first 3 weeks following weaning. KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples than CON (P = 0.043). Kefir did not affect the maximum oocyst excretion and age of the kids at the highest oocyst excretion (P > 0.05). KEF shed numerically 35% lower coccidial oocysts than the controls, which corresponded to a statistical tendency (P = 0.074) in lowering Log-OpG in comparison to CON. While KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples and tended to shed lower OPG by around one-third, the frequency of diarrhea, level of highest oocyst excretion, and performance of the kids remained unaffected. Therefore, it is concluded that overall effects of kefir do not have a significant impact on sub-clinical infection and performance in weaned kids under relatively high-hygienic farming conditions.