Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including birds. Rocas Atoll Biological Reserve, located in the northeast of Brazil, is the only atoll in the South Atlantic, and home to the largest population of seabirds in the western Atlantic. In this study the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in seabirds from Rocas Atoll were determined. Birds were manually captured, blood samples were taken, and antibodies detected by the modified agglutination test (>5). In total, 267 birds of seven species belonging to three families (Sternidae, Fregatidae and Sulidae) and two orders (Charadriiformes and Suliformes) were sampled. Out of the 267 samples, 20 (7.3%) were seropositive: nine out of 48 brown noddies (Anous stolidus), one out of 26 black noddies (Anous minutus), three out of 20 magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens), five out of 95 sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscatus) and two out of 20 red-footed boobies (Sula sula). None of the 33 masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) and the 25 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) were seropositive. The antibody titers were 5 (n=6), 10 (n=4), 20 (n=3), 40 (n=6) and 160 (n=1). Due to the uniqueness of this environment, monitoring the seabirds is suggested to maintaining this Conservation Unit. warmblooded warm blooded animals Reserve Brazil Atlantic T determined captured taken >5. >5 . (>5) total Sternidae, Sternidae (Sternidae Sulidae Charadriiformes Suliformes sampled 2 7.3% 73 7 3 (7.3% seropositive 4 Anous stolidus, stolidus , stolidus) minutus, minutus minutus) Fregata magnificens, magnificens magnificens) 9 Onychoprion fuscatus redfooted red footed Sula sula. sula sula) dactylatra leucogaster n=6, n6 n n=6 6 1 n=4, n4 n=4 (n=4) n=3, n3 n=3 (n=3) (n=6 16 n=1. n1 n=1 (n=1) environment Unit > (>5 7.3 (7.3 n= (n=4 (n=3 (n= (n=1 (> 7. (7. (n ( (7

Resumo Toxoplasma gondii é um coccídio que infecta quase todos os animais de sangue quente, incluindo aves. A Reserva Biológica do Atol das Rocas, localizada no Nordeste do Brasil, é o único atol do Atlântico Sul que abriga a maior população de aves marinhas tropicais do oeste do Oceano Atlântico. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em aves marinhas do Atol das Rocas que foram capturadas manualmente. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas e anticorpos avaliados pelo teste de aglutinação modificado (>5). Foram amostradas 267 aves de sete espécies, pertencentes a três famílias (Sternidae, Fregatidae e Sulidae) e duas ordens (Charadriiformes e Suliformes). Das 267 aves, 20 (7,3%) foram soropositivas sendo: nove das 48 viuvinhas-marrons (Anous stolidus), uma das 26 viuvinhas-negras (Anous minutus), três das 20 fragatas (Fregata magnificens), cinco dos 95 trinta-réis-das-rocas (Onychoprion fuscatus) e dois dos 20 atobás-de-pés-vermelhos (Sula sula). Nenhum dos 33 atobás grandes (Sula dactylatra) e dos 25 atobás-pardos (Sula leucogaster) estavam soropositivos. Os títulos de anticorpos foram 5 (n=6), 10 (n=4), 20 (n=3), 40 (n=6) e 160 (n=1). Devido à singularidade deste ambiente, o monitoramento dessas aves marinhas é sugerido para promover uma abordagem de Saúde Única nesta Unidade de Conservação. quente Brasil antiT. antiT anti T. T anti-T manualmente >5. >5 . (>5) espécies Sternidae, Sternidae (Sternidae Sulidae Charadriiformes Suliformes. Suliformes Suliformes) 2 7,3% 73 7 3 (7,3% sendo 4 viuvinhasmarrons viuvinhas marrons Anous stolidus, stolidus , stolidus) viuvinhasnegras negras minutus, minutus minutus) Fregata magnificens, magnificens magnificens) 9 trintaréisdasrocas trinta réis rocas Onychoprion fuscatus atobásdepésvermelhos pés vermelhos Sula sula. sula sula) dactylatra atobáspardos pardos leucogaster soropositivos n=6, n6 n n=6 6 1 n=4, n4 n=4 (n=4) n=3, n3 n=3 (n=3) (n=6 16 n=1. n1 n=1 (n=1) ambiente Conservação > (>5 7,3 (7,3 n= (n=4 (n=3 (n= (n=1 (> 7, (7, (n ( (7

ABSTRACT: The green-winged saltator Saltator similis (d’Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) is a passerine bird highly valued by bird breeders and a target of illegal wildlife trafficking. Coccidian chromists are etiological agents of coccidiosis, which may be asymptomatic and enzootic in bird populations when environmental conditions are favorable. However, epizootic outbreaks with severe disease can occur due to environmental changes. In this context, this study reports a case of coccidiosis in a free-living juvenile specimen of S. similis captured at the Itatiaia National Park in southeastern Brazil. Typical clinical signs of coccidiosis were observed, and it was associated with greenish mucoid diarrhea containing a high density of coccidian oocysts. Three Isospora spp. were specifically identified in 14 fecal samples (fecal droplets) collected over two hours. Isospora saltatori (Berto, Balthazar, Flausino & Lopes, 2008) had the highest density and positivity throughout most of the collection period. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of the continuous evaluation of the health of birds as bioindicators and their coccidian ecological biomarkers as one of the strategies for evaluating the conservation status of Itatiaia National Park. ABSTRACT greenwinged green winged dOrbigny d Orbigny Lafresnaye 1837 trafficking favorable However changes context freeliving free living S Brazil observed oocysts spp 1 droplets hours Berto, Berto (Berto Balthazar Lopes 2008 period Finally 183 200 18 20 2

RESUMO: O trinca-ferro Saltator similis (d’Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) é um pássaro muito valorizado por criadores de aves e pelo tráfico ilegal de animais silvestres. Os cromistas coccídios são agentes etiológicos da coccidiose, a qual pode ser assintomática e enzoótica em populações de aves quando as condições ambientais são favoráveis, mas surtos epizoóticos com doença grave podem ocorrer como resultado de mudanças ambientais. Nesse contexto, este artigo relata um caso de coccidiose em um espécime juvenil de vida livre de S. similis capturado no Parque Nacional de Itatiaia, no sudeste do Brasil. Foram observados sinais clínicos típicos de coccidiose, associados a diarreia mucóide esverdeada contendo alta densidade de oocistos. Três Isospora spp. foram especificamente identificadas em 14 defecações coletadas durante um período de duas horas. Isospora saltatori (Berto, Balthazar, Flausino & Lopes, 2008) foi a espécie com maior densidade e positividade durante a maior parte do período de coleta. Por fim, este artigo discute a importância da avaliação contínua da saúde das aves como bioindicadores, e de seus biomarcadores ecológicos coccídios, como uma das estratégias para avaliação do estado de conservação do Parque Nacional de Itatiaia. RESUMO trincaferro trinca ferro dOrbigny d Orbigny Lafresnaye 1837 silvestres favoráveis contexto S Itatiaia Brasil oocistos spp 1 horas Berto, Berto (Berto Balthazar Lopes 2008 coleta fim bioindicadores 183 200 18 20 2

Resumo Toxoplasma gondii é um protozoário coccídio de importância zoonótica, causador da toxoplasmose. Embora os tratamentos atuais para a toxoplasmose possam estar associados a efeitos adversos e à eficácia limitada para as diferentes formas biológicas do parasita, evidências sugerem que moléculas alcaloides, como a harmalina e a piperina exibem, efeitos antiparasitários contra protozoários parasitas. Essa investigação teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito in vitro da harmalina e da piperina contra taquizoítos de T. gondii em culturas de células Vero infectadas. Após 24 horas da infecção das células hospedeiras, as culturas foram tratadas com harmalina ou piperina (0,49 a 15,63 µg/mL). Os controles negativo e positivo foram RPMI/DMSO (0,1%) e sulfadiazina (200 µg/mL), respectivamente. Harmalina reduziu significativamente a multiplicação parasitária em 20% em comparação ao controle negativo, enquanto a piperina diminuiu entre 55,56% e 88,89%, de forma dose-dependente. De acordo com uma escala de proporção intracelular de parasitas, observou-se que células Vero com baixa ou moderada proliferação parasitária foram mais prevalentes após tratamento com alcaloides. O estudo demonstrou que os alcaloides tinham efeitos antiparasitários sobre o T. gondii, sendo a piperina mais eficaz. Estudos adicionais devem ser realizados para esclarecer outros aspectos da ação dos alcaloides sobre os parasitas. zoonótica parasita exibem parasitas T infectadas 2 hospedeiras 0,49 049 0 49 (0,4 1563 15 63 15,6 µg/mL. µgmL µg/mL . µg mL µg/mL) RPMIDMSO RPMI DMSO 0,1% 01 1 (0,1% 200 (20 µg/mL, , respectivamente 20 5556 55 56 55,56 8889 88 89 88,89% dosedependente. dosedependente dose dependente. dependente dose-dependente observouse observou se eficaz 0,4 04 4 (0, 156 6 15, 0,1 (0,1 (2 555 5 55,5 888 8 88,89 0, (0 ( 55, 88,8 88,

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian protozoan of zoonotic importance that causes toxoplasmosis. Although the current treatments for toxoplasmosis may be associated with adverse effects and limited efficacy for different biological forms of the parasite, evidence suggests that alkaloid molecules such as harmaline and piperine exhibit antiparasitic effects against protozoa parasites. This investigation aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of harmaline and piperine against T. gondii tachyzoites in infected Vero cell cultures. After 24 hours of host cell infection, the cultures were treated with harmaline or piperine (0.49 to 15.63 µg/mL). Negative and positive controls were RPMI/DMSO (0.1%) and sulfadiazine (200 µg/mL). Harmaline significantly reduced parasite multiplication by 20% compared to the negative control, while piperine decreased between 55.56% and 88.89% in a dose-dependent manner. According to an intracellular parasite proportion scale, it was observed that the Vero cells with low or moderate parasitic proliferation were more prevalent after the alkaloid treatment. The study demonstrated that the alkaloids had antiparasitic effects on T. gondii, with piperine being the most effective. Additional studies must be carried out to clarify other aspects of the action of the alkaloids on parasites. parasites T 2 infection 0.49 049 0 49 (0.4 1563 15 63 15.6 µg/mL. µgmL µg/mL . µg mL µg/mL) RPMIDMSO RPMI DMSO 0.1% 01 1 (0.1% 200 (20 20 control 5556 55 56 55.56 8889 88 89 88.89 dosedependent dose dependent manner scale treatment effective 0.4 04 4 (0. 156 6 15. 0.1 (0.1 (2 555 5 55.5 888 8 88.8 0. (0 ( 55. 88.

Resumen Introducción. Cryptosporidium spp. es un parásito protozoario del grupo de los coccidios, causante de diarreas, trastornos gastroentéricos y respiratorios (baja frecuencia) en diferentes especies de vertebrados a nivel mundial, principalmente en individuos jóvenes. Objetivo. Documentar las características más importantes de virulencia y patogenia del Cryptosporidium spp. así como, la descripción de sus variantes genéticas y su potencial zoonótico. Desarrollo. Existen más de diecinueve especies de Criptosporidium spp., donde se destacan C. parvum (humanos), C. bovis (bovinos), C. suis (porcinos) y C. ubiquitum (aves), debido a su alta capacidad infectiva dada por la diversidad de sus factores de virulencia. El parásito posee afinidad por los enterocitos y genera anomalías en la absorción y funciones secretoras del intestino. La criptosporidiosis varía en función del estado del huésped (edad, nutrición e inmunología), la fuente de contaminación (agua o ingesta), transmisión e higiene. Existen técnicas de diagnóstico, desde pruebas coproscópicas convencionales hasta pruebas de biología molecular. Conclusión. Factores como la variabilidad y los factores de virulencia del Cryptosporidium spp, se consideran mecanismos que favorecen la infección y dispersión del parasito a nivel individual y grupal en humanos y animales domésticos, al igual que la complejidad del ciclo de vida, la resistencia a condiciones ambientales, la capacidad infectiva y la interacción con el huésped consolidan al Cryptosporidium spp. como un agente zoonótico con efectos económicos importantes.

Abstract Introduction. Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoan parasite belonging to the group of coccidia, causing diarrhea, gastroenteric, and respiratory disorders (less frequently) in different vertebrate species worldwide, primarily in young individuals. Objective. To document the most important virulence and pathogenic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., as well as the description of its genetic variants and its zoonotic potential. Development. There are more of 19 species of Cryptosporidium spp., with C. parvum (humans), C. bovis (cattle), C. suis (swine), and C. ubiquitum (birds) being noteworthy due to their high infectivity capacity, given by the diversity of their virulence factors. The parasite has an affinity for enterocytes and causes abnormalities in the intestinal absorption and secretory functions. Cryptosporidiosis varies depending on the host's status (age, nutrition, and immunity), the source of contamination (water or ingestion), transmission, and hygiene. Diagnostic techniques range from conventional coproscopic tests to molecular biology tests. Conclusion. Factors such as the variability and virulence factors of Cryptosporidium spp. are considered mechanisms that favor the infection and spread of the parasite at an individual and group level in humans and domestic animals, as well as the complexity of its life cycle, resistance to environmental conditions, the infective capacity, and host interaction consolidate Cryptosporidium spp. as a zoonotic agent with significant economic effects.

Resumen 15. La cistoisosporosis es la infección producida por un coccidio que invade el aparato digestivo provocando severos trastornos anatomopatológicos del vertebrado infectado. Esta parasitosis se encuentra desatendida o subestimada en perros de la región Cajamarca, Perú. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la coproprevalencia de Cystoisospora spp. y su morfometría de ooquistes en perros de la zona Oeste del distrito de Cajamarca. Mediante el método de Faust se analizaron 246 muestras fecales de perros con dueños de ambos sexos, divididos en tres grupos etarios (n = 87 cachorros: 0 a 6 meses, n = 43 juveniles: 6 a 12 meses y n = 116 adultos: > 12 meses). A los resultados, se encontró una coproprevalencia general a Cystoisospora spp. de 15,04%. En los cachorros muestreados se encontró 24,14% correspondió a los cachorros; 20,93% a los juveniles y 6,03% a perros mayores de 12 meses. Los ooquistes observados presentaron color verde amarillento, con ausencia de micropilo y forma ovoide divididos en dos grupos, el primero con 36,63 ± 5,05 por 35,90 ± 7,71 µm y el segundo con 38,54 ± 4,38 por 33,74 ± 4,15 µm. Se concluye que, la prevalencia de Cystoisospora spp. es baja, con mayor presencia en los cachorros, el mismo que va disminuyendo conforme avanza la edad. Además, según sus características morfométricas se trataría de C. canis, el mismo que requiere de estudios moleculares para su identificación definitiva.

Abstract 19. Cystoisosporosis is the infection produced by a coccidian that invades the digestive tract causing severe anatomopathological disorders in the infected vertebrate. This parasitosis is neglected or underestimated in dogs in the Cajamarca region, Peru. The objective of the present study was to determine the copro-prevalence of Cystoisospora spp. and its oocyst morphometry in dogs from the western zone of the district of Cajamarca. Using the Faust method, 246 fecal samples were analyzed from dogs with owners of both sexes, divided into three age group (n = 87 puppies: 0 to 6 months, n = 43 juvenile: 6 to 12 months, and n = 166 adults: > 12 months). The results showed an overall prevalence of 15.04% for Cystoisospora spp. of which 24.14% corresponded to the puppies, 20.93% to juveniles, and 6.03% to dogs older than 12 months. The oocysts observed presented yellowish green color, with the absence of micropyle and ovoid shape divided into two groups, the first with 36.63 ± 5.05 by 35.90 ± 7.71 µm and the second with 38.54 ± 4.38 by 33.74 ± 4.15 µm. It is concluded that the prevalence of Cystoisospora spp. is low, with a higher presence in puppies, which decreases with age. In addition, according to its morphometric characteristics, it would be C. canis, which requires molecular studies for its definitive identification.

Resumo A infecção gastrointestinal (GI) parasitária é um assunto importante para o manejo do gado. Existem variações nos efeitos dos parasitas GI quanto a sexo, idade do gado, condição da água potável, nutrição e gravidade da infecção. Faltam estudos sobre a prevalência de parasitas GI entre a população de gado em Lower Dir. Um total de 40 fazendas foi selecionado aleatoriamente em seis tehsil, nomeadamente Tehsil Adenzai, Tehsil Timergara, Tehsil Balambat, Tehsil Munda, Tehsil Lalqala, Tehsil Khall. Amostras fecais de gado fresco foram coletadas aleatoriamente das fazendas selecionadas de março de 2018 até dezembro de 2018. Dos 314 búfalos e bovinos examinados, 58,59% (184/314) foram positivos para ovos, cisto/oocisto de uma ou mais espécies de parasitas GI. A prevalência de infecção parasitária foi maior em Buffaloes 63,55% (75/118) em comparação com vaca 55,61% (109/196), mas a diferença não foi significativa (p > 0,05). Entamoeba spp, Moniezia spp, Haemonchus spp e Coccidian spp foram encontrados neste estudo. Os animais não tratados indicaram a maior porcentagem de infecção em vacas 57,71% (101/175) e búfalos 68,13% (62/91). A prevalência do parasita GI em fêmeas foi maior em vacas fêmeas 62,58% (87/139) e búfalas 77,33% (58/75) em comparação ao masculino. Mas a diferença não é significativa (p > 0,05). A modelagem linear geral mostrou que o tratamento do animal estava significativamente relacionado com a prevalência de parasitas GI. Bezerros de um ano tiveram a maior taxa de infecção parasitária gastrointestinal. Futuras investigações são necessárias para avaliar a perda econômica devido aos parasitas GI em bovinos.

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) Parasitic infection is a hot issue for cattle management. There is variation of GI parasites effects in sex, age of cattle, drinking water condition, nutrition, and severity of infection. Studies on prevalence of GI parasites among cattle population in Dir Lower are lacking. A total of 40 farms were selected randomly in six tehsil namely Tehsil Adenzai, Tehsil Timergara, Tehsil Balambat, Tehsil Munda ,Tehsil Lalqala, Tehsil Khall. Freshly cattle fecal samples were collected randomly from the selected farms during March 2018 till December 2018. Out of 314 buffaloes and cattle examined 58.59% (184/314) were positive for eggs, cyst/oocyst of one or more species of GI Parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in Buffaloes 63.55% (75/118) as compared to Cow 55.61% (109/196) but the difference was not significant (p>0.05) Entamoeba,spp, Moniezia spp, Haemonchus spp and Coccidian spp were found in this study. The non-treated animals indicated the highest percentage of infection in cow 57.71% (101/175) and buffalo 68.13% (62/91).GI parasite prevalence in female animal were higher female cow 62.58% (87/139) and female buffalo 77.33% (58/75) as compared to male. But the difference is non-significant (p> 0.05) Yearling calves had the lower rate of GI parasitic infection than adults. Future investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic loss due to GI parasites in cattle’s.

Abstract A new species of coccidia (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola, is reported from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora bertoi n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 23.6 (21.1-26.5) x 22.0 (19.4-24.6) µm; shape Index (L/W ratio) 1.1 (1.0-1.2) µm; with bilayer smooth walls, ~1.1 μm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongated ellipsoidal, 16.2 (13.6-17.9) x 10.1 (8.9-12.4) µm. Stieda body is button-shaped and Sub-Stieda and Para-Stieda body are absent. Sporocyst residuum is compact and composed of hundreds of granules scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoite is claviform with an elongated posterior refractile body and nucleus. Protozoa (Protozoa Apicomplexa Eimeriidae finch flaveola Brazil n sp subspherical 236 23 6 23. 21.126.5 211265 21.1 26.5 21 1 26 5 (21.1-26.5 220 22 0 22. 19.424.6 194246 19.4 24.6 19 4 24 (19.4-24.6 µm L/W LW L W ratio 11 1. 1.01.2 1012 1.0 1.2 2 (1.0-1.2 walls ~1. μm absent present ellipsoidal 162 16 16. 13.617.9 136179 13.6 17.9 13 17 9 (13.6-17.9 101 10 10. 8.912.4 89124 8.9 12.4 8 12 (8.9-12.4 buttonshaped button shaped SubStieda Sub ParaStieda Para sporozoites nucleus 126 21.126. 21126 211 21. 265 26. (21.1-26. 424 19.424. 19424 194 19. 246 24. (19.4-24. 01 1.01. (1.0-1. ~1 617 13.617. 13617 136 13. 179 17. (13.6-17. 912 8.912. 8912 89 8. 124 12. (8.9-12. 21.126 2112 (21.1-26 42 19.424 1942 (19.4-24 1.01 (1.0-1 ~ 61 13.617 1361 (13.6-17 91 8.912 891 (8.9-12 21.12 (21.1-2 19.42 (19.4-2 (1.0- 13.61 (13.6-1 8.91 (8.9-1 (21.1- (19.4- (1.0 (13.6- (8.9- (21.1 (19.4 (1. (13.6 (8.9 (21. (19. (1 (13. (8. (21 (19 ( (13 (8 (2

Resumo Uma nova espécie de coccídio (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) do canário-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola, é relatada no Brasil. Oocistos esporulados de Isospora bertoi n. sp. são esféricos a subesféricos; 23,6 (21,1-26,5) x 22,0 (19,4-24,6) µm com índice morfométrico (L/W) de 1,1 (1,0-1,2); com parede lisa constituída por duas camadas com ~1,1 μm. Micrópila e resíduo de oocisto estão ausentes, mas grânulos polares estão presentes. Os esporocistos são elipsoidais alongados, 16,2 (13,6-17,9) x 10,1 (8,9-12,4) µm;. O corpo Stieda é em forma de botão, enquanto que os corpos de Sub-Stieda e Para-Stieda estão ausentes. O resíduo do esporocisto é compacto e constituido por centenas de grânulos espalhados entre os esporozoítos. O esporozoíto é claviforme com corpo e núcleo refráteis posteriores alongados. Protozoa (Protozoa Apicomplexa Eimeriidae canáriodaterra, canáriodaterra canário da terra, terra canário-da-terra flaveola Brasil n sp subesféricos 236 23 6 23, 21,126,5 211265 21,1 26,5 21 1 26 5 (21,1-26,5 220 22 0 22, 19,424,6 194246 19,4 24,6 19 4 24 (19,4-24,6 L/W LW L W (L/W 11 1, 1,01,2 1012 1,0 1,2 2 (1,0-1,2) ~1, μm ausentes presentes alongados 162 16 16, 13,617,9 136179 13,6 17,9 13 17 9 (13,6-17,9 101 10 10, 8,912,4 89124 8,9 12,4 8 12 (8,9-12,4 µm. . µm; botão SubStieda Sub ParaStieda Para esporozoítos 126 21,126, 21126 211 21, 265 26, (21,1-26, 424 19,424, 19424 194 19, 246 24, (19,4-24, 01 1,01, (1,0-1,2 ~1 617 13,617, 13617 136 13, 179 17, (13,6-17, 912 8,912, 8912 89 8, 124 12, (8,9-12, 21,126 2112 (21,1-26 42 19,424 1942 (19,4-24 1,01 (1,0-1, ~ 61 13,617 1361 (13,6-17 91 8,912 891 (8,9-12 21,12 (21,1-2 19,42 (19,4-2 (1,0-1 13,61 (13,6-1 8,91 (8,9-1 (21,1- (19,4- (1,0- (13,6- (8,9- (21,1 (19,4 (1,0 (13,6 (8,9 (21, (19, (1, (13, (8, (21 (19 (1 (13 (8 (2 (

ABSTRACT Genus Eimeria is a group of obligate Protista parasites within phylum Apicomplexa that causes a major threat to animal production. Little information is available about the coccidia of pigeons. This study was undertaken to study experimental infection in domesticated pigeons, its clinical signs, and pathological interpretation due to Eimeria species. Eimeria labbeana-like oocysts were used as a model parasite for experimental infection of pigeons. Twenty pigeons were brought and examined for 7 days to ensure they were coccidia-free. Five pigeons were separated into parasite passage. The remaining pigeons were divided into a control group of five pigeons, and ten pigeons were infected with 3×104 E. labbeana-like oocysts. Infected pigeons showed ruffled feathers, greenish watery diarrhea, weakness, blood-tinged droppings, etc. Pre-patent and patent durations were five and fourteen days of oral inoculation of Eimeria. Oocysts shedding began on the 5th-day p.i. and peaked on the 8th-day p.i. There is a significant loss in body weight due to infection. Histopathological examination showed damage to intestinal mucosa with various Eimeria developmental stages in the duodenal of the small intestine. This study is considered basic information on the first detection of biology of Eimeria species infecting pigeons in Saudi Arabia. production signs labbeanalike labbeana like coccidiafree. coccidiafree free. free coccidia-free passage 3104 3 104 3×10 E feathers diarrhea weakness bloodtinged blood tinged droppings etc Prepatent Pre 5thday thday 5th day th pi p i p.i 8thday 8th intestine Arabia 310 10 3×1 31 1 3×

RESUMO O gênero Eimeria é um grupo de parasitas protistas obrigatórios do filo Apicomplexa que causam uma grande ameaça à produção animal. Há poucas informações disponíveis sobre coccídios de pombos. Este trabalho foi realizado para estudar a infecção experimental em pombos domesticados, seus sinais clínicos e interpretação patológica devido a espécies de Eimeria. Oocistos semelhantes a Eimeria labbeana foram usados como modelo de parasita para a infecção experimental de pombos. Vinte pombos foram trazidos e examinados por sete dias para garantir que estivessem livres de coccídios. Cinco pombos foram separados para a passagem do parasita. Os pombos restantes foram divididos em um grupo de controle de cinco pombos, e dez pombos foram infectados com 3×104 oocistos do tipo E. labbeana. Os pombos infectados apresentaram penas desgrenhadas, diarreia aquosa esverdeada, fraqueza, fezes com coloração de sangue etc. As durações pré-patente e patente foram de cinco e quatorze dias de inoculação oral de Eimeria. A liberação de oocistos começou no 5º dia p.i. e atingiu seu pico no 8º dia p.i. Há uma perda significativa no peso corporal devido à infecção. O exame histopatológico mostrou danos à mucosa intestinal com vários estágios de desenvolvimento da Eimeria no duodeno do intestino delgado. Este estudo é considerado uma informação básica sobre a primeira detecção da biologia de espécies de Eimeria infectando pombos na Arábia Saudita. animal domesticados 3104 3 104 3×10 E desgrenhadas esverdeada fraqueza etc prépatente pré º pi p i p.i delgado Saudita 310 10 3×1 31 1 3×

Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that occurs worldwide and is one of the most important causes of abortion, especially in cattle. However, no studies have been performed in Namibia to determine the N. caninum status in livestock. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle and the associated risk factors in the Khomas region of Namibia. A total of 736 sera were collected from cows in 32 farming establishments. These comprised 698 beef and 38 dairy cattle sera and were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Questionnaires were concurrently administered to determine possible risk factors associated with N. caninum seropositivity. A total of 42 sera were positive (all beef), giving an animal-level seroprevalence rate of 5.7%. Eight of the 32 establishments had at least one positive animal, giving a herd-level seroprevalence of 25%. There was no significant association between seropositivity and the presence of dogs, jackals, history of abortions, farm size, number of cattle or average annual rainfall. The establishments with moderate to high numbers of Feliformia were 9.8 times more likely to be seropositive to N. caninum than those with none to low levels of the former (p = 0.0245). The authors concluded that the seroprevalence level of N. caninum in the Khomas region was relatively low compared with other parts of the world and that the role of Feliformia in the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis needed to be further investigated. CONTRIBUTION: Serological evidence of bovine neosporosis and the associated risk factors are reported in Namibia for the first time. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on N. caninum in Africa, which is currently limited.

Resumo A coccidiose continua sendo um dos maiores problemas em aves de todo o mundo. Dados muito limitados sobre drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens estão disponíveis. O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender a eficácia comparativa da sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho em pombos selvagens do distrito de Dir, no Paquistão, que sofrem de coccidiose. A matéria fecal dos pombos selvagens foi comprada no mercado local para infecção por coccídios. Os resultados revelaram que 88,8% (16/18) foram encontrados infectados com Eimeria spp. Três grupos positivos foram tratados com sulfadimidina (0,2mg / L), amprólio (25mg / L) e triquenho. A sulfadimidina foi mais eficaz (45%), seguida pelo amprólio (44,6%), enquanto o triquenho (24,0%) apresentou menor efetividade contra a coccidiose em pombos. O número de oocistos foram 79, 81 e 80 antes do tratamento e 60, 44 e 44 após o tratamento com sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho, respectivamente. Este estudo mostrou que sulphadimidine, amprolium e triquen não poderiam reduzir significativamente a coccidiose em pombos. Mais estudos são necessários para limpar o mecanismo de drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens.

Abstract Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems in poultry all over the world. Very limited data on anticoccidial drugs in wild pigeons is available. The current study was aimed to understand the comparative efficacy of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen in wild pigeons of Dir district, Pakistan suffering from coccidiosis. The faecal matter of wild pigeons were purchased from the local market for coccidian infection. Results revealed that 88.8% (16/18) were found infected with Eimeria spp. Three positive groups were treated with sulfadimidine (0.2mg/L), amprolium (25mg/L) and triquen. Sulfadimidine was most effective (45%) followed by amprolium (44.6%) while triquen (24.0%) showed less effectiveness against coccidiosis in pigeons. Number of oocysts were 79, 81 and 80 before treatment and 60, 44 and 44 after treatment with sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen respectively. This study showed that sulphadimidine, amprolium and triquen could not significantly reduce the coccidiosis in pigeons. Further studies are required to clear the mechanism of anti-coccidial drugs in wild pigeons.

ABSTRACT: Coccidian infection may promote the proliferation of gut bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial infections by members of this family in rabbits can induce a negative impact on their health and lead to high mortality, especially in young individuals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prebiotic treatment on Escherichia coli and Salmonella species during natural intestinal coccidiosis in rabbits. Forty-five rabbits were selected from a rabbit farm in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Out of the 45 rabbits, 15 were coccidia-free and used as the negative control group (NC group) and 30 were naturally infected with coccidia. The infected rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups, the positive control group (PC) and the prebiotic treated group (PT) which was orally treated with prebiotic for 8 successive days. Faecal oocyst count was assessed daily during the course of treatment. At 8 days post-treatment, 5 rabbits from each group were euthanised for the microbiological examination of the intestinal tract. On day 8 post treatment, the PT group showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the oocyst count (5.33 x103 ± 0.89) with a significant (P<0.05) decline in the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella (66.7 % and 26.4%, respectively). The PC group showed highly a significant oocyst count (21.67x103 ± 0.82 OPG), with a significant increase in the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella (86.7 % and 46.7 %, respectively). The NC group remained coccidian free and exhibited only E. coli with no Salmonella infection. The in vitro susceptibility test showed that E. coli isolates were highly resistant to most of the tested antimicrobials while Salmonella isolates showed variable resistance profiles. In conclusion, the prebiotic treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella infections coexisted with intestinal coccidiosis naturally infected rabbits.

ABSTRACT Chicken coccidiosis is a common and severe parasitic disease caused by infection from Eimeria spp., which affects the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. TGF-β has been shown to play an important role in the healing of intestinal mucosas, immunity, and the maintenance of bowel mucosa integrity. Very little is known about the presence of the components of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway of chicken at different times following coccidian infection. In the present study, we measured the levels of TGF-β2, 3, 4, receptor TβRI, II, down-stream Smad 2, 3, 7 in cecum and spleen of chicken at different times after inoculation with Eimeria tenella using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway was not activated in cecum in the early stage of infection. However, on the 8th day, the expression of TGF-β2, 4, down-stream protein Smad 2, 7 were significant up-regulated in the spleen, which indicated that the TGF-β/Smads signaling was changed in the E. tenella infection and was differentially expressed in various tissues in the early stages of infection.

Resumen La neosporosis es una enfermedad que puede afectar a una amplia gama de huéspedes entre ellos caninos, bovinos, ovinos, caprinos, búfalos, ciervos, equinos y especies carnívoras, incluidos géneros silvestres. Dicha enfermedad es causada por Neospora caninum, parásito protozoario (coccidio) que genera un quiste de tejido intracelular perteneciente a la familia Sarcocystidae. Los caninos son los huéspedes definitivos y los hospedadores intermedios más comunes son los bovinos. El ciclo de vida de N. caninum se caracteriza por ser heteroxeno facultativo complejo, que involucra un hospedador cánido definitivo, donde ocurre la replicación sexual y una gama de hospedadores intermediarios donde tiene lugar la replicación asexual. Después de pasar estas fases el canino elimina ooquistes a través de las heces contaminando así el alimento del ganado y por ende infectando al mismo. La transmisión vertical es la principal vía de contagio de los bóvidos tanto domésticos como silvestres. El signo característico de la neosporosis de las vacas es el aborto. En terneros y cachorros puede causar daños neurológicos.

Abstract Neosporosis is a disease that can affect a wide range of hosts including canines, bovines, sheep, goats, buffaloes, deer, equines and carnivorous species, including wild species. This disease is caused by Neospora caninum, a coccidian protozoan parasite, the which generates a cyst of obligate intracellular tissue, belongs to the family Sarcocystidae. Canines are the definitive hosts, and the most common intermediate hosts are bovines. The life cycle of N. caninum is characterized by being complex facultative heteroxene which involves a definitive canid host where sexual replication occurs and a range of intermediate hosts where asexual replication takes place, after passing these phases the canine eliminates oocysts through the feces thus contaminating the livestock feed and therefore infected itself, on the other hand vertical transmission is the main route of transmission in terms of livestock and other species of domestic bovids, it can also be usual in wild ruminants. Cow abortion is the hallmark of neosporosis. In calves and puppies it can cause neurological signs.

ABSTRACT A total of 792 conventional healthy 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers chicks (mixed gender) with average body weight of 42.30±1.14 g (mean ± SD) were used in the experiment, which lasted for 35 days. Chicks were randomly allotted into one of four treatment diets, each one having 11 replicate cages with 18 birds each, being fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) based diets. Dietary treatments were CON (basal diet with unvaccinated birds); OA = CON + 0.1% organic acids; ACB = CON + anti-coccidium vaccine; OAACV = CON + 0.1% organic acid + anti-coccidium vaccine. Significant results were observed, with improved body weight (p=0.059; 0.064; 0.034) during days 1-7, 8-21, and overall, respectively. Significant effects were also observed on the feed conversion ratio (p=0.037) through the overall experiment, with no effects on feed intake on OAACV as compared to other treatment groups. Total track digestibility of dry matter (p=0.049) improved significantly in the OAACV treatment group. Additionally, beneficial effects were observed in the OAACV treatment group, with improvements in fecal microbial population (increased lactobacillus) and reduced NH3 gas emissions. Broilers fed the OAACV treatment tended to display reduced drip loss in the meat samples analyzed on days 5 and 7 (p=0.067, 0.072). In summary, our findings revealed that dietary inclusion of organic acid supplementation with anti-coccidium had a beneficial effect on broilers affected by coccidian infection, also improving growth performance, digestibility, fecal Lactobacillus counts, and reducing NH3.

ABSTRACT Growing evidence suggests that parasite-infected prey is more vulnerable to predation. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is obscure. In small mammals, analgesia induced by environmental stressors is a fundamental component of the defensive repertoire, promoting defensive responses. Thus, the reduced analgesia may impair the defensive ability of prey and increase their predation risk. This study aimed to determine whether coccidia infection increases the vulnerability to predation in root voles, Microtus oeconomus (Pallas, 1776), by decreased analgesia. Herein, a predator stimulus and parasitic infection were simulated in the laboratory via a two-level factorial experiment, then, the vole nociceptive responses to an aversive thermal stimulus were evaluated. Further, a field experiment was performed to determine the overwinter survival of voles with different nociceptive responses via repeated live trapping. The coccidia-infected voles demonstrated reduced predator-induced analgesia following exposure to predator odor. Meanwhile, pain-sensitive voles had lower overwinter survival than pain-inhibited voles in enclosed populations throughout the duration of the experiment. Our findings suggest that coccidia infection attenuates predator-induced analgesia, resulting in an increased vulnerability to predation.