Coccidia

Introduction

Coccidia - Joel Mills

• The oocyst is the resistant stage in the environment

• The infective sporozoite is released from the oocyst

• Inside the host, the sporozoites invade the intestinal epithelial tissue
  • Sporozoites feed and grow

• As the sporozoite grows the nucleus divides forming a schizont

• The schizont contains numerous elongated merozoites

• The formation of merozoites is the first asexual reproductive stage called schizogony

• The schizont ruptures releasing the merozoites which also invade the epithelial cells

• Another generation of schizonts form which is the beginning of the sexual phase of reproduction called gametogony

• The merozoites form male microgamonts or female macrogamonts
  • Collectively known as gamonts or gametocytes

• The microgamonts released from the microgametocyte penetrate and fertilise the macrogamont (which is contained within the macrogametocyte)

• Gametogony forms the zygote
  • Surrounded by a cyst wall
  • Forms the oocyst

• The oocyst is passed in the faeces and is unsporulated

• The oocyst becomes sporulated in the second asexual reproductive phase called sporogony

• Once the oocyst is sporulated it is infective

Eimeria spp.

Isospora spp.

Coccidiosis

Coccidia of Poultry

Coccidiosis - Poultry

Coccidia of Turkeys

Coccidia of Geese

Coccidia of Ducks

Coccidia of Game Birds

Coccidia of Cattle

Coccidia of Sheep

Coccidia of Goats

Coccidia of Horses

Coccidia of Pigs

Coccidia of Dogs

Coccidia of Cats

Coccidia of Rabbits

• 3 pathogenic Eimeria species
  • 2 in the caecum
  • 1 in the bile duct

• Eimeria steidae
  • Parasitises the bile duct epithelium
  • Travels via the bile duct to the liver where it forms large white nodules
  • Oocysts travel in the bile and are passed out in the faeces
  • Causes ascites, diarrhoea, weight loss and polyuria

• Serious disease of both pet and farmed rabbits

• Treatment is by administration of drugs in drinking water
  • E.g. Toltrazuril

• Hygiene is the best method of prevention to prevent sporocysts from sporulating

• Medicated feed can be used in commercial units
  • E.g. Rabenidine

Coccidia Flashcards