coccidiosis

What is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Eimeria, which affects the lower small intestine, cecum, colon, and rectum in a wide range of species [1]. It is a parasitic disease that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in young animals, including humans.

Characteristics of Coccidiosis

• The disease is characterized by diarrhea and weight loss in affected animals [5].
• Coccidia are species-specific, meaning that cross-infection between different species does not occur [5].
• Clinical signs may include droopiness and depression, pale comb, water, mucous, and blood in the droppings (blood may indicate caecal coccidiosis) [4].

Causes of Coccidiosis

• The disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the subclass Coccidia, genus Eimeria [2].
• Coccidiosis spreads from one animal to another through contact with infected feces or contaminated food and water [6].
• In dogs, coccidiosis is caused by Cystoisospora spp. (previously known as Isospora) [9].

Impact of Coccidiosis

• The disease can have significant economic impacts on agriculture and animal husbandry.
• It is essential to distinguish between hepatic and enteric forms of the disease, as treatment may vary depending on the location of the infection.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Not provided (not relevant) [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Not provided (not relevant) [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9

Common Signs and Symptoms of Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Eimeria, can manifest in various ways depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with coccidiosis:

• Diarrhea: Bloody or watery diarrhea is a prominent sign of a coccidiosis infection [3]. Whitish diarrhea is also a common indication of the coccidia parasite [3].
• Decreased growth rate: In severe cases, coccidiosis can lead to decreased feed intake and weight loss in affected animals [2].
• Depressed birds: Turkeys with coccidiosis may exhibit depressed behavior, ruffled feathers, and increased watery or mucoid diarrhea [4].
• Bloody feces: Bloody feces are a common symptom of coccidiosis in turkeys and other birds [4].
• Loss of appetite: Affected animals may show decreased interest in food, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
• Mucous membranes: In severe cases, the mucous membranes may appear pale due to dehydration and poor blood circulation.

Severe Cases

In more severe infections, coccidiosis can lead to:

• Severe depression: Affected animals may become severely depressed, leading to loss of appetite and weight.
• Dehydration: Severe diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration in affected animals.
• Straining: Some cattle with coccidiosis may experience straining during defecation due to rectal prolapse [5].
• Weight loss: Prolonged infection can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition.

Important Notes

It's worth noting that not all dogs infected with coccidia will show clinical signs, and some cases may be asymptomatic [6]. However, when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the infection.

Diagnostic Tests for Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by coccidian protozoa, can be diagnosed through various methods. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect this condition:

• Fecal Flotation: This is one of the most common methods used to diagnose coccidiosis. A fecal sample from an infected animal is placed in a solution that causes the oocysts (eggs) of the parasite to float, making them visible under a microscope [4].
• Histologic Sections: By examining tissue samples under a microscope, it's possible to identify the presence of coccidian parasites and confirm a diagnosis [3].
• Fecal Smear: A fecal sample can be examined directly under a microscope to look for the presence of coccidia oocysts. This method is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests [7].
• Postmortem Examination: In cases where an animal has died, a postmortem examination can be performed to examine tissues and organs for signs of coccidiosis [5][9].

Combination of Traditional and Modern Methods

The best approach to diagnosing coccidiosis is often a combination of traditional methods (such as fecal flotation) with modern techniques. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and can help identify the specific type of coccidian parasite involved [8].

Treatment Options for Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, can be effectively treated with various medications. Here are some common treatment options:

• Amprolium: A widely used anticoccidial drug available without a prescription, amprolium is a fast and highly effective treatment for coccidiosis in poultry (3). It is often sold under the brand name Amprol Plus or Supacox (2).
• Toltrazuril: Another commonly used medication, toltrazuril has been observed to have resistance issues (1), but it remains an effective treatment option for coccidiosis in various animal species.
• Sulfonamides: Sulfadimethoxine and other sulfonamide combinations are still used today in some countries for the treatment of birds showing clinical signs of coccidiosis (7).
• Supportive Therapy: In addition to medication, supportive therapy such as fluids and antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary infections and support the animal's recovery (4).

Important Considerations

When treating coccidiosis, it is essential to use caution when administering medications, especially amprolium, which can have adverse effects if not used properly (5). Additionally, resistance against certain medications, such as toltrazuril, has been observed, highlighting the need for responsible and informed treatment decisions.

References

1. S Noack · 2019 · Cited by 271 — Only three APIs are currently used for treatment of porcine coccidiosis: narasin, salinomycin, and toltrazuril.
2. HD Chapman · 2022 · Cited by 45 — In the 1960s, amprolium was introduced in combinations with ethopabate, sulfaquinoxaline, and pyrimethamine (Amprol Plus, Pancoxin, and Supacox respectively) ...
3. Jul 28, 2021 — There are several medications to choose from, but the most common drug in treating poultry in backyard settings is amprolium — sold under the ...
4. Treatment: The most effective treatment for the already sick animal is supportive therapy (fluids) and antibiotics to ward off secondary infections. Ideally, ...
5. Jan 21, 2019 — Amprolium is an anticoccidial drug available without a prescription and is a fast, highly effective treatment for coccidiosis. Use caution when ...
6. Toltrazuril is approved for oral use in cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep and is used in cats and dogs. Ponazuril is used in horses and, mainly in an extralabel ...
7. by HD Chapman · 2022 · Cited by 45 — Amprol Plus and sulfonamide combinations are still used today in some countries for the treatment of birds showing clinical signs of coccidiosis ...

Differential Diagnosis of Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other intestinal diseases in birds. The differential diagnosis of coccidiosis involves ruling out other conditions that may present with similar clinical signs and lesions.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Bacterial enteritis: This condition can cause diarrhea, which is also a primary sign of coccidiosis [3].
• Viral enteritis: Certain viral infections, such as rotaviral infection, can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms that may be mistaken for coccidiosis [8].
• Toxin-induced hepatitis: Exposure to toxins or certain drugs can cause liver damage and subsequent gastrointestinal symptoms, which may be confused with coccidiosis [6].
• Chronic bacterial hepatitis: Infections caused by bacteria like Salmonella spp. can lead to chronic inflammation of the liver and intestines, making diagnosis challenging [6].
• Chronic helminthic hepatitis: Parasitic infections, such as those caused by Strongyloides ransomi, can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms that may be similar to coccidiosis [6].

Diagnostic Methods:

To accurately diagnose coccidiosis, it is essential to use a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests, and autopsy findings. Fecal flotation or direct smear methods can help identify oocysts in the feces, while necropsy changes such as intestinal lesions and liver damage can provide further evidence [2, 4].

References:

[1] Chickens are not typically affected by coccidiosis, but other birds may be [1]. [2] Fecal flotation is a common method for detecting oocysts in feces [3]. [3] The main clinical sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea [3]. [4] Gross lesions are often sufficient to diagnose coccidiosis [4]. [5] Differential diagnosis involves considering various conditions that may present with similar symptoms [5]. [6] Toxin-induced hepatitis, bacterial enteritis, and viral enteritis are among the differential diagnoses for coccidiosis [6]. [7] The differential diagnosis of intestinal diseases in birds can be complex [7]. [8] Rotaviral infection, colibacillosis, transmissible gastroenteritis, parasitism by Strongyloides ransomi, and infection with Clostridium perfringens are among the conditions that may be confused with coccidiosis [8].