Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Prevalence and risk factors of Eimeria spp. natural infection in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil

Prevalência e fatores de risco da infecção natural por Eimeira spp. em ovinos na região norte do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract

The present study aimed to perform an epidemiological and morphological identification of Eimeria infection in sheep in Brazil. Fecal samples from sheep were collected from 20 farms in northern Paraná, Brazil. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to evaluate the risk factors. Fecal samples containing oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥1000 were subjected to the modified Willis-Mollay method to perform oocyst identification. Sporulated oocysts were observed microscopically for morphological identification. A total of 807 fecal samples were collected. Based on the morphological characteristics of the sporulated oocysts, 10 species of Eimeria were identified, with main species observed: Eimeira ovinoidalis (98.1%), Eimeria crandallis (87.6%), Eimeria parva (79.1%), and Eimeria bakuensis (60.8%). Only 2.6% (7/268) of the sheep were infected with a single species, 4.8% (13/268) contained two different species, and 92.5% (248/268) were infected with three or more species. The analysis of risk factors showed that an intensive rearing, no rotation of pasture, dirt, and slatted floors, and age up to 12 months were associated with infection. This study showed a high prevalence of Eimeria natural infection in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil. Furthermore, based on the risk factors, good management and hygiene practices must be employed to avoid infection.

Keywords:
Risk factors; epidemiology; coccidiosis; sheep

Resumo

O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma avaliação epidemiológica e morfométrica da infecção por Eimeria em ovinos no Brasil. Amostras fecais de ovinos foram coletadas em 20 fazendas no sul do Brasil. Um questionário epidemiológico foi utilizado para avaliar os fatores de risco. Amostras fecais, contendo oocistos por grama de fezes (OoPG) ≥1000, foram submetidas ao método de Willis-Mollay modificado para realizar a identificação de oocistos. Oocistos esporulados foram observados microscopicamente para identificação morfológica. Foram coletadas 807 amostras fecais. Com base nas características morfológicas e morfométricas dos oocistos esporulados, foram identificadas 10 espécies de Eimeria, com as principais espécies observadas: Eimeria ovinoidalis (98,1%), Eimeria crandallis (87,6%), Eimeria parva (79,1%) e Eimeria bakuensis (60,8%). Apenas 2,6% (7/268) dos ovinos estavam infectados com uma única espécie, 4,8% (13/268) continham duas espécies diferentes e 92,5% (248/268) estavam infectados com três ou mais espécies. A análise dos fatores de risco mostrou que uma criação intensiva, sem rotação de pasto, terra, piso de ripa e idade até 12 meses foram associadas à infecção. Este estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência de infecção natural por Eimeria em ovinos do norte do Paraná, Brasil. Além disso, com base nos fatores de risco, boas práticas de manejo e higiene devem ser empregadas para evitar infecções.

Palavras-chave:
Fatores de risco; epidemiologia; coccidiose; ovinos

Introduction

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoans of the genus Eimeria that infects different animal species, including birds, ruminants, and rabbits (Bruhn et al., 2011Bruhn FRP, Lopes MA, Demeu FA, Perazza CA, Pedrosa MF, Guimarães AM. Frequency of species of Eimeria in females of the holstein-friesian breed at the post-weaning stage during autumn and winter. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2011; 20(4): 303-307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000400008. PMid:22166384.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011...
; Cardim et al., 2018Cardim ST, Seixas M, Tabacow VBD, Taroda A, Carneiro PG, Martins TA, et al. Prevalence of Eimeria spp. in calves from dairy farms in northern Paraná state, Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2018; 27(1): 119-122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017072. PMid:29641789.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017...
; Mohamaden et al., 2018Mohamaden WI, Sallam NH, Abouelhassan EM. Prevalence of Eimeria species among sheep and goats in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6(1): 65-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.02.004. PMid:30255081.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.0...
; Basiaga et al., 2020Basiaga M, Levytska V, Kowal J, Nosal P, Wyrobisz-Papiewska A. Coccidiosis: a problem in backyard rabbitries. Ann Parasitol 2020; 66(1): 97-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.17420/ap6601.242. PMid:32199000.
http://dx.doi.org/10.17420/ap6601.242...
). In sheep, the infection causes high economic impact due to clinical and subclinical disease, which results in decreased productivity and low growth of infected animals (Chartier & Paraud, 2012Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
). Farmers usually underestimate subclinical coccidiosis; however, low productivity accounts for more economic losses than mortality, which rarely exceeds 10% of the infected herd (Silva et al., 2007Silva TP, Facury-Filho EJ, Nunes ABV, Albuquerque FHMAR, Ferreira PM, Carvalho AU. Dinâmica da infecção natural por Eimeria spp. em cordeiros da raça Santa Inês criados em sistema semi-intensivo no Norte de Minas Gerais. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2007; 59(6): 1468-1472. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352007000600018.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352007...
; Chartier & Paraud, 2012Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
).

Although different Eimeria species can infect sheep, not all of them are associated with the disease. Eimeria ovinoidalis, E. crandallis, E. bakuensis, E. parva, and E. ahsata are the main pathogenic species; however, mixed infections are more common in naturally infected animals (Arslan et al., 1999Arslan MO, Umur S, Kara M. The prevalence of coccidian species in sheep in Kars Province of Turkey. Trop Anim Health Prod 1999; 31(3): 161-165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005186624978. PMid:10445251.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:100518662497...
; Keeton & Navarre, 2018Keeton STN, Navarre CB. Coccidiosis in large and small ruminants. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2018; 34(1): 201-208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.10.009. PMid:29249601.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.10...
). Morphological studies have shown that the distribution of Eimeria species have regional variations, and that E. crandallis and E. ovinoidalis are the main species affecting sheep in Brazil (Lopes et al., 2013Lopes WDZ, Borges FA, Faiolla TP, Antunes LT, Borges DGL, Rodriguez FS, et al. Eimeria species in young and adult sheep raised under intensive and/or semi-intensive systems of a herd from Umuarama city, Parana State, Brazil. Cienc Rural 2013; 43(11): 2031-2036. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013001100018.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013...
; Souza et al., 2015Souza LEB, Cruz JF, Teixeira MR No, Albuquerque GR, Melo ADB, Tapia DMT. Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2015; 24(4): 410-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015070. PMid:26648007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015...
).

Given the problems caused by eimeriosis, ascertaining the distribution of different species is essential to develop and adopt more effective control strategies. Thus, this study aimed to conduct an epidemiological and morphological study of Eimeria in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil.

Material and Methods

Animals and study area

Fecal samples were collected randomly and directly from the rectal ampoule of sheep of both sexes and different ages between November 2016 and September 2018 from 20 farms in 14 municipalities (Cambará, Apucarana, Bandeirantes, Barra do Jacaré, Cambé, Guaraci, Ibiporã, Jaguapitã, Londrina, Ribeirão do Pinhal, Rolândia, Santa Mariana, Santo Antônio da Platina, and Sertanópolis) in the northern region of the state of Paraná, southern Brazil (Figure 1). During this period, the maximum and minimum temperature averages were 28.6 °C and 18.4 °C, respectively. The average precipitation was 2.2 mm per day, and the relative humidity was 73% (IAPAR, 2018Instituto Agronômico do Paraná – IAPAR. Dados diários: agrometeorologia [online]. 2018 [cited 2019 Mar 10]. Available from: https://www.idrparana.pr.gov.br/
https://www.idrparana.pr.gov.br/...
). The sample size was calculated using the OpenEpi software v. 3.01, assuming a prevalence of 50%, absolute precision of 5%, confidence level of 95%, and a population of 18,696 animals. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to all farmers to evaluate risk factors (age, sex, production system, rotation of pasture, and type of facilities) associated with infection. All procedures involving animals in this study were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the State University of Londrina (CEUA n. 182/2015).

Figure 1
Map showing the farms sampled from northern Paraná, Brazil.Municipalites: (A) Cambará; (B) Apucarana; (C) Bandeirantes; (D) Barra do Jacaré; (E) Cambé; (F) Guaraci; (G) Ibiporã; (H) Jaguapitã; (I) Londrina; (J) Ribeirão do Pinhal; (K) Rolândia; (L) Santa Mariana; (M) Santo Antônio da Platina; (N) Sertanópolis.

Coproparasitological examination and morphological identification

Quantification of Eimeria oocysts quantification was performed using the Gordon and Whitlock technique, as previously described (Ueno & Gonçalves, 1998Ueno H, Gonçalves PC. Manual para diagnóstico da helmintoses de ruminantes. 4th ed. Japan: Japan International Cooperation Agency; 1998.). Samples with oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥ 1,000 were subjected to the Willis-Mollay technique (Ueno & Gonçalves, 1998Ueno H, Gonçalves PC. Manual para diagnóstico da helmintoses de ruminantes. 4th ed. Japan: Japan International Cooperation Agency; 1998.) for oocyst identification. The feces were diluted in an aqueous potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) solution at a final concentration of 2.5%. This solution was distributed in Petri dishes and incubated at 25 °C for 10 days or at least 70% of sporulated oocysts, as described by Florião et al. (2016)Florião MM, Lopes BB, Berto BP, Lopes CWG. New approaches for morphological diagnosis of bovine Eimeria species: a study on a subtropical organic dairy farm in Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48(3): 577-584. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-016-0998-5. PMid:26873157.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-016-099...
. After sporulation, samples were resubjected to the Willis-Mollay technique, and the sporulated oocysts were observed microscopically for morphological identification according to previously described parameters (Fallis, 1974Fallis M. Review of protozoan parasites of domestic animals and man, by N. D. Levine. J Parasitol 1974; 60(2): 347. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3278482.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3278482...
; Eckert et al., 1995Eckert J, Brown R, Shirley MW, Coudert P. Biotechnology: guidelines on techniques in coccidiosis research. Brussels: OPOCE; 1995.). Species identification was performed using an Olympus BX43 optical microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) at 100 × magnification attached to a digital camera (Q-Color3™ Imagim System, Olympus Corporation) for oocyst photo-documentation. The digital images were analyzed using the CellSens Standard software, version 1.15 2016 (Olympus Corporation).

Statistical analysis

All variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test (χ2) corrected by Yates, and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated as the measure of association. Statistical significance was set at P ≤0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo7 version 7.2.2.6 and OpenEpi version 3.01 software.

Results

In total, 807 fecal samples were collected, of which 176 were from male, and 631 were from female animals. Of the 807 samples, 662 (82.03%) were positive for Eimeria spp., and 268 (40.48%, 268/662) had OoPG > 1000. Microscopic analyses revealed 10 species, with E. ovinoidallis being the most prevalent, followed by E. crandallis and E. parva. Table 1 shows the prevalence of all identified species. Most of the animals (92.54%, 248/268) were infected with three or more species, while 7 (2.61%) and 13 (4.85%) were infected with only one and two species, respectively.

Table 1
Prevalence of Eimeria species in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil.

According to epidemiological analyses, all variables were significantly associated with Eimeria infection (Table 2). Sheep raised in semi-intensive and intensive rearing systems were 2.1 (CI 95% = 1.4–3.1; p<0.05) and 46.5 (CI 95% = 6.4–337.2; p<0.05), respectively, more likely to be infected than sheep raised in an extensive system. The presence of sheepfold, no rotation of pasture, mixed rearing, and gender (male) were all considered risk factors to eimeriosis. The age of the animal and the type of the floor also influence the infection. Sheep with the age of 0-6 months (OR = 14.2; CI 95% = 7.2–27.9; p<0.05) and 6-12 months (OR = 3.9; CI 95% = 2.5-6.1), and raised on dirt floor (OR = 7.5; CI 95% = 4.1–13.7; p<0.05) are more likely to be infected.

Table 2
Analysis of variables associated with Eimeria infection in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil.

Discussion

We observed that 82.03% of sheep were infected with Eimeria spp. Similar results were found in previous studies, which showed a prevalence of 94.6% and 85.98% in sheep and lambs from the states of the Rio de Janeiro and the Rio Grande do Sul, respectively (Hassum & Menezes, 2005Hassum IC, Menezes RCAA. Infecção natural por espécies do gênero Eimeria em pequenos ruminantes criados em dois municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2005; 14(3): 95-100. PMid:16229752.; Martins et al., 2020Martins NS, Motta SP, Santos CC, Moreira AS, Farias NAR, Ruas JL. Eimeria spp. infection in lambs from southern Brazil. Pesq Vet Bras 2020; 40(11): 871-874. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6745.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-...
). Studies conducted worldwide have shown a prevalence of Eimeria infection ranging from 57.7% in Egypt to 92.9% in China (Wang et al., 2010Wang CR, Xiao JY, Chen AH, Chen J, Wang Y, Gao JF, et al. Prevalence of coccidial infection in sheep and goats in northeastern China. Vet Parasitol 2010; 174(3–4): 213-217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.08.026. PMid:20850926.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010....
; Mohamaden et al., 2018Mohamaden WI, Sallam NH, Abouelhassan EM. Prevalence of Eimeria species among sheep and goats in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6(1): 65-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.02.004. PMid:30255081.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.0...
). The difference in prevalence depends on several factors, such as climate and management conditions, including weaning, changes in feed, transportation, and stress (Carrau et al., 2018Carrau T, Silva LMR, Pérez D, Failing K, Martínez-Carrasco C, Macías J, et al. Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 263: 54-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.004. PMid:30389025.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018....
).

In this study, lambs (aged <12 months) were more affected than adult sheep. Souza et al. (2015)Souza LEB, Cruz JF, Teixeira MR No, Albuquerque GR, Melo ADB, Tapia DMT. Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2015; 24(4): 410-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015070. PMid:26648007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015...
also observed that young animals had a higher prevalence (68.2%) than adults (39.6%), indicating that age is one of the main factors influencing the occurrence of Eimeria infection in sheep. The high susceptibility of young animals is related to immunological aspects, with adults acquiring specific immunity against Eimeria spp. after initial exposure (Hermosilla et al., 2012Hermosilla C, Ruiz A, Taubert A. Eimeria bovis: an update on parasite–host cell interactions. Int J Med Microbiol 2012; 302(4–5): 210-215. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.07.002. PMid:22925990.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.07...
). Thus, eimeriosis is considered a self-limiting disease. It has a progressive increase in the prevalence and intensity of oocyst shedding until it reaches a peak close to the weaning period and is reduced in adults (Silva et al., 2011Silva RM, Facury-Filho EJ, Souza MF, Ribeiro MFB. Natural infection by Eimeria spp. in a cohort of lambs raised extensively in Northeast Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2011; 20(2): 134-139. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000200008. PMid:21722488.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011...
; Chartier & Paraud, 2012Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
).

Animals reared in semi-intensive and intensive systems had a statistically significant difference in infection rates compared to those reared in extensive systems. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in the intensive rearing system can reach up to 92.7% (Saratsis et al., 2011Saratsis A, Joachim A, Alexandros S, Sotiraki S. Lamb coccidiosis dynamics in different dairy production systems. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181(2–4): 131-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.027. PMid:21571436.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011....
), while in the extensive rearing system, it ranges from 25.3% to 58.9% (Ahid et al., 2009Ahid SMM, Medeiros VMC, Bezerra ACDS, Maia MB, Lima VXM, Vieira LS. Espécie do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) em pequenos ruminantes na mesorregião oeste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Cienc Anim Bras 2009; 10(3): 984-989.; Brito et al., 2009Brito DRB, Santos ACG, Teixeira WC, Guerra RMSNC. Parasitos gastrintestinais em caprinos e ovinos da microrregião do Alto Mearim e Grajaú, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Cienc Anim Bras 2009; 10(3): 967-974.). These studies indicate that Eimeria is present in all production systems; however, it has been considered more frequent in animals reared in intensive systems because of the high population density, which increases the number of oocysts shedding in the environment (Yakhchali & Golami, 2008Yakhchali M, Golami E. Eimeria infection (Coccidia: Eimeriidae) in sheep of different age groups in Sanandaj city, Iran. Vet Arh 2008; 78(1): 57-64.; Lopes et al., 2013Lopes WDZ, Borges FA, Faiolla TP, Antunes LT, Borges DGL, Rodriguez FS, et al. Eimeria species in young and adult sheep raised under intensive and/or semi-intensive systems of a herd from Umuarama city, Parana State, Brazil. Cienc Rural 2013; 43(11): 2031-2036. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013001100018.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013...
).

In this study, male animals were 3.6 times more likely to be infected by Eimeria spp. than female animals. The higher susceptibility of male animals to infections may be associated with immunosuppression caused by elevated plasma levels of androgens, especially testosterone, during the reproductive season (Bhat et al., 2012Bhat S, Mir M, Qadir S, Allaie I, Khan H, Husain I, et al. Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in Sheep of Kashmir valley of India. Vet World 2012; 5(11): 667-671. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2012.667-671.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2012....
; Souza et al., 2015Souza LEB, Cruz JF, Teixeira MR No, Albuquerque GR, Melo ADB, Tapia DMT. Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2015; 24(4): 410-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015070. PMid:26648007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015...
). However, a previous study reported lower positivity for Eimeria infection in males than in females, suggesting factors such as the physiological state of females and higher number of analyzed samples (Tembue et al., 2009Tembue AASM, Lima MM, Ramos RAN, Faustino MAG, Meunier IMJ, Alves LC. Espécies do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) em pequenos ruminantes, provenientes do município de Ibimirim, estado de Pernambuco. Vet Not 2009; 15(2): 51-57.). Further investigations are needed to investigate the effects of sex in eimeriosis in sheep.

Sheep raised with the sheepfold were 1.7 times more likely to have Eimeria than those raised without sheepfolds. The facilities and utensils used to raise sheep are important in the epidemiology of eimeriosis because they can be an important source of contamination (Chartier & Paraud, 2012Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
). Previous reports indicate that sheep infections are related to poor hygienic conditions, including wet areas such as dirty and damp litter (Lopes et al., 2014Lopes WDZ, Carvalho RS, Pereira V, Martinez AC, Cruz BC, Teixeira WF, et al. Efficacy of sulfadoxine+trimethoprim compared to management measures for the control of Eimeria parasitism in naturally infected and clinically asymptomatic sheep that were maintained in a feedlot. Small Rumin Res 2014; 116(1): 37-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.09.010.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
).

Sheep kept on dirt floors had 7.5 times more chances of infection, whereas those sheep kept on slatted floors had 5.9 times compared to sheep kept on wood shavings, indicating that the use of wood shavings on the floor proved to be a protective factor against eimeriosis. Raising sheep in sheepfold with higher density and no management prophylaxis has been indicated as a risk factor for eimeriosis because it creates favorable conditions for oocyst sporulation (Andrews, 2013Andrews AH. Some aspects of coccidiosis in sheep and goats. Small Rumin Res 2013; 110(2-3): 93-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.11.011.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
; Carrau et al., 2018Carrau T, Silva LMR, Pérez D, Failing K, Martínez-Carrasco C, Macías J, et al. Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 263: 54-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.004. PMid:30389025.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018....
).

We observed that sheep raised with other animal species, such as cattle, birds, horses, goats, had 2.0 times more chances of infection (p=0.0008). Moreover, farms that do not perform pasture rotation are 2.0 times more likely to have infected animals than farms that follow this management strategy. Eimeria species are species-specific organisms, and the high population density in mixed animal breeding facilities may cause stress and result in susceptibility to eimeriosis. Thus, the hygiene of the facilities and adequate management conditions are essential for reducing viable oocysts in the environment and controlling eimeriosis in sheep (Cai & Bai, 2009Cai KZ, Bai JL. Infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodosis and coccidiosis of sheep raised under three types of feeding and management regims in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Small Rumin Res 2009; 85(2–3): 111-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.07.013.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
; Chartier & Paraud, 2012Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres....
).

The most prevalent species in this study were E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis. These species are commonly reported in sheep worldwide (Saratsis et al., 2011Saratsis A, Joachim A, Alexandros S, Sotiraki S. Lamb coccidiosis dynamics in different dairy production systems. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181(2–4): 131-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.027. PMid:21571436.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011....
; Lopes et al., 2013Lopes WDZ, Borges FA, Faiolla TP, Antunes LT, Borges DGL, Rodriguez FS, et al. Eimeria species in young and adult sheep raised under intensive and/or semi-intensive systems of a herd from Umuarama city, Parana State, Brazil. Cienc Rural 2013; 43(11): 2031-2036. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013001100018.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013...
; El-Alfy et al., 2020El-Alfy E-S, Abbas I, Al-Kappany Y, Al-Araby M, Abu-Elwafa S, Dubey JP. Prevalence of Eimeria species in sheep (Ovis aries) from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44(3): 559-573. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-01229-1. PMid:32801508.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-012...
; Olmos et al., 2020Olmos LH, Colque Caro LA, Avellaneda-Cáceres A, Medina DM, Sandoval V, Aguirre DH, et al. First record of clinical coccidiosis (Eimeria ovinoidalis) in adult sheep from northwestern Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 2020; 21: 100429. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100429. PMid:32862909.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.1...
; Al-Neama et al., 2021Al-Neama RT, Bown KJ, Blake DP, Birtles RJ. Determinants of Eimeria and Campylobacter infection dynamics in UK domestic sheep: the role of co-infection. Parasitology 2021; 148(5): 623-629. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000044. PMid:33541446.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000...
), and the predominance could be due to their higher reproductive efficiency compared to other species (Catchpole et al., 1976Catchpole J, Norton CC, Joyner LP. Experiments with defined multispecific coccidial infections in lambs. Parasitology 1976; 72(2): 137-147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182000048447. PMid:1264487.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182000048...
). Eimeria ovinoidalis and E. crandallis are pathogenic, and they are responsible for clinical coccidiosis, even in adult sheep (Olmos et al., 2020Olmos LH, Colque Caro LA, Avellaneda-Cáceres A, Medina DM, Sandoval V, Aguirre DH, et al. First record of clinical coccidiosis (Eimeria ovinoidalis) in adult sheep from northwestern Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 2020; 21: 100429. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100429. PMid:32862909.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.1...
).

Most of the animals in our study were infected with different species, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. These multiple infections have already been described in small ruminants, where more than 80% of fecal samples have two or more species (Wang et al., 2010Wang CR, Xiao JY, Chen AH, Chen J, Wang Y, Gao JF, et al. Prevalence of coccidial infection in sheep and goats in northeastern China. Vet Parasitol 2010; 174(3–4): 213-217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.08.026. PMid:20850926.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010....
; Silva et al., 2011Silva RM, Facury-Filho EJ, Souza MF, Ribeiro MFB. Natural infection by Eimeria spp. in a cohort of lambs raised extensively in Northeast Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2011; 20(2): 134-139. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000200008. PMid:21722488.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011...
). A previous study showed that co-infection with a different species of Eimeria is a predictor of the probability of infection, indicating that this condition contributes to the epidemiology of eimeriosis in sheep (Al-Neama et al., 2021Al-Neama RT, Bown KJ, Blake DP, Birtles RJ. Determinants of Eimeria and Campylobacter infection dynamics in UK domestic sheep: the role of co-infection. Parasitology 2021; 148(5): 623-629. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000044. PMid:33541446.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000...
).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of Eimeria natural infection was recorded in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil. The analysis of risk factors showed that intensive rearing, no rotation of pasture, dirt and slatted floors, and age up to 12 months were associated with eimeriosis in sheep. Thus, good management and hygiene practices must be employed to avoid infection and economic losses.

  • How to cite: Carneiro PG, Sasse JP, Silva ACS, Seixas M, Paschoal ATP, Minutti AF, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of Eimeria spp. natural infection in sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil. Braz J Vet Parasitol 2022; 31(1): e017421. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612022004

References

  • Ahid SMM, Medeiros VMC, Bezerra ACDS, Maia MB, Lima VXM, Vieira LS. Espécie do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) em pequenos ruminantes na mesorregião oeste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Cienc Anim Bras 2009; 10(3): 984-989.
  • Al-Neama RT, Bown KJ, Blake DP, Birtles RJ. Determinants of Eimeria and Campylobacter infection dynamics in UK domestic sheep: the role of co-infection. Parasitology 2021; 148(5): 623-629. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000044 PMid:33541446.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182021000044
  • Andrews AH. Some aspects of coccidiosis in sheep and goats. Small Rumin Res 2013; 110(2-3): 93-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.11.011
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.11.011
  • Arslan MO, Umur S, Kara M. The prevalence of coccidian species in sheep in Kars Province of Turkey. Trop Anim Health Prod 1999; 31(3): 161-165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005186624978 PMid:10445251.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005186624978
  • Basiaga M, Levytska V, Kowal J, Nosal P, Wyrobisz-Papiewska A. Coccidiosis: a problem in backyard rabbitries. Ann Parasitol 2020; 66(1): 97-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.17420/ap6601.242 PMid:32199000.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.17420/ap6601.242
  • Bhat S, Mir M, Qadir S, Allaie I, Khan H, Husain I, et al. Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in Sheep of Kashmir valley of India. Vet World 2012; 5(11): 667-671. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2012.667-671
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2012.667-671
  • Brito DRB, Santos ACG, Teixeira WC, Guerra RMSNC. Parasitos gastrintestinais em caprinos e ovinos da microrregião do Alto Mearim e Grajaú, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Cienc Anim Bras 2009; 10(3): 967-974.
  • Bruhn FRP, Lopes MA, Demeu FA, Perazza CA, Pedrosa MF, Guimarães AM. Frequency of species of Eimeria in females of the holstein-friesian breed at the post-weaning stage during autumn and winter. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2011; 20(4): 303-307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000400008 PMid:22166384.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000400008
  • Cai KZ, Bai JL. Infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodosis and coccidiosis of sheep raised under three types of feeding and management regims in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Small Rumin Res 2009; 85(2–3): 111-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.07.013
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.07.013
  • Cardim ST, Seixas M, Tabacow VBD, Taroda A, Carneiro PG, Martins TA, et al. Prevalence of Eimeria spp. in calves from dairy farms in northern Paraná state, Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2018; 27(1): 119-122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017072 PMid:29641789.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612017072
  • Carrau T, Silva LMR, Pérez D, Failing K, Martínez-Carrasco C, Macías J, et al. Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain. Vet Parasitol 2018; 263: 54-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.004 PMid:30389025.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.004
  • Catchpole J, Norton CC, Joyner LP. Experiments with defined multispecific coccidial infections in lambs. Parasitology 1976; 72(2): 137-147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182000048447 PMid:1264487.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182000048447
  • Chartier C, Paraud C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin Res 2012; 103(1): 84-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.022
  • Eckert J, Brown R, Shirley MW, Coudert P. Biotechnology: guidelines on techniques in coccidiosis research Brussels: OPOCE; 1995.
  • El-Alfy E-S, Abbas I, Al-Kappany Y, Al-Araby M, Abu-Elwafa S, Dubey JP. Prevalence of Eimeria species in sheep (Ovis aries) from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44(3): 559-573. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-01229-1 PMid:32801508.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-01229-1
  • Fallis M. Review of protozoan parasites of domestic animals and man, by N. D. Levine. J Parasitol 1974; 60(2): 347. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3278482
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3278482
  • Florião MM, Lopes BB, Berto BP, Lopes CWG. New approaches for morphological diagnosis of bovine Eimeria species: a study on a subtropical organic dairy farm in Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48(3): 577-584. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-016-0998-5 PMid:26873157.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-016-0998-5
  • Hassum IC, Menezes RCAA. Infecção natural por espécies do gênero Eimeria em pequenos ruminantes criados em dois municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2005; 14(3): 95-100. PMid:16229752.
  • Hermosilla C, Ruiz A, Taubert A. Eimeria bovis: an update on parasite–host cell interactions. Int J Med Microbiol 2012; 302(4–5): 210-215. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.07.002 PMid:22925990.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.07.002
  • Instituto Agronômico do Paraná – IAPAR. Dados diários: agrometeorologia [online]. 2018 [cited 2019 Mar 10]. Available from: https://www.idrparana.pr.gov.br/
    » https://www.idrparana.pr.gov.br/
  • Keeton STN, Navarre CB. Coccidiosis in large and small ruminants. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2018; 34(1): 201-208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.10.009 PMid:29249601.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.10.009
  • Lopes WDZ, Borges FA, Faiolla TP, Antunes LT, Borges DGL, Rodriguez FS, et al. Eimeria species in young and adult sheep raised under intensive and/or semi-intensive systems of a herd from Umuarama city, Parana State, Brazil. Cienc Rural 2013; 43(11): 2031-2036. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013001100018
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782013001100018
  • Lopes WDZ, Carvalho RS, Pereira V, Martinez AC, Cruz BC, Teixeira WF, et al. Efficacy of sulfadoxine+trimethoprim compared to management measures for the control of Eimeria parasitism in naturally infected and clinically asymptomatic sheep that were maintained in a feedlot. Small Rumin Res 2014; 116(1): 37-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.09.010
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.09.010
  • Martins NS, Motta SP, Santos CC, Moreira AS, Farias NAR, Ruas JL. Eimeria spp. infection in lambs from southern Brazil. Pesq Vet Bras 2020; 40(11): 871-874. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6745
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6745
  • Mohamaden WI, Sallam NH, Abouelhassan EM. Prevalence of Eimeria species among sheep and goats in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6(1): 65-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.02.004 PMid:30255081.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.02.004
  • Olmos LH, Colque Caro LA, Avellaneda-Cáceres A, Medina DM, Sandoval V, Aguirre DH, et al. First record of clinical coccidiosis (Eimeria ovinoidalis) in adult sheep from northwestern Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Rep 2020; 21: 100429. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100429 PMid:32862909.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100429
  • Saratsis A, Joachim A, Alexandros S, Sotiraki S. Lamb coccidiosis dynamics in different dairy production systems. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181(2–4): 131-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.027 PMid:21571436.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.027
  • Silva RM, Facury-Filho EJ, Souza MF, Ribeiro MFB. Natural infection by Eimeria spp. in a cohort of lambs raised extensively in Northeast Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2011; 20(2): 134-139. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000200008 PMid:21722488.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612011000200008
  • Silva TP, Facury-Filho EJ, Nunes ABV, Albuquerque FHMAR, Ferreira PM, Carvalho AU. Dinâmica da infecção natural por Eimeria spp. em cordeiros da raça Santa Inês criados em sistema semi-intensivo no Norte de Minas Gerais. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2007; 59(6): 1468-1472. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352007000600018
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352007000600018
  • Souza LEB, Cruz JF, Teixeira MR No, Albuquerque GR, Melo ADB, Tapia DMT. Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2015; 24(4): 410-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015070 PMid:26648007.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612015070
  • Tembue AASM, Lima MM, Ramos RAN, Faustino MAG, Meunier IMJ, Alves LC. Espécies do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) em pequenos ruminantes, provenientes do município de Ibimirim, estado de Pernambuco. Vet Not 2009; 15(2): 51-57.
  • Ueno H, Gonçalves PC. Manual para diagnóstico da helmintoses de ruminantes 4th ed. Japan: Japan International Cooperation Agency; 1998.
  • Wang CR, Xiao JY, Chen AH, Chen J, Wang Y, Gao JF, et al. Prevalence of coccidial infection in sheep and goats in northeastern China. Vet Parasitol 2010; 174(3–4): 213-217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.08.026 PMid:20850926.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.08.026
  • Yakhchali M, Golami E. Eimeria infection (Coccidia: Eimeriidae) in sheep of different age groups in Sanandaj city, Iran. Vet Arh 2008; 78(1): 57-64.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    05 Jan 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    04 Oct 2021
  • Accepted
    06 Dec 2021
Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária FCAV/UNESP - Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Zona Rural, , 14884-900 Jaboticabal - SP, Brasil, Fone: (16) 3209-7100 RAMAL 7934 - Jaboticabal - SP - Brazil
E-mail: cbpv_rbpv.fcav@unesp.br