Eimeria spp. in Brazilian water buffalo

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Protozoology
• Animal Health

Background:

• Eimeria species are common protozoan parasites affecting livestock worldwide.
• Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are an important domestic species in Brazil, susceptible to various infections.
• Understanding Eimeria infections in young water buffalo is crucial for herd health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize Eimeria species infecting water buffalo calves in Brazil.
• To determine the age-specific prevalence and shedding patterns of Eimeria oocysts.
• To investigate seasonal variations in Eimeria infections in calves and adult cows.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples were collected from water buffalo calves from birth to 12 months of age over two years.
• Oocyst morphology was analyzed to identify Eimeria species.
• Prevalence, oocyst concentration, and seasonal distribution were determined.

Main Results:

• Five Eimeria morphotypes were identified, including Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria zuernii, and three novel types (Eimeria sp. 1-3).
• Calves began shedding oocysts between 6-29 days of age, with peak concentrations of 188-292 oocysts/g.
• Eimeria sp. 1 and E. ellipsoidalis were most prevalent in younger calves, while E. zuernii was found in older calves. Infections were more frequent during the rainy season.
• Adult cows showed no Eimeria infections throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

• Water buffalo calves are susceptible to multiple Eimeria species, with distinct age-related prevalence patterns.
• Seasonal factors, particularly the rainy season, influence Eimeria infection intensity in calves.
• Further research is needed to fully characterize the novel Eimeria species identified in this study.