The prevalence and pathology of Eimeria infections in camels in Saudi Arabia

Three-hundred and eighty five Saudi Arabian camels were surveyed for Eimeria infections and the pathology investigated. Eimeria dromedarii, E. rajasthani and E. cameli were detected, E. dromedarii being the most prevalent and E. cameli the least. Infections were more prevalent along the humid coastal areas than in the arid interior. All three parasites are pathogenic to young camel calves causing enteritis due to the destruction of intestinal mucosa by their giant schizonts. Older camels are oocyst-shedding carriers without clinical signs. Both schizogonic and sexual cycles of the three parasites occur in the jejunum and ileum of camels.