Location: Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory
Title: A review of coccidiosis in South American camelidsAuthor
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Submitted to: Parasitology Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/23/2018 Publication Date: 5/26/2018 Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5964759 Citation: Dubey, J.P. 2018. A review of coccidiosis in South American camelids. Parasitology Research. 117:1999–2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-018-5890-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-018-5890-y Interpretive Summary: Toxoplasma, Neospora, Sarcocystis, Eimeria, and Cystoisopora are related coccidian parasites that cause severe illness in livestock. Oocyst is the environmentally resistant stage passed in feces of the definitive hosts. While Toxoplasma and Neospora have wide host range, Eimeria are generally host specific. Coccidiosis is a major cause of neonatal mortality in alpacas and llamas, and even adult camelids can die suddenly without any visible signs. There are many uncertainties about the life cycles of coccidian parasites in alpacas. In the present paper, the author reviews literature and suggests areas for future research. This review will be of interest to parasitologists and veterinarians in diagnosis of coccidiosis in camelids. Technical Abstract: Camelids (llama, alpaca, vicuñas, guanacos) are important for the economy of South America and Eimeria infections are important as cause of mortality in camelids. Of the five valid species of Eimeria in South American camelids, Eimeria macusaniensis, Eimeria lamae, Eimeria alpacae, Eimeria punoensis and Eimeria ivitaensis, E. macusaniensis is considered the most pathogenic. There is considerable confusion concerning the endogenous developmental stages of Eimeria spp. in camelids. Many papers on camelid coccidiosis were published in local Peruvian journals, not easily accessible to wider audience. The objective of the present paper is to summarize information on history, validity of Eimeria species, life cycle, pathogenicity, prevalence, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of coccidiosis in camelids. |
