Reevaluation of endogenous development of Eimeria bareillyi Gill, Chhabra and Lall, 1963 in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Authors: Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2018
Publication Date: 4/25/2018
Citation: Dubey, J.P. 2018. Reevaluation of endogenous development of Eimeria bareillyi Gill, Chhabra and Lall, 1963 in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Parasitology. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182018000604.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182018000604

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. However, water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos taurus) share more than 12 species of Eimeria species. Eimeria bareillyi is a pathogenic coccidium of water buffaloes and there are many reports of fatal coccidiosis in this host. The life cycle of this parasite is not fully known. In the present paper, Dubey describes details of development of E. bareillyi in the small intestine of a naturally infected water buffalo (Lama glama). These results will be of interest to parasitologists and veterinarians in diagnosis of coccidiosis in bovids.

Technical Abstract: Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is important for the economy of Asia, South America and parts of Europe. Coccidiosis is an important cause of neonatal mortality in livestock, including buffalo. Of more than 12 species of Eimeria in buffalo, Eimeria bareillyi is the most pathogenic. There are uncertainties concerning its asexual and sexual development. During a previously reported outbreak of fatal enteritis-associated with E. bareillyi in buffaloes in The Netherlands, sections of small intestine were reevaluated histologically and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to seek details of endogenous development. Profuse asexual multiplication occurred in jejunum and ileum. Light microscopic examination revealed that parasites divided in two (probably endodyogeny) or more organisms. There were two or more generations of morphologically different merozoites; some of these observations were confirmed by TEM. Details of gametogonic development, including oocyst wall formation are provided. Schizogonic and gametogonic development described in the present study can serve as a guide for differential diagnosis of Eimeria species in histological sections of intestines of buffaloes.