Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Abstract

Background and Aim: Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations. Results: Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar. Conclusion: Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique for detection and discrimination of Eimeria spp. in cattle in Indonesia

“…have been available for more than 20 years. However, despite their status as the “gold standard” of detection for many diseases, conventional coccidial diagnostics have yet to be replaced [ 14 , 15 ]. The resistance of the oocyst wall to anything other than mechanical breakage, the oocyst level, restricting access to template DNA (for most infecting species), and PCR interference by the surrounding fecal material have all hindered the use of PCR in Eimerian biology [ 11 , 14 ].…”

Morphological variations of Eimeria spp., in beef cattle in Bangkalan District, East Java, Indonesia

“…oocysts, which are developed in the form of feces that is resistant to most disinfectants and environmental conditions. Parasites can survive for a long time and are a source of further infection in the environment (Lucas et al 2014;Ekawasti et al 2021). Thus, the presence of these Eimeria oocysts may indicate direct or indirect infection via the fecal-oral route.…”

“…very host-specific, and more than 20 species of Eimeria are defined in livestock (Heidari and Gharekhani 2014). Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii are the most common pathogenic species in calves worldwide causing morbidity and death with impaired intestinal absorption and are often associated with diarrhea containing blood, and fibrin (Ekawasti et al 2021). Calves can be affected by stress, challenge dose, and immune status in cases of coccidiosis.…”

“…Therefore, coccidiosis control strategies in cattle farms must be considered, especially identification of the Eimeria species present on the farm. Improper control strategies can increase coccidiosis cases because oocysts can continue to pollute the environment and have the potential to become a source of transmission for livestock, especially young livestock (Ekawasti et al 2021;Gupta et al 2016). Coccidiosis can be detected by conventional parasitology techniques (native and floating) by observing the morphology under a microscope.…”

Occurrence and biodiversity of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Madura cattle reared on Kamal Subdistrict, Madura Island, Indonesia

“…Ekawasti et al [4] reported 52.3% prevalence of Eimeria on Java Island. Furthermore, bovine coccidiosis has also been reported in Maluku Island as the highest (94.1%) prevalence, followed by Kalimantan (83%), Sumatra (70.3%), Sulawesi (68.9%), Papua (62.3%), and Nusa Tenggara (58.5%) [18]. The variation in prevalence and type of infection can differ depending on the various infection rates and shedding intensities of individuals.…”