Parasitological and histopathological findings of naturally occurring coccidiosis in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81528, Egypt

2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University

3 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81528, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Limited research was conducted on coccidiosis in slaughtered camels in Aswan, Egypt. Accurate screening for camel coccidiosis is critical for an efficient strategic control process.
Objective: To determine the infection rate and histopathological alterations of naturally occurring coccidiosis in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan Governorate, Egypt.
Material and Methods: A total of 118 slaughtered camels were included in the study. Specimens from the small intestines were stained with H&E for histopathological examination.
Results: The infection rate of coccidiosis in slaughtered camels was 27.1%. Coccidiosis was more evident in female and adult camels (41.7%, and 42.2%, respectively). Histopathological examination revealed the existence of several stages of Eimeria spp. associated with enteritis and accompanied by hyperplasia of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
Conclusion: Our results confirmed the high infection rate of coccidiosis in slaughtered camels in Aswan. Several developmental phases of coccidia were detected alongside histopathological lesions within the intestinal tissue.

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