Eimeria leukarti (1)

Question 1

How do you identify?

Answer 1

Oocyst 
     - Oval
     - Extremely large: 80x60 micro m
     - Thick dark shell
     - Distinct microphyle 
     - Shell can come off and some Oocysts in feces may not have thick 
        dark outer shell

Question 2

Explain the life cycle

Answer 2

PPP: 15 days

3 phases

 - Sporulation: takes 2-4 days
 - Asexual reproduction: infection and schizogony
 - Sexual reproduction: gametogony and oocyst formation

Sporulated oocyst ingested

Excystation of oocyst

Merogony

Gametogony

Fertilization

Excretion

Unsporulated oocyst

Question 3

What is the site of infection?

Answer 3

Small intestine

Question 4

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 4

Largely benign

Foals susceptible with intermittent diarrhea

Inflammatory changes in mucosa

Disruption of villous architecture

Question 5

How do you diagnose?

Answer 5

Heavy oocyst does not float well

More difficult to diagnose

Flotation methods with sugar flotation medium

Specific sedimentation techniques

Question 6

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 6

Antiprotozoal remedies (sulfa-drugs) appear to help

Tried with supportive therapy

Question 7

What are the hosts?

Answer 7

All equid species