Background: The epidemiology of parasitic infestations in sheep breeds is an important topic in meat production and human health. Protozoan parasites from the genus Eimeria cause coccidiosis. Coccidiosis ranks among the most perilous illnesses affecting sheep and other animals causing economic losses globally. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted to identify and study species of Eimeria in Ovis aries, in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saud Arabia, from 1/1/2024 to 30/5/2024. A total of 1000 fecal samples of Ovis aries with different ages and genders were collected from Sheep markets and slaughterhouses in Riyadh city and employed morphological characteristics to accurately identify Eimeria spp. 
 
Result: The results showed 5 species of Eimeria that infect sheep: E. faurei (length 30&plusmn;0.5 &micro;m; width 22&plusmn;0.12 &micro;m), E. intricata (length 45&plusmn;0.83 &micro;m; width 34&plusmn;0.37 &micro;m), E. parva (length 17&plusmn;0.56 &micro;m; width 16&plusmn;0.75 &micro;m), E. granulosa (length 30&plusmn;0.18 &micro;m; width 20&plusmn;0.31 &micro;m) and E. pallida (length 17&plusmn;0.50 &micro;m; width 13&plusmn;0.50 &micro;m). Moreover, the results showed that the infection rate was 35.6%. Summer recorded the highest percentage at 46.8%, while winter recorded the lowest at 26.4%. The species, E. pallida recorded the highest infection rate of 7.70%, while the species E. intricata represented the lowest infection rate of 0.30%. The current study provides relevant information to assess potential infections and future defenses against sheep coccidiosis, thereby minimizing financial losses for Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s sheep industry.

Morphological Characterization of Eimeria spp. Infecting Imported Sawakni Sheep Linnaeus, 1758 (Ovis aries) in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Background: Eimeriosis causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to excessive mucus, epithelial shedding, and bleeding. It affects newborns and offspring aged 2 to 3 weeks, causing 80% of diarrhea cases and 43.3% mortality in offspring between 1 and 2 months. This study evaluated the prevalence and parasitic load of Eimeria and its effect on hematological parameters and blood biochemistry (albumin, globulin and total protein) in alpacas. 
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Methods: Fecal and blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from 42 alpacas aged 1 to 2 months at two time points (T1 and T2, 30 days apart). Fecal samples were analyzed using the modified McMaster method and blood samples were examined using a colorimetric-spectrophotometric technique. A t-test compared time points and Pearson&rsquo;s correlation tested associations between variables. 
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Result: The mean parasitic load was 8485.71 Oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) at T1 and 2400.00 at T2. Blood analysis results were: Hematocrit (Hto) (%): 31.86 (T1) and 13.47 (T2); Red blood cells (RBC) (x10v/&mu;L): 9.39 and 3.27; White blood cells (WBC) (x10&sup3;/&mu;L): 11.47 and 9.38; Neutrophils (Neu) (%): 50.14 and 49.98; Monocytes (Mon): 15.45 and 16.33. Hto, RBC and WBC values were altered, while Total protein (TP) (4.44 and 4.80), Albumin (3.57 and 4.00) and Globulim (0.87 and 0.80) were below normal ranges. A negative correlation was found between RBC and OPG (-0.42) and a positive correlation between parasitic load and neutrophils (0.31). Monocytes and OPG showed a moderate inverse correlation (-0.39 and -0.43). Eimeria spp. negatively affected hematological parameters but had no impact on albumin, globulin and total protein levels.

Effect of&nbsp; Infestation Level of Eimeria spp. on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemistry (Albumins, Globulins and Total Proteins) in Alpaca

Background: The epidemiology of parasitic infections is common in rabbit flocks and poses a significant threat to public health. And the most famous and influential of these causes are coccidia parasites, Coccidiosis in rabbits is an infection caused by intracellular protozoan parasites belonging to Eimeria, which is considered a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality. 
 
Methods: A total of 210 fresh feces samples of adult domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were collected from Riyadh City, Al Kharj and ADilam in Saudi Arabia to examine the incidence of the Eimeria infection of microscopically. Feces concentrated by the floatation technique. After that, freshly collected non-sporulated oocysts were suspended in 2.5% (W/V) potassium dichromate, placed in Petri dishes in the air, and allowed to sporulate at room temperature (25&plusmn;3oC). The morphometric and specific characteristics of sporulated oocysts were studied by an Olympus microscope (BX51ggTF, OLYMPUS, Tokyo, Japan) using the oil immersion lens. Specimens were taken from all parts intestine and liver, and the tissues were kept in 10% formalin immediately and make tissue sections and that to study the histopathological change under light microscopic. 
 
Result: An investigation was conducted in three cities in the Riyadh area (Riyadh, Al Kharj and Adilam) to determine the incidence of Eimeria species that parasitize local rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The overall frequency of these coccidial illnesses in rabbits in Riyadh City was 45.7%, in Adilam City it was 44.2% and in Al Kharj City it was 37.1%, respectively. There were five different species of Eimeria: E. magna, E. flavescens, E. exigua, E. striedae and E. coecicola, respectively. More than one species of Eimeria oocyst was obtained in the same examined sample. single-infection 13/90 (14.4%), dual-infection 39/90 (43.3%) and triple-infection 38/90 (42.2%). E. magna; E. flavescens; E. exigua; E. stiedae and E. coecicola, respectively. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in prevalence were observed between the rabbits. Eimeria infection that affects the liver was confirmed by histopathological changes that were noted through the development of parasitic stages in the jejunum, ileum, cecum, end cecum and liver. It is possible to conclude that the current research offers pertinent information that aids in determining potential infection and future preventative measures against rabbit coccidiosis to lessen financial losses in the rabbit industry.

A Comparison in Terms of Prevalence, Morphological and Histopathological Changes between Eimeria spp. that Infect Local Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Some Regions of Saudi Arabia

<div>Abortion is the major reproductive problem in goats faced by goat-keepers. Abortion in animals including goats is caused mainly by infectious agents. The current study was planned to assess the presence of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in the genital tracts of goats and foetal stomach contents. A total of 260 biological samples (vaginal/preputial secretions and foetal stomach contents) were randomly collected from the goats. The genomic DNA extraction from the samples was done by using the commercial kit. The detection of the targeted infectious agents in the biological samples was done by species as well as genus-specific polymerase chain reactions. Standardization of PCRs was done using gradient PCR. The PCR products were run in a 1% agarose gel to determine the gene size. Out of 260 samples, the presence of Coxiella burnetii was not detected in any sample. Brucella abortus was detected in two aborted goats. Only 10 samples out of 260 (6 vaginal swabs from the aborted goats and 4 foetal stomach contents) were found positive for Brucella melitensis. A total of 117 samples were found positive for Chlamydophila spp., whereas 84 were found positive for Campylobacter spp. A total of 63 samples were found positive for both Chlamydophila spp. and Campylobacter spp. The present study concludes that Chlamydophila and Campylobacter spp. were found as the prevalent microbial agents, which may be associated with abortion in goats in the forthcoming pregnancies in adverse conditions.</div>

Molecular Detection of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in Genital Tracts of Goats

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The Pleurotus genus is one of the most investigated white-rot fungus due to its excellent ligninolytic characteristics. It is a tasty mushroom that also has a number of biological impacts due to the presence of essential bioactive compounds. Many usual fermentation parameters affect lignocellulolytic enzymes in basidiomycete fungi, such as medium composition, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, pH, temperature, air composition etc. The survival and multiplication of Pleurotus mushrooms is dependent on a number of factors, which may function independently or interactive effect on the growth of mushroom. Grasp the difficulty of treating Pleurotus species mushrooms necessitates a fundamental understanding of their physical, chemical and biological characteristics.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Methods:&nbsp; In this study, the effects of culture media, temperature, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, grain sources and agricultural waste as lignocellulosic substrate on the mycelium growth of five species of Pleurotus species for spawn production were studied. Several trials were designed to evaluate factors affecting mycelium growth of five oyster mushroom species. The experiments were conducted during October to February in the year 2019 to 2021. The experiments were carried out in three replications per treatment. 
Result: The results of the experiment indicated that potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Malt extract agar (MEA) were the most suitable media for the mycelium growth of all oyster mushrooms. The optimal temperature for mycelium growth of all the oyster mushroom species was obtained at 25&plusmn;2oC. Mycelium growth of all the studied oyster mushroom was improved by carbon sources such as dextrose and glucose. The nitrogen source such as ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate also gave the greatest values in mycelium colony diameter of mushroom. Wheat was found to be favourable for mycelium growth of all the oyster mushroom species. In addition, paddy straw and sugarcane residue were selected as suitable lignocellulosic substrate sources for mycelium growth of all the studied oyster mushrooms.</div>

The Effect of Growth Conditions on Mycelial Run of Oyster Mushrooms spp. (Pleurotus spp.): Implication for Agricultural Practices

Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases that hinder the raising of rabbits. The disease causes symptoms such as diarrhea and loss of appetite. Acute infection causes bloody feces and negatively affects fertility. Diarrhea may be bloody due to the intestinal epithelium withering off as many oocysts and merozoites burst out of the cells. This leads to the deaths of rabbits resulting in huge economic losses for commercial rabbit systems. 
 
Methods: The study aims to determine the optimal effective concentration of bile collected from healthy sheep gall bladder inhibiting in vitro sporulation and viability of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts and sporozoites isolated from rabbit intestine. Un-sporulated oocysts were exposed (1&times;102) to six treatments: 2.5% potassium dichromate solution as the non-treated control, four concentrations of bile (12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) and Toltrazuril 25 mg/ml as traditional medicine for anti-oocyst activities. In addition, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/mL concentrations of bile were evaluated for effect on sporozoite viability. The oocysts were examined after 25, 50, 75 and 100 hours and sporozoites after 12 and 24 hours of treatment. 
 
Result: GC-Mass analysis showed that sheep bile contains 12 biologically active compounds. In addition, quantitative analysis revealed total phenols (50.65&plusmn;0.5) and total flavonoids (9.39&plusmn;0.4). After 100 hours of exposure, sheep bile was able to prevent sporulation of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts at 100% and 50% concentrations and the rate of inhibition was about 96% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, bile exhibited the least discouraging of 11% at a dose of 125 mg/mL and the highest suppression of 95% of E. magna and E. exigua sporozoites viable at 1000 mg/ml. Generally, the inhibition rate typically increased with longer incubation times and greater doses. Findings have scientifically validated the use of bile in fighting against coccidiosis. Additional studies are required to separate the active compounds found in bile and their mechanisms of action and potential applications in rabbit farms.

In vitro Studies on Anticoccidial Effects of Healthy Sheep Bile against Eimeria magna and Eimeria exigua Oocysts and Sporozoites Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

<div>Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most dangerous diseases infecting Japanese quails. This work was conducted to study the efficacy of immunization of Japanese quail against the challenge with different Eimeria species causing coccidiosis and to optimize the dose of live sporulated oocysts that give immunity without adverse effects. 
 
Methods: Dropping samples were collected from different Japanese quail pens of the Central Poultry Development Organization, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Isolation, identification, single oocyst isolation and propagation were done for each species. On the 2nd day of age, Japanese quails were divided into 10 groups and orally inoculated with low doses, 100 and 1000 live sporulated oocysts, of each isolated Eimeria species separately. Four weeks post-immunization, the quails were challenged with a high dose of the respective species. Immunization efficacy was assessed regarding clinical signs, mortality rate, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, oocysts output, lesion scores and hematological parameters. 
 
Result: All collected samples were Eimeria positive. Three Eimeria species were isolated and identified as E. bateri, E. uzura and E. tsunodai. Experimental results revealed that the immunized quails, either by 100 or 1000 oocysts of any isolated species, showed better results compared to the challenged, non-immunized controls. The 100-oocysts dose gave better results than those of 1000-oocysts dose without significant differences. These results indicated the effectiveness of immunization as an important tool in the management of Japanese quail coccidiosis.</div>

Efficacy of Immunization of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Against the Challenge with Different Eimeria Species

<div>Background: China is a mainland country rich in natural Morchella spp. resources. At present, about half of the natural Morchella spp. in the world has been recorded in China. The current study was aimed at the classification and cultivation of Morchella spp. This study provided a more accurate molecular trait for the systematic classification of Morchella spp. in southern Gansu Province, China. 
 
Methods: From April to May 2019. Based on the molecular biological analysis of 16 natural Morchella spp. strains collected from the southern Gansu province, China. the ITS fragments between transcripts of the rDNA gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. 
 
Result: The results of BLAST comparison according to GenBank showed that the 16 tested strains of Morchella spp. were classified into 5 species, which were M.angusticeps, M.esculenta, M.elata, M.crapssipes&nbsp;and M.conica. According to the molecular evolutionary trees constructed by the Maximum-Parsimony method (MP) and the Neighbour-Joining method (NJ), the topological structures of the two molecular evolutionary trees were similar&nbsp;and the Bootstrap verification had a high support rate, indicating that the phylogenetic relationship had high credibility.</div>

<div>Genetic Diversity of Natural Morchella spp. from the Southern Gansu Province Based on rDNA-ITS, China</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important legumes after beans and peas in the world. Turkey is one of the main chickpea producing countries but the yield is not within the expected quantity considering cultivated area. Breeding chickpea varieties requires well-characterized wild Cicer spp progenitors including C. reticulatum, C. echinospermum, C. bijugum and C. pinnatifidum that exhibit sympatric distribution in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. This study contributes to the identification of similarities and differences among wild and cultivated Cicer spp. ecotypes using DNA marker systems and biochemical parameters. RAPD and ISSR markers revealed four groups and separated C pinnatifidum ecotypes as a single population. Wild Cicer spp and cultivated chickpea species exhibited significant variations for their oil, protein, starch, cellulose, fructose and sucrose content. Furthermore, the cultivated chickpea genotypes had higher content of fat, starch and sucrose than those of the wild progenitors whereas wild Cicer spp ecotypes possessed higher values for cellulose, fructose and glucose than cultivated chickpea genotypes.&nbsp;</div>

Genetic and biochemical properties of Cicer spp reveal distinction between wild and cultivated chickpea genotypes &nbsp;

Background: Traditional medicine has long utilized medicinal plants that contain a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals. Many of these have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the risk of many diseases. Numerous animals are afflicted by the disease coccidiosis, which causes significant economic losses. Drug abuse and overuse have led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Eimeria spp.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this study, Artemisia monosperma leaf methanolic extract (AMLE) was prepared and tested in vitro as an anticoccidial using the oocyst of Eimeria papillata. 
 
Result: Fifteen different functional groups were present in AMLE using infrared spectroscopy. Also, quantitative results showed phenolics and flavonoids 39.7&plusmn;0.3 and 33.4&plusmn;0.2 (mg TAE/g DW) respectively in AMLE. Moreover, at 96 h, significant inhibition of process sporulation for E. papillata oocyst was observed when exposed to AMLE (300 mg/mL) and formalin 5%, while amprolium, DettolTM and phenol showed different levels of inhibition. Our results showed that AMLE has anticoccidial activity, which promotes the conduct of numerous in vivo research to discover an efficient treatment.

Morphological Characterization of Eimeria spp. Infecting Imported Sawakni Sheep Linnaeus, 1758 (Ovis aries) in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Effect of Infestation Level of Eimeria spp. on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemistry (Albumins, Globulins and Total Proteins) in Alpaca

A Comparison in Terms of Prevalence, Morphological and Histopathological Changes between Eimeria spp. that Infect Local Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Some Regions of Saudi Arabia

Molecular Detection of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in Genital Tracts of Goats

The Effect of Growth Conditions on Mycelial Run of Oyster Mushrooms spp. (Pleurotus spp.): Implication for Agricultural Practices

In vitro Studies on Anticoccidial Effects of Healthy Sheep Bile against Eimeria magna and Eimeria exigua Oocysts and Sporozoites Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

Efficacy of Immunization of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Against the Challenge with Different Eimeria Species

Genetic Diversity of Natural Morchella spp. from the Southern Gansu Province Based on rDNA-ITS, China

Genetic and biochemical properties of Cicer spp reveal distinction between wild and cultivated chickpea genotypes

In vitro Study: Efficacy of Artemisia monosperma Leaves Extract on Eimeria papillata