Molecular detection and seasonal prevalence of small ruminants coccidiosis in the central Zagros region (Iran)

Abstract Coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) is a parasite disease in small ruminants that causes diarrhea, weight loss and reduced economic benefits. The purpose of this epidemiological study was to use microscopical and molecular assays to detect coccidia prevalence and isolate species-specific Eimeria from sheep and goats kept in a common pan at high altitude in the central Zagros region. The central Zagros region is a mountainous, semi-humid and cold region with average rainfall which its southern counties are warmer than other districts. For these reasons, throughout the course of several seasons, 1200 fecal samples were obtained from three age groups (less than six months, six to twelve months, and more than six months). Oocytes were counted using saturated saline floating and modified MacMaster techniques and the physical characteristics of sporulated Eimeria oocytes were used to identify them. Finally, all positive fecal samples were sent to a PCR analysis, and coccidia infection was verified. Eimeria infection was shown to be more prevalent in sheep than in goats, with the highest prevalence in spring and the lowest in winter. Females and animals younger than 6 months were similarly found to be more susceptible to Eimeriosis than males and older animals (P < 0.05). In comparison to the southern (1556 meters above sea level) area, the western (2365 meters) and eastern (2432 meters) counties had the highest rates of oocyst excretion in sheep and goats, respectively. In addition, a total of fourteen Eimeria species were isolated, including the highly pathogenic Eimeria granulosa for sheep and E. jolchijevi for goats. These findings explain how coccidia prevalence varies with age, season, and geographic direction, and use of PCR to rule out the possibility of co-infection between sheep and goats kept in the same stall. region.