Observations on oocyst development of Eimeria stiedai in rabbits

Abstract

The formation of the oocyst wall was examined in Eimeria stiedai in the bile duct epithelium of the rabbit and was found to follow the general eimerian pattern. However from the beginning of the formation of the outer layer of the oocyst wall the parasite was surrounded by a rarely reported veil membrane. Cell damage of the bile ducts at the gamogony stage of parasite development is depicted.

Hepatic Coccidiosis in Wild Rabbits in Greece: Parasite Detection on Liver Imprints and the Associated Biochemical Profile

“…The routine diagnosis of coccidiosis is based on clinical manifestations and the detection of E. stiedae oocysts in faeces using faecal flotation [16]. Oocysts of E. stiedae have a characteristic extra membrane compared to other coccidian species, called a veil, which, however, can only be visualized using electron microscopy [17]. Other laboratory methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), have been shown to be useful tools for the diagnosis of coccidiosis [18][19][20][21].…”

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits

“…The oocyst of Eimeria stiedae does show a typical extra membrane, called a veil, which none of the coccidia that can be detected in rabbits, develop. However, this veil can only be visualized using electron microscopy (Ball et al, 2014). Oocysts of E. stiedae can also be demonstrated in a wet mount of bile (Turner et al, 2018).…”