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. 2025 Apr;15(4):1549-1556.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i4.5. Epub 2025 Apr 30.

Bovine coccidiosis and molecular characterization of pathogenic Eimeria species in dairy cattle on Grati-Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia

Poedji Hastutiek  1   2 , Lucia Tri Suwanti  1   3 , Endang Suprihati  1 , Nunuk Dyah Retno Lastuti  1   4 , April Hari Wardhana  5 , Munawer Pradana  6 , Muhammad Ahdi Kurniawan  6
Affiliations

Bovine coccidiosis and molecular characterization of pathogenic Eimeria species in dairy cattle on Grati-Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia

Poedji Hastutiek et al. Open Vet J. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., is a protozoan infection that rapidly spreads in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle. Coccidiosis requires attention from all parties, including the government, because it remains a neglected disease that impacts milk and meat production, potentially compromising food security and nutrition. The disease is frequently observed on farms with poor management systems, inadequate housing sanitation, and suboptimal environmental conditions. Eimeria spp. primarily cause mortality in calves less than 1 year old. Infection occurs when cattle consume sporulated oocysts that contaminate their water and feed, and this is the primary mode of transmission.

Aim: This study aimed to identify various species of Eimeria spp. oocysts, followed by molecular characterization to identify pathogenic Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle.

Methods: Fresh fecal samples were collected from 100 dairy cattle. Microscopic examination was performed to detect Eimeria using floatation. Molecular characterization of pathogenic Eimeria spp. by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting of the ribosomal RNA gene's Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS-1) region.

Result: The analysis indicated that 47 samples tested positive for the presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts. The analysis revealed five different species of Eimeria. Four samples with oocyst concentrations ranging from 250 to 2,500/ml were selected for DNA extraction and amplification, and using conventional PCR methods, Eimeria bovis (238 bp) was identified. Positive results for the molecular characterization of pathogenic Eimeria spp. were obtained using the ITS-1 gene at 238 bp.

Conclusion: This study investigated cases of bovine coccidiosis and the molecular characterization of Eimeria species. The prevalence of coccidiosis in dairy cattle is 47%. E. bovis has been characterized using ITS-1, which measures 238 bp, in dairy cattle located in Grati-Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia.

Keywords: Coccidiosis; Dairy cattle; East Java; Eimeria species; Grati.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. were not sporulated using a light microscope 400x).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. Photographs of the oocysts of (A) Eimeria bovis and (B).
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.. Sporulation of E. bovis. a. Outer layer of oocyst wall. b. Inner layer of the oocyst wall. c. Sporocyst wall. d. Polar granule. e. Sporozoite. f. Stieda body. g. Micropyle. h. Polar cap.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.. Polymerase chain reaction DNA product of E. bovis from fecal samples of dairy cattle in Grati, Pasuruan. M = DNA ladder; Number 1–4: sample number, Samples 1 and 3 are negative. 2 and 4 are positive.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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