Parasitological and histopathological findings of naturally occurring coccidiosis in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Background: Limited research was conducted on coccidiosis in slaughtered camels in Aswan, Egypt. Accurate screening for camel coccidiosis is critical for an efficient strategic control process. Objective: To determine the infection rate and histopathological alterations of naturally occurring coccidiosis in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Material and Methods: A total of 118 slaughtered camels were included in the study. Specimens from the small intestines were stained with H&E for histopathological examination. Results: The infection rate of coccidiosis in slaughtered camels was 27.1%. Coccidiosis was more evident in female and adult camels (41.7%, and 42.2%, respectively). Histopathological examination revealed the existence of several stages of Eimeria spp. associated with enteritis and accompanied by hyperplasia of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Conclusion: Our results confirmed the high infection rate of coccidiosis in slaughtered camels in Aswan. Several developmental phases of coccidia were detected alongside histopathological lesions within the intestinal tissue.