Porcine Coccidiosis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Porcine coccidiosis (also called porcine cystoisosporosis or neonatal porcine isosporosis) is a highly prevalent parasitic disease caused by the apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis (formerly known as Isospora suis). This disease represents one of the most common causes of diarrhea in suckling piglets aged 5-21 days worldwide and is a significant cause of economic losses in intensive pig production systems.

The disease is characterized by non-hemorrhagic diarrhea, poor weight gain, and uneven weaning weights within litters. While mortality is typically low (less than 20%), the economic impact is substantial due to reduced growth rates, increased susceptibility to secondary infections, and treatment costs.

Etiology

Causative Agent

Cystoisospora suis is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, order Eucoccidiorida, and family Sarcocystidae. It is the primary pathogenic coccidium in pigs and is closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. While several Eimeria species can infect pigs, they are generally considered non-pathogenic in neonatal piglets.