The effect of coccidian infection on the gut microflora of Nubian goat kids

Enteric coccidiosis was experimentally induced in Nubian goat kids by the oral inoculation of 1.5 x 10(6) sporulated oocysts of five mixed Eimeria species. Diarrhoea was the major manifestation of the disease, which terminated fatally within 19 to 25 days postinfection. Faecal excretion of oocysts was first detected on day 8 (mean 58 x 10(2)) with a maximum shedding (mean 16.39 x 10(5)) On day 14 post-infection. In addition, noticeable alterations were further observed on the normal constituents of the gut microflora in coccidia-infected kids. These changes were characterized by progressive reduction of the Gram-positive population from 84 % pre-infection to 24.3 % after the onset of diarrhoea. On the other hand, the Gramnegative population was conversely increased from 16 % pre-infection to 75.7 % after diarrhoea. At this stage (diarrhoea) E. coli was the most dominant organism amongst the various constituents of the gut microflora.