摘要 : Isospora suis (I. Suis) is the causative agent of porcine neonatal coccidiosis and the most common parasite of piglets worldwide. Upon ingestion of infective oocysts, the parasite invades the epithelium of the small intestines and... 展开 Isospora suis (I. Suis) is the causative agent of porcine neonatal coccidiosis and the most common parasite of piglets worldwide. Upon ingestion of infective oocysts, the parasite invades the epithelium of the small intestines and rapidly multiplies to form oocysts which sporulate in the environment to become infective. Infections during the first days of life are associated with non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea and weight gain depression. Although the infection is self-limiting, unthrifty piglets and uneven litter weights may cause considerable economic losses. The development of disease is limited to the first three weeks of life due to a distinct age resistance which might be related to the maturation of the immune system and the establishment of the regular gut flora. The primary immune response to I. suis seems to be dependent on T-cell receptor (TcR)- gamma delta -T-cells which occur in the gut mucosa of infected piglets in increased numbers, and subsequently, a cellular immunological memory develops. Intervention currently includes disinfection and metaphylactic treatment with toltrazuril. Treatment of affected litters significantly improves animal health and weight gain and leads to a financial benefit of up to 0.8 <pounds> per piglet. Alternative strategies for treatment and prophylaxis must be developed for a sustainable control scheme for this parasitic disease, including vaccination. 收起