Thesis. Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Department of Bioengineering

Includes bibliography (sheets 39-46)

ABSTRACT Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that influences various species of animals, which include bovine, ovine, caprine and human beings and causes enormous financial loss in the ruminant farming sector. It is vital to investigate on the coccidian on sheep and goat in Nicosia- these animals being amongst the most economically important industries in any economy because of wool and meat production which is a valued export commodity contributing to the GDP of any country. A total of 92 fecal samples of apparently healthy sheep and goats of different ages was randomly collected from Balıkesir farms to examine the prevalence of Eimeria and to further analyze their presence using PCR and gel imaging techniques. The samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis according to age. To test for the absence or presence of coccidian oocysts in a fecal matter some samples were collected and observed under a compound microscope. The samples were prepared and stored for sporulation using floatation and sedimentation techniques respectively. Samples were purified by repetitive centrifugation until processed readily usable oocysts for DNA isolation were gotten and stored in 4˚C. The samples were sent to Turkey and Biospeedy DNA Isolate Kit Isolate was used for DNA isolation for molecular analysis. The PCR and imaging were carried out in Turkey with the aid of Biospeedy 2x PCR Master Mix (Bioeksen). The result clearly demonstrated that age of animals obviously has a significant effect on the prevalence of Eimeria on the animal as goats under one year were found to have 100% occurrence rate in the first and second day of microscopy meaning 4 out of 4 samples were tested positive for Eimeria spp. and this occurrence reduced as the animals aged. Results also showed that 102–120 hrs was required to obtain complete sporulation of oocysts. The outcomes of molecular analysis unveiled Eimeriaarloingi as the main Eimeria specie in the Balıkesir farms. Eimeriaarloingi was present at all the pens investigated (100%). The results of this study affirm the presence of Eimeria on Balıkesir farms and will provide information for ruminant animals’ farmers in Cyprus. Hence, additional investigation is required on this matter in diverse ruminant animal’s farm in Cyprus and further consideration must be given to the molecular proof of identity and representation of the discovered Eimeria species.