Case Report: Detection of a Caprine Coccidian Parasite in a Neonatal Bengal Tiger Cub (Panthera tigris tigris) at Grand Taman Safari Prigen, Indonesia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), a large carnivorous felid housed at Grand Taman Safari Prigen, Indonesia, poses considerable conservation and veterinary challenges in captivity. The present study investigated fecal parasitological findings in a neonatal Bengal tiger cub with acute diarrhea; however, the etiology of the diarrhea could not be determined.

RECENT FINDINGS: Coproparasitological examination was conducted on a neonatal Bengal tiger cub fecal sample immediately after defecation, followed by oocyst purification and molecular analysis with universal primers targeting mainly Eimeria. Microscopic evaluation identified oocysts containing four sporocysts, consistent with Eimeria species, and revealed considerable morphological and size variation, suggesting a possible mixed-species infection. By molecular analysis, one species among them could be successfully identified. Sequencing analysis demonstrated high similarity to Eimeria species commonly infecting ruminants, particularly goats, Eimeria sp. Yakushima, suggesting potential cross-species transmission to a non-typical carnivorous host. Based on morphological characteristics, some oocysts also matched those of other goat Eimeria species (E. alijevi, E. arloingi, E. christenseni, and an unknown species). This transmission may have resulted from contaminated, reused bedding materials previously exposed to herbivorous animals. Notably, oocysts of Eimeria spp. are recognized for their environmental resistance and persistence against disinfectants.

CONCLUSION

Although the parasite was confirmed, infection of carnivores by caprine coccidian is considered atypical, and its role in disease manifestation remains unclear. These findings illustrate the complexity of diagnosing enteric disorders in captive wildlife and emphasize the necessity for integrated parasitological and environmental management strategies.