Coccidial Schizonts in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Sheep and Goats

Coccidial schizonts were found in enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes of sheep and goats that, 13 to 18 days previously, had been fed sporulated oocysts of Eimeria arloingi, E. faurei, and E. ninaekohlyakimovi of ovine origin. The schizonts in the lymph nodes of the goats were somewhat abnormal in appearance and measured about 32 to 100 µ in diameter; those in the lymph nodes of the sheep were more normal in appearance and measured about 30 to 360 µ. Mature merozoites were not found in schizonts in the lymph nodes of either the sheep or the goats; merozoites that appeared to be approaching maturity were found in the larger schizonts in the lymph nodes of sheep. Enlargement of the lymph nodes was considered to be caused primarily by edema fluid.