Final answer:
Eimeria stiedai is a protozoan parasite that causes hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits, leading to liver lesions and potentially fatal conditions if left untreated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eimeria stiedai is a protozoan parasite that can infect the liver of rabbits, causing a disease known as hepatic coccidiosis. In the life cycle of Eimeria, oocysts are shed in feces and may lead to disease when ingested by a new host, similar to other parasites like Giardia lamblia or Entamoeba histolytica. Hepatic coccidiosis caused by Eimeria stiedai often leads to the development of liver lesions, biliary tract inflammation, and can cause severe damage to the host's liver. As a result, infected rabbits may exhibit symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, and jaundice. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
It is important to differentiate this parasite from others such as Echinococcus granulosus, which causes hydatid disease, or various strains of E. coli which cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing infections caused by protozoan parasites like Eimeria stiedai.