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Evaluation of the effect of peptidyl membrane-interactive molecules on avian coccidia
A Martin1, H D Danforth, J M Jaynes
1Embrex Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Abstract:
This study examined the lytic effect of seven different synthetic peptidyl membrane-interactive molecules (Peptidyl-MIMs) on sporozoites of five different species of Eimeria infecting chickens and merozoites of two different species that infect chickens. All Peptidyl-MIMs (pMIMs) demonstrated antiparasitic effects at concentrations of 1-50 microM during incubation periods varying from 1 to 20 min. In addition, electron microscopy showed that ultrastructural degeneration of the pellicle of sporozoite stages of the parasites occurred within 5-10 min of exposure to 5-microM concentrations of three different pMIMs. Pore-like openings were seen in the pellicle of the sporozoites at the ultrastructural level, which indicated that the pMIMs had the same mechanism of action on the parasites as that reported from studies done on bacteria. A reduction in lesion scores was seen in chickens treated orally with 10-, 50-, or 75-microM concentrations of two different proteolytic stabilized (methylated) pMIMs after challenge with three different species of avian coccidia in battery-cage trials. Collectively these data indicate that pMIMs may be useful in the control of coccidiosis in poultry.
Insights
Synthetic peptidyl membrane-interactive molecules (Peptidyl-MIMs) show potent antiparasitic activity against Eimeria parasites. These molecules effectively damage parasite membranes, offering a potential new strategy for controlling coccidiosis in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria parasites, is a significant disease in poultry.
- Current treatments face challenges like drug resistance.
- Novel therapeutic agents are needed for effective coccidiosis control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the lytic effects of synthetic peptidyl membrane-interactive molecules (Peptidyl-MIMs) on Eimeria species.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of Peptidyl-MIMs against Eimeria parasites.
- To assess the efficacy of Peptidyl-MIMs in controlling coccidiosis in chickens.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of seven Peptidyl-MIMs against Eimeria sporozoites and merozoites.
- Electron microscopy to observe ultrastructural changes in parasite pellicles.
- In vivo battery-cage trials with chickens challenged with Eimeria species and treated with Peptidyl-MIMs.
Main Results:
- All tested Peptidyl-MIMs exhibited antiparasitic effects at low concentrations (1-50 microM) and short incubation times (1-20 min).
- Electron microscopy revealed pellicle degeneration and pore formation in Eimeria sporozoites upon exposure to specific Peptidyl-MIMs, indicating a membrane-disrupting mechanism.
- Oral administration of stabilized Peptidyl-MIMs significantly reduced lesion scores in chickens challenged with avian coccidia.
Conclusions:
- Peptidyl-MIMs demonstrate significant in vitro and in vivo efficacy against Eimeria parasites.
- The mechanism of action involves direct disruption of the parasite's outer membrane (pellicle).
- These findings suggest that Peptidyl-MIMs hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for managing coccidiosis in poultry.