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Abstract:
A series of experiments is described in which two drug-resistant strains of Eimeria maxima were passaged together in untreated chicks. The resultant oocysts were then inoculated into chicks treated with both drugs. When strains resistant to methyl benzoquate and sulphaquinoxaline or clopidol and sulphaquinoxaline were used the resultant infections were not controlled by the double treatment, indicating the acquisition of resistance factors by one strain from the other. When strains resistant to clopidol and methyl benzoquate were used the phenomenon was not observed.
Insights
Drug-resistant Eimeria maxima strains acquired new resistance factors when passaged together. This transfer of resistance was observed with specific drug combinations, impacting treatment efficacy in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Eimeria maxima is a significant poultry pathogen causing coccidiosis.
- Antiparasitic drug resistance in Eimeria species poses a challenge to effective disease control.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing sustainable treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for drug resistance factor transfer between Eimeria maxima strains.
- To determine if co-passage of drug-resistant strains leads to acquired resistance in subsequent infections.
- To identify specific drug combinations where resistance transfer occurs.
Main Methods:
- Passaging of drug-resistant Eimeria maxima strains together in untreated chicks.
- Inoculation of resultant oocysts into chicks treated with specific drug combinations (methyl benzoquate/sulphaquinoxaline, clopidol/sulphaquinoxaline, clopidol/methyl benzoquate).
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy in controlling resultant infections.
Main Results:
- Co-passage of strains resistant to methyl benzoquate and sulphaquinoxaline, or clopidol and sulphaquinoxaline, resulted in infections not controlled by combined drug treatment.
- This indicates the acquisition of resistance factors from one strain to another.
- No resistance transfer phenomenon was observed when strains resistant to clopidol and methyl benzoquate were used.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria maxima strains can acquire drug resistance factors through co-passage.
- The transfer of resistance is dependent on the specific drug resistance profiles of the interacting strains.
- This highlights the complex dynamics of antimicrobial resistance development in Eimeria species.