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Published on: July 11, 2016
[Morphological and biological characterization of a pure strain of Eimeria mitis]
1Institut für Parasitologie der Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Abstract:
A pure strain of Eimeria mitis was obtained from a crude field isolate by single oocyst inoculation of chicken. The strain was identified as Eimeria mitis by the morphology of the oocysts. Sporulated oocysts measured 16.1 +/- 2.1 microns in length and 13.6 +/- 1.0 microns in width. The shape index was 1.18. The prepatent period was 4 days and patency lasted 12 to 13 days. The highest number of oocysts was shed at day 6 after infection of chicken with 1 x 10(4), 5 x 10(4), or 1 x 10(5) oocysts and at day 8 after infection with 5 x 10(5) oocysts. A single infection of chicken with 1 x 10(4), 5 x 10(4), 1 x 10(5), or 5 x 10(5) oocysts resulted in reproduction values of 1:118,662, 1:15,720, 1:9,977 and 1:731, respectively.
Insights
This study isolated a pure Eimeria mitis strain in chickens, detailing its oocyst morphology and prepatent period. The research quantifies Eimeria mitis reproduction rates across various infection doses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Eimeria species are significant protozoan parasites causing coccidiosis in poultry.
- Accurate identification and characterization of Eimeria strains are crucial for disease control.
- Understanding the host-parasite dynamics of Eimeria mitis is essential for poultry health management.
Purpose:
- To isolate and identify a pure strain of Eimeria mitis from a field isolate.
- To characterize the morphological features of the Eimeria mitis oocysts.
- To determine the prepatent period, patency duration, oocyst shedding patterns, and reproduction values of the Eimeria mitis strain in chickens.
Summary:
- A pure Eimeria mitis strain was successfully isolated and identified in chickens via single oocyst inoculation.
- Morphological analysis revealed sporulated oocysts measuring 16.1 x 13.6 microns with a shape index of 1.18.
- The prepatent period was 4 days, patency lasted 12-13 days, and reproduction values varied significantly with infection dose, ranging from 1:731 to 1:118,662.
Impact:
- Provides a characterized Eimeria mitis reference strain for future research.
- Establishes baseline data on the pathogenicity and reproductive potential of E. mitis.
- Informs strategies for managing coccidiosis in poultry by understanding strain-specific infection dynamics.
