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Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays for the Species-specific Detection of Eimeria that Infect Chickens
Published on: February 20, 2015
Cross protection studies with Eimeria maxima strains
Patricia C Allen1, Mark C Jenkins, Katarzyna B Miska
1USDA/ARS, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Bldg. 1040, Rm 103, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA. pallen@ANRI.barc.usda.gov
Parasitology Research
|July 2, 2005
Summary
Parasite fecundity in Eimeria maxima is crucial for stimulating effective cross-protective immunity in chickens. Increasing the fecundity of a low-fecundity strain enhanced its ability to provide immunity against other strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Immunology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Eimeria maxima is a significant protozoan parasite affecting broiler chickens.
- Understanding the factors influencing Eimeria immune responses is vital for effective disease control.
- Fecundity, or reproductive potential, of parasite isolates may impact their immunogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Eimeria maxima isolate fecundity and their capacity to induce cross-protective immunity.
- To determine if parasite reproductive potential is a key factor in eliciting robust immune responses in chickens.
Main Methods:
- A 4x4 cross-immunization study was conducted using four Eimeria maxima strains (A-D) in broiler chicks.
- Immunization involved low-dose gavages of sporulated oocysts with parasite recycling.
- Chickens were challenged with homologous and heterologous strains, and efficacy was assessed via a protective index (weight gain, lesion score, plasma carotenoid, NO2- + NO3-).
Main Results:
- Eimeria maxima strain A, with initially lower fecundity, failed to induce cross-protection against other strains.
- After passages increasing strain A's fecundity, it successfully provided cross-immune protection against strain C.
- Parasite fecundity directly correlated with the ability to elicit protective immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Parasite fecundity is a critical determinant of Eimeria maxima's immunogenicity and ability to stimulate cross-protective immunity.
- Fecundity should be a monitored parameter when characterizing the immune potential of different Eimeria strains.
- Optimizing parasite fecundity may be a strategy for developing more effective Eimeria vaccines or immunotherapies.
