Transfer of extraintestinal stages of Eimeria vermiformis in the mouse

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Eimeria vermiformis is a significant protozoan parasite affecting rodent health.
• Understanding parasite transmission routes is critical for disease control and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of orally administered whole blood and tissue homogenates from infected donors in transmitting Eimeria vermiformis.
• To determine if early-stage infection in donors is sufficient for transmission.

Main Methods:

• Mice donors were inoculated with Eimeria vermiformis oocysts.
• Whole blood, liver, or lung homogenates were collected 1-3 days post-inoculation.
• Homogenates were orally administered to coccidia-free recipient mice.
• Infection in recipient mice was assessed.

Main Results:

• Oral administration of whole blood from infected donors resulted in Eimeria vermiformis infection in recipients.
• Oral administration of liver or lung homogenates from infected donors also led to infection in recipient mice.
• Transmission was achieved using tissues from donors with early-stage infections (1-3 days post-inoculation).

Conclusions:

• Whole blood and tissue homogenates (liver, lung) from Eimeria vermiformis-infected mice can transmit the infection orally.
• Early-stage infections in donor animals are sufficient for successful oral transmission of Eimeria vermiformis.
• This study highlights alternative routes for Eimeria vermiformis transmission beyond direct oocyst ingestion.