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Eimeria vermiformis and E. mitis: inhibition of development in vivo by cyclosporin A
1Houghton Laboratory, Institute for Animal Health, Huntingdon, England, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Treatment of the host (Mus musculus, Gallus domesticus) with cyclosporin A during infection with Eimeria vermiformis or E. mitis resulted in a reduction in the numbers of oocysts passed in the feces and/or a delay in patency. The general immunosuppressive effects of the treatment were confirmed in chickens by monitoring their antibody responses to human erythrocytes and lymphoproliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin. Nevertheless, mice and chickens treated with cyclosporin A during a primary infection with E. vermiformis or E. mitis, respectively, were immune to subsequent challenge with these organisms. Thus, cyclosporin A did not interfere with priming. The antiparasite effect of the drug did not allow an evaluation of its effect on established immunity to the coccidia when it was administered at the time of challenge. In an exceptional treated chicken, however, delayed patency of the challenge infection was followed by the production of a number of oocysts similar to that found in unprimed animals. This suggests that the mechanisms of immunity to challenge may be susceptible to disruption by cyclosporin A.
Insights
Cyclosporin A treatment reduced Eimeria parasite shedding in mice and chickens, yet did not prevent immunity development. This immunosuppressant may disrupt established immunity to coccidia.
Area of Science:
- Immunoparasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Eimeria species are significant protozoan parasites causing coccidiosis in poultry and rodents.
- Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive drug with potential applications in modulating host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Cyclosporin A on Eimeria infections in Mus musculus and Gallus domesticus.
- To determine if CsA affects the development of protective immunity against Eimeria challenge.
Main Methods:
- Mice and chickens were treated with Cyclosporin A during primary Eimeria vermiformis or Eimeria mitis infections.
- Immunosuppression was confirmed by monitoring antibody responses and lymphoproliferative responses.
- Animals were subsequently challenged to assess the development of immunity.
Main Results:
- Cyclosporin A treatment led to reduced oocyst shedding and/or delayed patency during primary infection.
- Despite immunosuppression, CsA-treated animals developed immunity to subsequent Eimeria challenge, indicating intact immune priming.
- One exceptional case suggested CsA might disrupt established immunity upon challenge.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporin A does not interfere with the priming phase of immunity against Eimeria.
- The immunosuppressive effects of CsA may potentially disrupt the mechanisms of established immunity to coccidia.