Pathological changes and immunity associated with experimental Eimeria vermiformis infections in Mus musculus

Pathological changes and immunity induced by Eimeria vermiformis (Ernst, Chobotar & Hammond, 1971) were studied in outbred Swiss mice inoculated with 5000, 10,000, 20,000, or 40,000 oocysts. Cross immunity to E. ferrisi was also studied. In the case of E. vermiformis, mortality was dose dependent; most deaths were observed in the intermediate-dose groups. Most deaths also correlated with peak oocyst output. Histopathologic changes consisted of an early neutrophil and mononuclear cell infiltration in the small intestine. Later, villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia caused a decrease in the villus-crypt ratio. During the acute phase (8-10 days after inoculation), villus tips were eroded and parasites with necrotic debris filled the cryptal and intestinal lumina. Vacuolar changes were observed in epithelial cells of the small intestine. Neither parasites nor significant pathological changes were observed in extra-intestinal organs. Mice were totally immune to reinfection with E. vermiformis 30 and 105 days after inoculation. Cross immunity was not observed between E. vermiformis and E. ferrisi.