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Eimeria tenella: cecal contraction in infected chickens
Experimental Parasitology
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Eimeria tenella infection in chickens significantly increased cecal muscle contraction amplitude and acetylcholine sensitivity, particularly at 5 days postinoculation. These effects correlated with infection severity, impacting chicken gut health.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Eimeria tenella is a significant protozoan parasite affecting chicken cecal health.
- Intestinal muscle function is crucial for nutrient absorption and pathogen clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Eimeria tenella infection on chicken cecal muscle contractility and sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACH).
- To correlate observed physiological changes with infection severity and duration.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cecal muscle contraction amplitude and ACH sensitivity between infected and control chickens.
- Assessment of muscle function at various time points postinoculation (PI) and with varying infection severities.
Main Results:
- Infected cecal muscle exhibited significantly increased contraction amplitude at 5 days PI, which diminished by 7 days PI.
- Increased sensitivity to ACH was observed in muscles from infected ceca, irrespective of Eimeria tenella strain.
- Cecal wet weight increased with days PI and infection severity; spontaneous contraction rate remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria tenella infection alters chicken cecal muscle physiology, enhancing contractility and ACH responsiveness.
- These changes suggest a potential host-parasite interaction influencing gut motility during infection.