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Experimental development of monensin resistance in Eimeria meleagrimitis
Abstract:
The discovery of monensin-resistant field isolates of Eimeria meleagrimitis prompted an investigation of the ability of this parasite to develop monensin resistance in a laboratory selection experiment. A strain derived from a monensin-sensitive parent strain was intentionally selected for monensin resistance by propagation in monensin medicated turkeys in isolation, while the monensin-sensitive parent strain from which it was derived was cryogenically maintained as a genetic control. Comparison of the monensin sensitivity of the selected and parent strains demonstrated monensin resistance development in the selected strain by the fourth generation of selection. This is the first reported experimental development of monensin-resistant coccidia and suggests that unlike chicken coccidia, the turkey coccidium E. meleagrimitis possesses the ability to readily develop resistance to the polyether antibiotic anticoccidials under the appropriate conditions of drug exposure.
Insights
This study demonstrates that Eimeria meleagrimitis, a turkey coccidium, can rapidly develop resistance to the anticoccidial drug monensin in laboratory settings. This finding is crucial for understanding and managing drug resistance in poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Field isolates of Eimeria meleagrimitis have shown resistance to monensin, a widely used anticoccidial drug in turkeys.
- The mechanism and ease of resistance development in E. meleagrimitis are not fully understood.
- Understanding resistance development is critical for maintaining the efficacy of anticoccidials in poultry production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the development of monensin resistance in Eimeria meleagrimitis.
- To compare the resistance profile of a selected strain with its sensitive parent strain.
- To determine if E. meleagrimitis can readily develop resistance to polyether antibiotic anticoccidials.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory selection experiment was designed using monensin-medicated turkeys.
- A monensin-resistant strain was developed by continuous propagation in medicated turkeys.
- A monensin-sensitive parent strain was cryogenically preserved as a control.
- Monensin sensitivity was compared between the selected and parent strains across generations.
Main Results:
- Monensin resistance was successfully developed in the selected E. meleagrimitis strain by the fourth generation.
- The selected strain exhibited significantly reduced sensitivity to monensin compared to the parent strain.
- This marks the first reported instance of experimentally induced monensin resistance in turkey coccidia.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria meleagrimitis can readily develop resistance to monensin under controlled laboratory conditions.
- This contrasts with chicken coccidia, suggesting a different resistance development potential.
- Findings highlight the need for strategic drug use to mitigate anticoccidial resistance in turkeys.