Pathogenicity and chemotherapy of Plasmodium durae in experimentally infected domestic turkeys

Only 3 out of 8 South African isolates of Plasmodium durae used in 524 turkeys in 161 passages caused approximately 50% mortality, a further 3 produced approximately 10% mortality while 2 were found to be apathogenic. Exoerythrocytic schizonts were the main pathogenic stage. In most survivors the effect on mass gains was minimal. Twelve drugs currently available for use in poultry, as well as chloroquin phosphate, were tested for their activity against experimental infections with Plasmodium durae in domestic turkeys. While chloroquin phosphate showed a certain degree of effectivity, Amprolium, Amprolium + Ethopabate, Maduramycin, Toltrazuril, Metronidazole, Furazolidone, Enrofloxacin and Sulfamethoxypyridazine + Trimethoprim were ineffective. Halofuginone and Penta-Sulfa at a high dose had some protective effect. At high doses Sulfachloropyrazine protected from mortality without affecting the parasitaemia, while Sulfamonomethoxine suppressed parasitaemia without entirely protecting from mortality. From these data it is concluded that Halofuginone has a potential as possible chemoprophylactic. While a combination of Sulfamonomethoxine and Sulfachloropyrazine could be used in the treatment of outbreaks in the field.