Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Cross-reactions between Eimeria falciformis and Eimeria pragensis in mice induced by trickle infections
1School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Berks, UK.
Abstract:
We describe a laboratory model using Eimeria falciformis and E. pragensis to investigate some of the interactions in double-species infections of Eimeria. Mice were given trickle infections by oral inoculation of 100 sporulated oocysts of one species at 3 or 4 day intervals throughout the experiments and, once immunity had developed, as indicated by cessation of oocyst production, the animals were challenged with a single inoculation of the other species. A trickle infection of E. falciformis gave a significant enhancement of oocyst output from E. pragensis infection as compared with animals that had not received E. falciformis. Histological examination of the mice infected with E. pragensis showed significantly more asexual parasites and a significantly higher female/male ratio in the mice that had received trickle E. falciformis infections than in those that had not. There was no evidence to suggest that extra asexual generations were occurring in these mice. In the converse experimental protocol, trickle E. pragnesis infections had no significant effect on a single E. falciformis infection. We discuss the possible mechanisms for the interactions and also how these interactions may influence multiple species infections in animals in their natural habitats.
Insights
Eimeria falciformis trickle infections enhanced Eimeria pragensis oocyst output in mice. This interaction, affecting parasite numbers and sex ratios, did not occur in the reverse experimental setup, offering insights into multi-species parasite dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Eimeria species cause significant economic losses in livestock and poultry.
- Understanding interactions in co-infections is crucial for effective disease management.
- Previous research has primarily focused on single-species infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactions between Eimeria falciformis and Eimeria pragensis in a murine model.
- To determine if pre-existing immunity to one Eimeria species influences infection with another.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind interspecies Eimeria interactions.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to trickle infections with E. falciformis or E. pragensis.
- Immunity was established before challenging with the heterologous species.
- Oocyst output and histological examinations were used to assess infection levels and parasite development.
- Control groups received single infections or no infection.
Main Results:
- Trickle infections of E. falciformis significantly enhanced E. pragensis oocyst output.
- Histological analysis revealed increased asexual parasites and a higher female/male ratio in E. pragensis infections following E. falciformis trickle infection.
- Trickle infections of E. pragensis did not significantly affect E. falciformis single infections.
- No evidence of additional asexual generations was observed.
Conclusions:
- E. falciformis can modulate the host response to E. pragensis, leading to increased parasite proliferation.
- The observed interaction is unidirectional, with E. pragensis having no significant impact on E. falciformis.
- These findings highlight the complexity of Eimeria co-infections and their potential impact in natural settings.
