Morphological study of partridge Eimeria procera development in the foreign host - Leghorn chicks (Gallus gallus)

Abstract

In order to morphological study of non-specific host immune response, cross-species experimental infection of Leghorn chicks with partridge specific coccidium, Eimeria procera (10⁶ oocyst/per birds) was done.Schizonts of E. procera were histologically observed in all the parts of small intestine and caeca of chicks.Heterophilic and lymphocytic infiltration in lamina propria, and damage of villi intestine were observed. Schizonts were studied by electron microscope after 12, 30, and 60 hours post-infection (h pi). Results demonstrated immature and structurally damaged schizonts at 12 h pi, delayed maturation of first generation schizonts at 30 h pi, and phagocytosis of parasites at 60 h pi by intraepithelial lymphocytes.