Coccidiosis in Poultry: Eimeria Species and Transmission

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Questions and Answers

What is the host of Eimeria tenella?

Pig

Chicken (correct)

Rabbit

Sheep

What is the characteristic configuration of Eimeria oocysts?

1:4:2 (correct)

1:2:4

2:3:4

2:4:1

What is the result of the emergence of merozoites?

Tissue repair and cell regeneration

Tissue inflammation and cell activation

Tissue destruction and cell death (correct)

Tissue growth and cell division

What is the name of the disease caused by Eimeria tenella?

Cecal coccidiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the mode of transmission of Eimeria?

Ingestion of contaminated food and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the sexual gamogony stage in the Eimeria life cycle?

Production of oocysts Signup and view all the answers

Where are tissue cysts often found in the body?

In the muscles and central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii?

Members of the family Felidae Signup and view all the answers

How do cats become infected with Toxoplasma gondii?

By consuming infected intermediate hosts Signup and view all the answers

How can humans become infected with Toxoplasma gondii?

Through multiple routes, including contaminated food and water, organ transplantation, and transplacentally Signup and view all the answers

What is the form of the parasite that localizes in neural and muscle tissue?

Bradyzoite Signup and view all the answers

How long can oocysts remain infectious in water or warm, moist soils?

Up to 18 months Signup and view all the answers

In what type of climate do they not survive well?

Arid and cool Signup and view all the answers

How long can tachyzoites survive in body fluids at room temperature?

Up to a day Signup and view all the answers

In which animals does the intestinal/enteroepithelial/sexual phase occur?

Wild and domesticated cats Signup and view all the answers

What is the route of transmission of toxoplasmosis through ingestion of bradyzoites?

Through raw or undercooked meat Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of bradyzoite cysts in the immune host?

They persist for the rest of the host's life Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of existing treatments for toxoplasmosis?

They have associated toxicities and hypersensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for breaking out or becoming infective again?

Recrudesce Signup and view all the answers

What type of cysts show very little evidence of inflammation or immune cell infiltrates?

Tissue cysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of infection in cats?

Intestine Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of gametocytes are male?

2-4% Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for oocysts to sporulate?

1-5 days Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of acute infection?

Painful and swollen lymph glands Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of antibodies in the body are IgG antibodies?

75% to 80% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of antibody can cross the placenta in a pregnant woman to help protect her baby?

IgG Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of IgM antibodies?

To cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances Signup and view all the answers

Where are IgE antibodies primarily found in the body?

Lungs, skin, and mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to prevent Toxoplasmosis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of antibodies in the body are IgM antibodies?

5% to 10% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eimeria and Coccidiosis in Poultry

Eimeria species affecting livestock: E. auburnensis (cattle), E. ovinum (sheep), E. porci & E. debliecki (pigs), E. stiedai (rabbits).
Eimeria tenella is the primary species causing cecal or bloody coccidiosis in chickens.
Transmission occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated with sporulated oocysts.
Eimeria oocysts have a distinct 1:4:2 configuration, containing 4 sporocysts with 2 sporozoites each.
Specific immunity develops in birds for each Eimeria species, with no cross-immunity available.

Life Cycle of Eimeria

The parasite undergoes a three-stage life cycle:
- Endogenous multiplication via asexual merogony (schizogony).
- Sexual gamogony, where male microgametes fertilize female macrogametes to produce oocysts, which are then excreted.
- Asexual sporogony that forms sporocysts containing infective sporozoites.

Pathology of Coccidiosis

Cecal coccidiosis leads to bloody diarrhea, sloughing of epithelium, and potential death in poultry.
Emergence of merozoites damages intestinal tissues, leading to necrosis.
Accumulation of large schizonts disrupts capillaries, causing clotted blood and cell debris that may obstruct the cecum.
Significant economic losses are reported for poultry farmers due to this disease.

Toxoplasmosis and Toxoplasma gondii

Primary definitive hosts are members of the Felidae family (e.g., domestic cats).
Unsporulated oocysts are shed in cat feces and can contaminate the environment.
Intermediate hosts such as birds and rodents ingest oocysts, which then transform into tachyzoites, localizing in neural and muscle tissue.
Cats can become infected by consuming intermediate hosts or directly ingesting sporulated oocysts.

Infection Transmission in Humans

Humans may contract Toxoplasma gondii by:
- Eating undercooked meat with tissue cysts.
- Consuming contaminated food or water.
- Blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or transplacental transmission.
Tissue cysts can remain in human hosts, particularly in skeletal muscle, myocardium, brain, and eyes, potentially for life.
Oocysts are resistant and can survive for up to 18 months in favorable environmental conditions.

Bradyzoites and Cyst Formation

Bradyzoites mark the start of a chronic phase of infection and remain highly infective if ingested.
Tissue cysts exhibit minimal evidence of inflammation and can persist despite an active immune response.
Resistance to low pH and digestive enzymes allows bradyzoites to infect host tissues post-gastric passage.

Acute Infections in Cats

Acute infections in cats occur primarily in the intestines, manifesting as rapid epithelial cell loss and potential fatalities.
Common symptoms include swollen lymph glands, fever, headache, muscle pain, and may be misdiagnosed as flu.
Mass infections may be particularly harmful to kittens.

Antibodies Overview

IgA: Not discussed in-depth; role in mucosal immunity.
IgG: Predominant antibody class, crucial for fighting infections; can cross the placenta to protect fetuses.
IgM: Largest antibody, first produced during infections; helps in clearance of pathogens.
IgE: Associated with allergic reactions, particularly to environmental allergens.
IgD: Function remains unclear; present in small amounts in certain tissues.

Prevention of Toxoplasmosis

Avoid raw or undercooked meat to prevent Toxoplasma infection.
Thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Daily removal of feces from the litter box to reduce parasite transmission.
Keeping cats indoors minimizes hunting and exposure to potential infection sources.

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Description

Learn about the different species of Eimeria, their hosts, and the transmission of coccidiosis in poultry. Understand the characteristics of Eimeria oocysts and the specific immunity they produce in birds.