Genetic and biological characterisation of three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units that infect chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Blake, Damer P.; Vrba, Vladimír; Xia, Dong; Jatau, Isa Danladi; Spiro, Simon; Nolan, Matthew J.; Underwood, Greg; Tomley, Fiona M.

doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.12.004

Cited by 47 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Seven Eimeria species have long been recognized to infect chickens, appearing on every continent where chickens are farmed (Clark et al, 2016). Additionally, three cryptic Eimeria genotypes have recently been identified as new species (Cantacessi et al, 2008;Blake et al, 2021). At least five Eimeria species infect turkeys, although their taxonomy remains a topic of debate (Vrba & Pakandl, 2014;El-Sherry et al, 2015).…”

Section: Eimeria Cause Of the Disease Coccidiosismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The opacity of Eimeria population genetics has recently been emphasized by the characterization of three new Eimeria species that infect chickens. Previously identified as operational taxonomic units (OTUs) x, y and z (Cantacessi et al, 2008), recent studies of morphology, pathology, genetics and phylogeny suggest these parasites warrant distinct species status and they have been named Eimeria lata, Eimeria nagambie and Eimeria zaria (Blake et al, 2021). It is notable that all three new species escape immune inhibition in chickens vaccinated with current anticoccidial vaccines from Europe and Australia, indicating a new coccidiosis risk as producers reduce their reliance on routine use of broadspectrum anticoccidial drugs and rely much more on species-specific vaccines.…”

Section: Knowledge Gaps Challenges and Opportunitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spotlight on avian pathology:Eimeriaand the disease coccidiosis

2021

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Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species parasites, remains a major threat to poultry production, undermining economic performance and compromising welfare. The recent characterization of three new Eimeria species that infect chickens has highlighted that many gaps remain in our knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of these parasites. Concerns about the use of anticoccidial drugs, widespread parasite drug resistance, the need for vaccines that can be used across broiler as well as layer and breeder sectors, and consumer preferences for "clean" farming, all point to the need for novel control strategies. New research tools including vaccine delivery vectors, high throughput sequencing, parasite transgenesis and sensitive molecular assays that can accurately assess parasite development in vitro and in vivo are all proving helpful in the ongoing quest for improved cost-effective, scalable strategies for future control of coccidiosis.

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Section: Eimeria Cause Of the Disease Coccidiosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Knowledge Gaps Challenges and Opportunitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spotlight on avian pathology:Eimeriaand the disease coccidiosis

2021

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“…Seven species of Eimeria that infect domestic chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) (Reid et al 2014 ) are recognised as globally ubiquitous ( E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. necatrix, E. praecox and E. tenella ). Additionally, three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units (OTUs) have been detected in chickens from across several continents (Cantacessi et al 2008 ; Clark et al 2016 ; Hinsu et al 2018 ; Hauck et al 2019 ), and on the basis of genotypic and phenotypic properties these were recently proposed to be previously unrecognised parasite species and given the names Eimeria lata , Eimeria nagambie and Eimeria zaria (Blake et al 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The emergence of what appear to be previously undetected Eimeria species suggests that there is potential for additional pathogenic and economic threats in the future. All three of the newly described species have negative impacts on chicken production parameters and the live vaccines currently available to control coccidiosis confer very low or no protection against them, most likely because of the species-specific nature of immune protection induced by Eimeria infection (Fornace et al 2013 ; Blake et al 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controlling the causative agents of coccidiosis in domestic chickens; an eye on the past and considerations for the future

et al. 2021

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Coccidiosis is a potentially severe enteritis caused by species of obligate intracellular parasites of the genus Eimeria. These parasites cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry, predominantly due to compromised efficiency of production as well as the cost of control. These losses were recently estimated to cost chicken producers approximately £10.4 billion worldwide annually. High levels of Eimeria infection cause clinical coccidiosis which is a significant threat to poultry welfare, and a pre-disposing contributory factor for necrotic enteritis. Control of Eimeria parasites and coccidiosis is therefore an important endeavour; multiple approaches have been developed and these are often deployed together. This review summarises current trends in strategies for control of Eimeria, focusing on three main areas: good husbandry, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. There is currently no “perfect solution” and there are advantages and limitations to all existing methods. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present current control strategies and suggest how these may develop in the future.

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“…Coccidiosis, the most economically important parasitic disease of poultry is caused by members of the genus Eimeria and its usually characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances, high morbidity and mortality (Fanatico, 2006;Engidaw and Getachew, 2018). Several species of Eimeria have been identi ed in poultry (Fernandez et al 2003) including the recently discovered Eimeria zaria, E. nagambie and E. lata (Blake et al 2021), of which E. tenella and E. necatrix constitute the most pathogenic species (Musa et al 2010;Owai and Mgbere, 2010) causing caecal and intestinal coccidiosis, respectively (Jatau et al 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Effect of Dietary Supplements On Performance And Severity of Experimental Eimeria Tenella Infection In Broiler Chickens

Ogwiji

Danladi

Joseph

et al. 2021

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The effect of the dietary supplements; sugarcane molasses (prebiotic), Antox® (probiotic) and Enflorax® (synbiotic) on gut health, performance and severity of infection with Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens were evaluated in this study. Ninety (90) day-old broiler chicks were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). Groups B to F were challenged with Eimeria tenella (2.0 × 104 oocysts/chick). Groups C, D and E were supplemented from day old with prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic respectively, while F was administered amprolium. Groups A and B served as negative and positive controls respectively. Feed intake and performance parameters were assessed weekly for each group. After infection clinical signs, morbidity and mortality rates were monitored alongside oocysts output, gross and microscopic caecal lesions. Infected chickens exhibited clinical signs 4 days post infection (dpi) with 100% morbidity in all infected groups. Infected groups showed significant (P<0.05) drop in feed intake and weight gain from 3 - 5 weeks of age. Feed conversion ratio was highest in B but lower in the supplemented groups. Oocysts output in faeces were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the supplemented groups compared with B. Macroscopic lesion scores 7 dpi were significantly lower in the supplemented groups compared with B, though Group F had the lowest mean score. Histopathological examination of caeca tissues showed milder lesions in the supplemented groups. In conclusion, the supplements prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic ameliorated the consequences of caecal coccidiosis in broiler chickens and therefore recommended for use in broiler production.

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Genetic and biological characterisation of three cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units that infect chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract: Graphical abstract

Cited by 47 publications

References 52 publications

Spotlight on avian pathology:Eimeriaand the disease coccidiosis

Spotlight on avian pathology:Eimeriaand the disease coccidiosis

Controlling the causative agents of coccidiosis in domestic chickens; an eye on the past and considerations for the future

Comparative Effect of Dietary Supplements On Performance And Severity of Experimental Eimeria Tenella Infection In Broiler Chickens

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