Experimental infection of chickens with two species of Eimeria isolated from the Malaysian jungle fowl

Abstract

Two species of Eimeria isolated from jungle fowl of Malaysia were examined in infections of chickens. Eimeria diminuta reproduced well in the embryo CAM and caused severe infection of the lower small intestine and caeca of chickens, but did not develop in the duodenum. It reproduced well in chickens and severely affected their body weight gain. The endogenous stages and oocysts were similar to E. acervulina var. mivati and cross-protection tests with this parasite and E. acervulina confirmed the close relationship between them. It is suggested that the parasite should be referred to as E. acervulina var. diminuta.The oocysts of another species examined (E. indentata) were similar to E. maxima: the parasite reproduced well in chickens, was pathogenic and showed marked cross-protection against two strains of E. maxima isolated in Britain. The name E. maxima var. indentata is suggested for this parasite.When low immunizing doses of two strains of E. maxima isolated and maintained in Britain were given, they did not completely cross-protect against re-infection with the heterologous strain.