Extended schizogony of Eimeria mivati in betamethasone-treated chickens

Abstract

Cortisone treatment of BL chickens given oocysts of Eimeria mivati resulted in the production of greater numbers of oocysts in the faeces and a prolonged patent period.Schizonts were seen in sections of the intestines of treated birds up to the 24th day after oocyst inoculation although none was seen in control chickens after the 8th day. These late schizonts resembled those of the 3rd and 4th generations recorded for this species but may be those of a generation not yet described.The depletion of intestinal lymphoid tissue in cortisone-treated birds is noted. The findings are discussed with reference to host-parasite relationships.We wish to thank the scientific assistants and senior poultry attendant of the department for their help throughout the work.