Differences in fecundity of Eimeria maxima strains exhibiting different levels of pathogenicity in its avian host

- Pathogenicity of Eimeria maxima strains (APU1, APU2) was compared for the first time.
- E. maxima APU1 caused greater weight depression compared to E. maxima APU2.
- E. maxima APU1 caused higher intestinal lesion scores in chickens than E. maxima APU2.
- E. maxima APU1 was more fecund than E. maxima APU2.

Eimeria maxima is one of the most pathogenic species of avian coccidia, yet it is unknown why different E. maxima strains differ in the pathogenic effects they cause in chickens. The purpose of this study was to determine if a more pathogenic E. maxima strain (APU1) was also more fecund than a less pathogenic E. maxima strain (APU2). At identical doses, E. maxima APU1 always produces greater intestinal lesions and lower weight gain compared to E. maxima APU2. Using a dose response study, median and mean intestinal lesion scores in E. maxima APU1-infected chickens were greater by a score of 1-1.5 compared to chickens infected with E. maxima APU2. Likewise, weight gain depression in E. maxima APU1-infected chickens was 20-25% greater (equivalent to 110-130 g body weight) than in E. maxima APU2-infected chickens. In order to understand the underlying cause of these observed clinical effects, 120 broiler chicks (5 oocyst levels, 6 replicates/level) were inoculated with various doses of E. maxima APU1 or APU2 oocysts. The dynamics of oocyst shedding was investigated by collecting fecal material every 12 h from 114 to 210 h post-inoculation (p.i.) and every 24 h thereafter from 210 to 306 h, and then processed for measuring E. maxima oocyst output. Oocysts were first observed at 138 h p.i., and time of peak oocyst production was nearly identical for both E. maxima APU1 and APU2 around 150-162 h. Total oocyst production was 1.1-2.6 fold higher at all dose levels for E. maxima APU1 compared to E. maxima APU2, being significantly higher (P < 0.05) at the log 1.5 dose level. Other groups of chickens were infected with higher doses of E. maxima APU1 or APU2 oocysts, and intestinal lesions were assessed by histology at 72, 96, 120, and 144 h p.i. Although schizonts, gamonts, and oocysts were observed at expected time-points, no obvious differences were noted in lesions induced by the two E. maxima strains. This study showed that the greater fecundity of E. maxima APU1 compared to E. maxima APU2 explains in part the observed differences in pathogenicity of the two E. maxima strains, but that other factors may contribute to differences in observed clinical effects.