Development of immunization trials against Eimeria spp.

Coccidiosis is a major intestinal disease affecting economically valuable livestock animals such as chickens and turkeys. Economic losses are associated with decreased productivity in afflicted animals. The different Eimeria spp. are the main etiologic agents for that virulent disease. The usefulness of prophylactic and therapeutic anticoccidial compounds has decreased in recent years due to the emergence of drug resistance in Eimeria, together with their possible toxic effect to the human consumers. Despite that, biosecurity and disinfection measures are the cornerstone to control the emergence of the pathogen, the immunization methods proved to be more practical and promising to prevent outbreaks due to coccidia. Since the early 1950s, several attempts were followed to formulate commercial immunotherapies, but up till now none proved to be sufficient. This review summarizes, classifies, and evaluates the trials performed to prevent avian coccidiosis, thereafter introduces an out of frame scientific strategy to find a solution for that emerging parasite.