Immunological Evaluation of Two Local Isolates of
Eimeria tenella
Gametocytes against Coccidiosis in Poultry
Masood Akhtar*, M. Irfan Anwar, Zafar Iqbal,
Faqir Muhammad1, Mian Muhammad Awais, Ahsan ul Haq2
and Elzbieta Hiszczynska-Sawicka3
Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of
Parasitology; 1Department of Physiology & Pharmacology;
2Department of Poultry Science, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan; 3Faculty of
Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 84,
Lincoln 7647, Canterbury, New Zealand
*Corresponding author:
drakhtar@brain.net.pk
Abstract
Two local isolates of
Eimeria tenella gametocytes
against coccidiosis were immunologically evaluated in chickens. Cell
mediated immune response were detected by modified splenic cell migration
inhibition assay (MSCMIA) and data was expressed in terms of per cent migration
index. No significant difference in per cent migration index was detected for
the chickens immunized either with Vaccine-I (local isolate-I) or with
Vaccine-II (local isolate-II); however per cent migration index was
comparatively lower in chickens immunized with Vaccine-II as compared to
Vaccine-I; indicating a somewhat higher cell mediated immune (CMI) response. Humoral immune response was monitored by
ELISA in vaccinated and control chickens. Significantly elevated (P<0.05)
antibody titer (IgG) in chickens immunized with Vaccine-II as compared to
Vaccine-I was detected. Significantly higher protection (67%) in chickens
immunized with Vaccine-II followed by vaccine-I (49%) was recorded. Further,
oocyst count was significantly lower (P<0.05) in chickens immunized with
Vaccine-II as compared to those immunized with Vaccine-I. It was concluded that
vaccinal strain (Vaccine-II) contained additional protein of high molecular
weight (49.23 kDa) in its gametocytes provided cross protection and can be used
to prepare commercial vaccineagainst
coccidiosis in poultry.
Key words:
Coccidiosis, Eimeria tenella,
Gametocytes vaccine, Local isolates