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  Contributed Papers: Posters
Diagnosis and Epidemiology

 

Characterization of cryptic field isolates of Eimeria spp. from chickens.

Wayne G. Woods and D. Grant Richards*
Eimeria Pty Ltd, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, VIC, 3030. Australia.
*medichick@ava.com.au

The identification of variants of Eimeria species has important implications in discovering emerging strains not covered by current vaccines. It was therefore important, in Australia, to determine if local strains reflected overseas trends in this regard.
We have been studying the species composition of coccidiosis outbreaks in Australian chickens. The technique we employ involves the isolation of DNA from faecal oocysts and a PCR/electrophoresis analysis of the ITS-2 region of the parasite genome. All previously analysed strains, encompassing the seven known species of chicken Eimeria, are present species-specific banding patterns, with only minor variation in band positions between strains.
From the analysis of field samples, we have obtained isolates that represent two novel banding patterns. Pure isolates of these two cryptic taxa were obtained first by passage of mixed-species oocysts through hyperimmunized birds, and then isolation and amplification of single oocysts. The isolates were then characterized by biometrics, macro- and microscopic gut lesions, prepatent period, reproductive index and genetic sequencing. This poster details the isolation, characterization, and taxonomic affiliation of these two taxa.

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