Eimeria tenella, is the most prevalent species of coccidia causing high economic losses in poultry industry. A total number of 50 one- day old Hubbard chicks were randomly divided into two groups each consisting of 25 chicks. The first group was vaccinated with 3 doses 20 µg E. tenella sporozoite antigen emulsified in Freund's adjuvant on the breast region at 1, 7 and 14 days of age. The first immunization was administered with Freund's complete adjuvant, while the second and third ones were applied with Freund's incomplete adjuvant. The immunized chicks showed significant protection against challenge with Eimeria infestation in terms of oocyst production, mortality and mean lesion scores. The mean oocyst count, mortality and mean lesion scores in immunized chicks were 1.53 ± 0.12, 0$ and + 1.6, respectively, while they were 03.86 ± 0,28, 36.67% and + 3.70 in control chick's respectively. The sporozoite antigen produced a significant cell mediated immune response as assessed by lymphocyte migration inhibition test and antibody response as assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. It is feasible to adopt control measures against avian coccidiosis through immunization of chicks with antigen isolated from E. tenella sporozoites as well as application of hygienic measures in poultry farms to safeguard against spread of coccidial infestation. |
