The development of Eimeria necatrix Johnson, 1930 and Eimeria brunetti Levine, 1942 in the caeca of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract

When sporozoites of E. necatrix or E. brunetti are injected into the caeca of coccidia-free chickens they penetrate the caecal epithelium and initiate life-cycles which are similar to those developing in the usual sites in the small intestine. Viable oocysts of E. necatrix are produced which can be sporulated and, when given to coccidia-free chickens, produce characteristic infections in the small intestine. Possible implications of this investigation are discussed.