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Submitted to: Proceedings of North Central Avian Disease Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by several species of Eimeria protozoa that impair the growth of chickens. Currently no vaccine is available and poultry industry depends upon prophylactic medication for coccidiosis control. Ability to develop non-drug- dependent control strategy will save poultry industry > $450 million. In this review, an ARS scientist discusses a new way to identify potential vaccine antigens for coccidiosis control using chicken hybridoma technology. Identification of immunogenic proteins will lead to the eventual development of a coccidia vaccine. Technical Abstract: Coccidiosis is a ubiquitous intestinal infection caused by many species of Eimeria protozoan that seriously impairs the growth and feed utilization of livestock and poultry. The ability to vaccinate for the control of coccidiosis would have a major impact on the poultry industry and reduce the current annual loss of over $440 million world-wide. Development of novel strategies toward coccidial vaccine development is urgently needed. In this report, a new approach to identify potential coccidial vaccine antigens is discussed. This approach involves: 1) identification of the sporozoite receptor proteins of Eimeria responsible for recognition and penetration of host lymphocytes, and 2) investigation of the ability of recombinant receptor proteins to elicit protective immunity that block parasite invasion of host cells. Identification of the Eimeria-specific epitopes involved in the invasion of the host cells is crucial for the development of a practical and effective immunological control strategy for this disease. |
