Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on Eimeria acervulina pathogenicity, immunogenicity and structural integrity

Abstract

Eimeria acervulina is a protozoan parasite that can cause intestinal lesions and reduced weight gain in chickens. E. acervulina oocysts were treated by high hydrostatic pressure and evaluated for pathogenicity, immunogenicity , and structural integrity. Pressure treatment of E. acervulina oocysts at 550 MPa for 2 min at 4, 20 or 40 °C rendered the parasites nonpathogenic to chickens. Pressure treatment at 40 °C also prevented fecal shedding of oocysts. Upon challenge with non-pressurized E. acervulina oocysts, partial immunity was observed with a reduction in lesion severity in chickens that had been inoculated with pressure-treated oocysts. No changes to the fragility and permeability of the oocyst wall or excystation of sporocysts were observed as a result of pressure treatment. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed no changes to the whole oocyst or sporocysts. Recovery and the morphology of excysted sporozoites were altered by pressure treatment. These results suggest that pressure affects sporozoite integrity. High-hydrostatic pressure processing has been shown to inactivate various microorganisms and is utilized commercially for enhanced food safety and quality. Some pathogenic microorganisms have been inactivated by HPP yet retain immunogenic properties suggesting potential application for vaccine development. Eimeria acervulina is a poultry pathogen for which new vaccines are sought. E. acervulina is also closely related to Cyclospora cayetanensis , a foodborne human pathogen. HPP was explored for effect on E. acervulina for potential vaccine development for chickens and for insight on HPP effects on parasites for enhanced safety of human foods.