Ultrastructural changes in the macrogamete and early oocyst of Eimeria maxima resulting from drug treatment.

Abstract

The ultrastructure of the macrogamete and developing oocyst of Eimeria maxima (Weybridge strain) was examined in the intestinal cells of chicks fed 3 different anticoccidial drugs. Amprolium at 125 p.p.m., arprinocid at 35 p.p.m. and dinitolmide at 250 p.p.m. caused considerable morphological abnormality and incomplete development of the wall-forming bodies of Type 2 (WFB II), which did not appear able to participate in oocyst wall formation. The wall-forming bodies of Type 1 (WFB I) were able in each case to participate in oocyst wall formation although amprolium and dinitolmide produced morphological abnormalities in them. In birds medicated with dinitolmide, the outer layer of the oocyst wall was formed initially at opposite poles of the macrogametes rather than as a uniform layer. Other abnormalities resulting from drug treatment are reported and some evidence that intravacuolar tubules may be formed by the parasite pellicle is presented.