Protection against Eimeria stiedae in Rabbits by using sonicated sporulated oocyst vaccine

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a sonicated sporulated oocyst vaccine against E. stiedae in rabbits, in Parasitology department/ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Baghdad, from the beginning of January to the end of December 2015. Forty rabbits were divided randomly into 4 equal groups. Different doses of sonicated sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae were given to group I and II, subcutaneously, and challenged by 1000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae on day 20 post vaccination. Group III had been injected the challenge dose, while group IV were administered water only. All rabbits were subjected for oocyst shedding rate and blood sampling to estimate total and differential leukocyte count, serum antibody titers and hepatic enzymes. Results showed significant differences in oocyst shedding rate between vaccinated and non-vaccinated rabbits, commenced at day 17 post challenge. The Ab titers in vaccinated rabbits were markedly higher than that of the infected rabbits, despite no significant (P>0.05) differences between vaccinated groups. Non-vaccinated rabbits showed significantly higher WBC count, neutrophil and eosinophil with lower lymphocyte percentage than other groups on day 14 PC onwards. Disturbed serum ALP, ALT and AST levels were obvious in G3.