Eimeria species: host/pathogen interactions and novel control strategies

Eimeria belong to the phylum Apicomplexa, which include many devastating parasites of man and livestock. Coccidiosis caused by the Eimeria species is the single most economically important protozoan disease of poultry throughout the world and new methods of control are required. The development of novel control strategies will be facilitated through a combination of fundamental and applied biology, supported through the development of appropriate tools. Recent progress in genomic and proteomic projects led by IAH scientists, supplemented by the development of reverse genetic techniques to manipulate the parasite genome, now provide a solid platform for these studies. Three key strands of study underpin this work package to define Eimeria components central to host interaction with relevance to future control strategies. Firstly, the endemic distribution of the Eimeria species and the longevity of the environmental phase of the lifecycle demand stringent biological control during reproduction for laboratory resources. The production of parasites and parasite derived materials will continue to support genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and functional projects within IAH and in collaboration with other scientists. Output from these studies will be utilised in the identification and characterisation of key parasite molecules including surface antigens and proteins integral to parasite motility, adhesion, invasion and replication. Secondly, antigens identified will be rationally prioritised for inclusion in novel control strategies, informed by ongoing competitively funded molecular characterisation and genetic mapping projects. Finally, we will capitalise on the development of reverse genetic tools for Eimeria to inform ongoing studies and investigate applications as vaccine delivery vehicles in programmes protective against Eimeria and other pathogens of poultry.