title: The immunizing potential of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria nieschulzi exposed to heat and Co-60 gamma-radiation.
abstract: Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria nieschulzi Dieben 1924, a rat coccidium, were exposed to radiation, heat, or both in an effort to attenuate the parasite. Moderate levels of each treatment or combination thereof attenuated the parasite, reduced pathogenesis (as judged by oocyst discharge during primary infection), and produced immunity to challenge when the oocysts were subsequently inoculated into rats. Thus, heat- and/or radiation-treated E. nieschulzi oocysts fed to rats could reduce pathogenesis during a primary infection and yet give good homologous protection.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D004539:Eimeria / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007114:Immunization; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
chemical_list: D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes