Laboratory studies with clones of Eimeria hungaryensis, a parasite of the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus.
Doses from 1 to 10(5) sporulated oocysts of a cloned strain of Eimeria hungaryensis were used to infect laboratory-reared, coccidia-free wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus). Total oocyst production, reproductive indices (output/dose) and daily patterns of oocyst production were compared. At doses of 10(2) oocysts or less, observed yields exceeded expected yields calculated using details of endogenous stages. At doses above 10(2) oocysts, the converse occurred. From infections initiated with 10(2) oocysts, total outputs were not significantly different in male and female wood mice, host age had no apparent effect and repeated infections, at 10-day intervals, of both sexes, resulted in progressive decreases in output at each successive infection, suggesting development of resistance.
Higgs
S
S
Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Berks.
Nowell
F
F
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004539:Eimeria / Q000502:physiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009115:Muridae / Q000469:parasitology*; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D012737:Sex Factors