Tissue-specific transcriptome regulation during intestinal nematode infection in chickens with different levels of growth performance
Co-infections with nematodes and protozoa occur frequently in free-ranging chickens and lead to complex local and systemic physiological responses, particularly in immune and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to investigate tissue-specific transcriptomic regulation in chickens co-infected with Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, later developing a Histomonas meleagridis infection. The study focused on male birds of three chicken strains with different growth rates i.e. Lohmann Brown-LB, Lohmann Dual-LD, and Ross-308 and on three tissues; jejunum, caecum, and liver as these organs are predilection sites for the parasite life cycle, and are central in host nutrient absorption, local and systemic immune responses, and metabolic regulation.