E. meleagrimitis

Some of the characteristics of E. meleagrimitis include the following:

Average size of the oocyst (µm) 19.2  x 16.3
Shape Oval
Prepatent period 103 hours
Minimal time of sporulation 18 hours 

E. meleagrimits affects mainly the duodenum and the characteristics lesions are mainly related with the intestinal contents. The lamina propia or deeper tissues may be parasitised, and may result in necrotic enteritis. The droppings may contain pseudomembranes, mucous and blood.

According to the lesion scale developed in AFSSA-Ploufragan, the lesions caused by E. meleagrimitis can be described in the following way:

Score 0:

Normal appearance of duodenum and jejunum. The mucous is orange with the presence of dense mucous.

Score 1: Presence of some filaments at the level of the duodenum loop. The mucosal wall is orange and the intestinal content is normal.

Score 2: Presence of filaments that tends to aggregate and form small clots of clear colour. A pseudomembrane may be present. The intestinal content is absent or very reduced.

Score 3: Presence of orange gross pseudomembranes that are adhered to the mucosa or in the lumen of the duodenum and jejunum.  Necrosis of the mucosa and presence of petequial haemorrhages. Very little or no feed content.

Score 4: Presence of orange gross pseudomembranes that can be easily separated from the intestinal wall. Total necrosis and desegregation of the mucosal villi. The duodenum is obstructed by the pseudomembranes and transparent liquid. Big areas of necrosis and focal haemorrhages in the mucosa level.

In experimental infections the lesions are visible on day 5 to the 6th day post infection. 


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