Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa.
Parasite. 2021;28:48. doi: 10.1051/parasite/2021047. Epub 2021 Jun 2.
The gastrointestinal tract in poultry harbours a diverse microbial community that serves a crucial role in digestion and protection. Disruption of the gut environment due to Eimeria spp. parasite infection causes an imbalance in intestinal homeostasis, driving the increment of pathogens such as Clostridium species. Coccidiosis infection affects the composition and integrity of gut microbiota, resulting in elevated susceptibility to diseases that pose a serious threat to the overall health and productivity of chickens. Anticoccidial drugs have proven effective in curbing coccidiosis but with concerning drawbacks like drug resistance and drug residues in meat. The exploration of natural alternative strategies such as probiotics and phytochemicals is significant in controlling coccidiosis through modification and restoration of gut microbiota, without inducing drug resistance. Understanding the interaction between Eimeria parasites and gut microbiota is crucial for the control and prevention of coccidiosis, and the development of novel alternative treatments.
家禽的胃肠道中栖息着多样化的微生物群落，这些微生物在消化和保护中起着至关重要的作用。艾美耳球虫寄生虫感染导致肠道环境失衡，破坏了肠道内的微生物平衡，从而促使诸如梭菌属等病原体的数量增加。球虫感染会影响肠道微生物群落的组成和完整性，导致家禽对疾病的易感性增加，这些疾病对鸡的整体健康和生产力构成严重威胁。抗球虫药物在控制球虫病方面已被证明是有效的，但也存在着一些问题，如耐药性和药物残留。通过改变和恢复肠道微生物群，探索益生菌和植物化学物质等天然替代策略来控制球虫病，而不诱导耐药性，这具有重要意义。了解艾美耳球虫寄生虫和肠道微生物群之间的相互作用，对于控制和预防球虫病以及开发新的替代治疗方法至关重要。
