Changes in cecal composition with Eimeria tenella infection.

In each of three trials, the wet and dry weights of Eimeria tenella infected ceca were significantly increased compared to the control. The percentage of moisture and lipid in the cecal tissue remained unchanged or slightly increased. These effects were observed for all parasite strains examined and were detectable as early as day 4 postinoculation. Analysis of cecal protein and DNA suggested a uniform increase in cecal tissue rather than the production of a specific protein or component in response to the infection. Histological measurements of infected ceca, compared with the control, showed a twofold increase in both mucosal thickness and muscular thickness.