Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Changes Caused by Coccidiosis in Chickens

Abstract

Hematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by coccidiosis in broiler chickens from an outbreak of bloody coccidiosis in a flock on a small-scale broiler farm, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, were evaluated. Eimeria tenella and E. brunetti were identified. Anemia caused by these species was characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells (RBC) and decreased packed cell volume (PCV). Differential leukocyte counts revealed monocytosis, lymphocytosis, heterophilia and eosinophilia. Serum biochemical analysis showed decreases in alanine aminotransferase/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT/GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase/glutamic oxalacetic transaminases (AST/GOT), and a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Histopathological examinations of the affected caeca also demonstrated excessive tissue damage, hemorrhage, the presence of clusters of large schizonts and merozoites in the tissue, and coccidian oocysts in the lumen. The study demonstrated changes in the hematology, histopathology and blood chemistry of broilers caused by E. tenella and E. brunetti.