The use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of the immune status of chickens artificially immunized against coccidiosis

Nine thousand commercial breeder chicks (Chankee) reared in a floor pen were exposed to restricted numbers of Eimeria tenella and E. necatrix oocysts to confer immunity. Antibody induction in these chicks was examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with antigen prepared from E. tenella oocysts. The oocyst excretion pattern demonstrated recycled infections which continued in these chicks for greater than or equal to 22 days after exposure. Antibody levels in their sera, as determined by the mean absorbence values in ELISA, increased gradually up to 38 days post-inoculation. Mean absorbence values of sera from control chicks remained at a low level. When infected and control chicks were challenged with the two species of coccidia, the test chicks were protected against both species. The antibody level did not change for 8 days in the challenge groups, while in the control chicks, absorbence in ELISA rose significantly and the mean absorbence value was higher than that in immunized chicks. Some factors which influence the results of ELISA are considered and the applicability of this method to measuring immunity against coccidiosis in chickens is discussed.     

ELISA检测DLV虫苗免疫鸡抗体消长规律的研究

将柔嫩、毒害、巨型艾美耳球虫的孢子化卵囊制成可溶性抗原，用酶联免疫吸附试验检测鸡球虫双重致弱多凤苗虫苗、为柔嫩、毒害、巨型艾美耳球虫三价苗免疫鸡血清抗球虫抗体的消长规律。     

Oocyst output and transmission rates during successive infections with Eimeria acervulina in experimental broiler flocks

The infection dynamics of Eimeria species determine the clinical manifestation of the disease coccidiosis in poultry flocks, and a better understanding of the dynamics may contribute to improvement of control measures. Our aim was to study the course of infection and the transmission of Eimeria acervulina in groups of broilers by quantifying the transmission rate parameter and oocyst output. Three transmission experiments were carried out with groups of 20 male SPF broilers. At 2 days of age, one bird in each trial was orally inoculated with five sporulated E. acervulina oocysts (D0 post-inoculation, pi). One day after inoculation (D1 pi), the inoculated bird was housed with 19 non-inoculated contact birds. Individual faecal droppings were examined daily from D3-D32 pi to quantify the number of oocysts per gram faeces. The inoculated bird started shedding oocysts at D5 pi and contact birds between D10 and D17 pi. Contact birds that became infected due to oocyst excretion by the inoculated bird were characterized as first generation contact birds (C1). Contact birds excreting from D15 pi onwards (C2) became infected after the first C1 birds had started shedding and were considered to belong to a successive generation of the flock infection. Oocyst output was significantly lower for C1 compared to C2 birds, but the transmission rate parameter remained constant for both infection generations. These results suggest that although oocyst load increases, the transmission rate of E. acervulina remains constant between successive generations of infection in a flock.     

Effects of clopidol on sporulation and infectivity of Eimeria tenella oocysts

Feed additive anticoccidials currently used in Japan were examined for possible effects on oocyst sporulation of Eimeria tenella. Monensin, salinomycin, lasalocid, amprolium plus ethpabate, amporolium plus ethopabate plus sulfaquinoxaline, clopidol, or nicarbazin were given to chickens continuously via the feed at the recommended use level or one-half of that level. Oocysts discharged in feces 7-8 days post inoculation (PI) were collected and aerated for sporulation. Low sporulation rate was noted, when clopidol at 62.5 mg kg-1 was given from 4 to 7 days PI. These oocysts were as infective as oocysts from controls, based on weight gain, feed efficiency, gross lesion score of cecae, and oocyst count 7 days PI. The results of the study indicated that the second schizogony and gametogony are vulnerable to clopidol, as evidenced by oocyst sporulation, but infectivity of these sporulated oocysts was not affected.     

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for coccidiosis in chickens: correlation of antibody levels with prior exposure to coccidia in the laboratory and in the field

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for detecting antibody to coccidia to facilitate the survey of laboratory and field infections. Serum antibody levels in chickens were measured against soluble Eimeria tenella oocyst antigen. Sera from breeders aged 10, 23, 37, and 43 weeks were positive with uniformly high antibody titers. Broiler chick sera showed high maternal antibody titer at hatch, decreasing to an almost negligible response at 3 weeks of age. Two-week-old broiler chicks had variable responses to a single infection of E. tenella: titers were elevated at 8 to 10 days postinfection and generally increased through day 24. Weekly reinfection of 2-week-old broiler chickens produced an antibody titer in proportion to the number of oocysts per dose and stimulated protection against challenge with 2 x 10(5) E. tenella. Inbred birds raised in a pathogen-free environment for 6 weeks had no detectable antibody titers.     

鸡胚接种柔嫩艾美耳球虫和堆形艾美耳球虫活卵囊的免疫保护试验

给18日龄鸡胚接种一定剂量的柔嫩艾美耳球虫(Eim eria tenella)和/或堆形艾美耳球虫(E.acervulina)孢子化卵囊,出雏后在无球虫环境中笼养,1~10日龄每天收集各组粪便样本,计数克粪便卵囊数(OPG),并于14日龄时以大剂量同源孢子化卵囊攻虫,以相对增重率(RWG)、饲料转化率(FCR)、相对卵囊产量(ROP)评价免疫保护效果。结果显示,以E.tenella或E.acervulina卵囊免疫18日龄鸡胚,其卵囊排出的潜隐期及达到峰值的时间与1日龄雏鸡接种组相一致,有相似的排卵囊曲线,提示其诱导免疫的建立是在出雏后开始建立的。攻虫后各免疫组的RWG由攻虫对照组的31.9%~51.7%提高到了76.5%~83.6%,RCR由攻虫对照组的4.11~4.89改善为2.72~2.96,ROP降至4.7%~23.5%。结果表明以一定剂量E.tenella和E.acervulina卵囊单独或混合经羊膜腔免疫18日龄鸡胚都可以建立起针对出雏后14日龄同源攻虫的良好免疫保护力。比较混合免疫E.tenella和E.acervulina卵囊组与单一接种E.tenella或E.acervulina卵囊组的免疫效果发现,混合免疫组的各项指标均稍优于后者。     

Enteropathogenicity of Dutch and German avian reoviruses in SPF white leghorn chickens and broilers

The enteropathogenicity of avian reoviruses (ARVs), isolated from chickens affected with malabsorption syndrome (MAS) from The Netherlands and Germany was studied. In the first trial seven different ARVs isolated from MAS cases were inoculated in 1-day-old specific pathogenic free (SPF) white leghorns. The pathogenicity was compared with 2 ARVs isolated from cases of tenosynovitis, namely reference strain S1133 and a Dutch strain. Although a difference in the severity of the clinical disease was observed, all reoviruses could induce vacuolar degeneration and sloughing of the epithelium of the small intestine at day 2 post inoculation (PI) till day 7 PI. Two Dutch and one German ARV derived from MAS causing the most severe intestinal lesions at day 2 PI, were further studied in the second trial using SPF broilers. These reoviruses did not cause weight gain depression in the broilers although lesions in the small intestine were present from day 1 up to day 4 PI and were more severe than in the white leghorn chickens. In one of the inoculated groups apical denuded villi were already present at day 1 PI. At day 7 PI the small intestine of the infected broilers appeared to be normal. Reovirus antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of the enterocytes at the tip and middle section of the affected villi both in layers and in broilers. To study the role of intestinal CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and macrophages/monocytes in the pathogenesis of ARV, the numbers of these cells of the jejunal villi of one infected and the control broiler groups were compared. CD4+ T-cells were detected in low numbers and only in the infected broiler group at day 14 PI. The numbers of CD8+ T-cells and macrophages/monocytes were significantly higher in the infected broiler group than in the control broiler group at day 7 and 14 PI and at day 7 PI respectively. Our study indicates that the reovirus alone cannot induce intestinal lesions as found in MAS chickens. Moreover, CD8+ T-cells may play a major role in the pathogenesis and or reovirus clearance in the small intestine.     

Evaluation of the ELISA and comparison to the complement fixation test and radial immunodiffusion enzyme assay for detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in swine serum

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated for detection of antibodies (Ab) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and M. flocculare in sera from swine experimentally infected with these agents. In addition, the ELISA was compared with the complement fixation test (CFT), and radial immunodiffusion enzyme assay (RIDEA) for the demonstration of Ab against M. hyopneumoniae. Twenty two 6-week-old swine from a respiratory disease-free herd were divided into five groups. Two or three pigs from each of the four groups were inoculated, respectively, with M. hyopneumoniae or with M. flocculare while two pigs in each group were contact exposed to the inoculated penmates. A fifth group, consisting of three pigs, served as inoculated controls. Pigs inoculated with M. hyopneumoniae began coughing 13 days post inoculation (PI). Antibodies were first detected 2 weeks PI with the CFT, 3 weeks PI with the ELISA, and 5 weeks PI with the RIDEA. With the ELISA and RIDEA, Ab were still detectable one year PI at a very low level. With the CFT, Ab were not detectable in sera from any swine beyond 5 months PI. At necropsy 1 year PI, no lesions were detected in lungs of any of the animals nor were mycoplasmas detected. M. flocculare inoculated or contact-exposed pigs never evidenced clinical signs. Antibodies against M. flocculare were first detected 5 to 12 weeks PI with CFT, and 6 to 12 weeks PI with the ELISA. Peak optical density (OD) values obtained in the ELISA with M. flocculare Ab were as high as the values obtained with peak M. hyopneumoniae Ab titers. Levels of Ab against M. flocculare were at relatively higher OD at 1 year PI than Ab against M. hyopneumoniae. Sera with high levels of Ab against M. flocculare cross-reacted slightly with M. hyopneumoniae antigen in immunoblotting and ELISA.     

Development and validation of an ELISA for detecting antibodies to Eimeria tenella in chickens

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an ELISA for detecting chicken antibodies to Eimeria tenella. An initial comparison of merozoite and sporozoite antigen preparations revealed few differences in their ability to monitor the onset, kinetics and magnitude of the antibody response suggesting that both antigens would be equally useful for development of an ELISA. Furthermore the cross-reactivity of these antigens with sera from birds infected with chicken Eimeria species was similar. The merozoite antigen was selected for further evaluation because it was easier to prepare. Discrimination between sera from birds experimentally infected with E. tenella and birds maintained in an Eimeria-free isolation facility was excellent. In sera collected from free-range layers and commercial broilers there also appeared to be clear discrimination between infected and uninfected birds. The ELISA should prove useful for monitoring infectivity in vaccination programmes in layer and breeder flocks and for assessing the effectiveness of biosecurity measures in broiler flocks.     

柔嫩艾美耳球虫广西南宁株的分离及鉴定

利用从南宁市郊养鸡场球虫病鸡粪便中收集的球虫混合种卵囊感染小鸡,再应用单卵囊分离感染技术,从感染鸡盲肠中收集的卵囊分离纯化获得1株纯种球虫,经鸡体传代增殖,对该虫株的卵囊大小和卵形指数、潜在期、排卵高峰期、最短孢子化时间、寄生部位、致病性等指标进行观察和测定。结果测得该虫株卵囊的平均大小为(25.743±1.94126)μm×(21.4±1.85985)μm,平均卵型指数为1.2067±0.07;潜在期为140 h;其排卵囊峰期在第6～9天,最高峰在第7天;最短孢子化时间为19 h;寄生部位在盲肠;对两周龄的艾维茵鸡,当使用5×104的孢子化卵囊感染剂量时死亡率为7.5%。根据这些测定和观察到的指标综合鉴定该分离株球虫为柔嫩艾美耳球虫,并命名为柔嫩艾美耳球虫广西南宁株(Eimeria.tenella-GXNN),该研究结果为进一步研究本地区鸡球虫病的药物治疗和免疫预防等奠定了基础。     

抗球虫药在鸡胚球虫感染中活性峰期测定方法的研究

用鸡胚感染柔嫩艾美耳球虫子孢子作为抗球虫药活性峰期测定的模型。每一鸡胚在接种５０００个子孢子后，分别于感染的当天、第２天、第３天和第４天注入测试药物，以不同注药时间对鸡胚卵囊所产生的抑制率的差异，判定药物的活性峰期。结果表明，氯甲吡啶酚和丁氧喹啉的活性峰期是球虫生活史的第１天，卵囊抑制率分别为１００％和９８％；莫能菌素、盐霉素、球Ｒ和加福的作用峰期是第２天，卵囊抑制率均为１００％；氨丙啉的峰期是第３天，卵囊抑制率为１００％；尼卡巴嗪的峰期是第４天，卵囊抑制率为１００％；速丹则在球虫生活史的整个无性阶段均呈现活性作用。加福＋氨丙体＋乙氧乙胺苯甲酯、球Ｒ＋氨丙啉＋乙氧乙胺苯甲酯、加福＋速丹、加福＋尼卡巴嗪及加福＋乙氧乙胺苯甲酯等合剂亦在球虫生活史的整个无性阶段发挥高峰作用，其印囊的抑制率均为１００％；尼卡巴嗪＋氨丙啉合剂则在球虫生活史的第２～４天发挥最大作用，卵囊抑制率为１００％。作者认为，本方法具有操作简单，结果可信及成本低廉的特点，可作为抗球虫药的筛选方法。     

11株巨型艾美耳球虫繁殖力的比较研究

用巨型艾美耳球虫扬州株、南通株、连云港株、苏州株、凤阳株、青岛株、福州株、龙岩株、广州株、上海株和美国株孢子化卵囊100个/只或10 000 个/只,经嗉囔接种7 日龄或21 日龄无球虫黄羽肉公雏,以麦克马斯特法对感染后第6 天至第14 天间每天24 h排出的卵囊计数并进行统计分析。结果表明,各虫株的排卵囊量有差异,100个/只卵囊感染7日龄雏鸡时,广州株和凤阳株排卵囊量最多,上海株和苏州株排卵囊量最少;100个/只卵囊感染21 日龄雏鸡时,扬州株排卵囊量最多,上海株排卵囊量最少;10 000 个/只卵囊感染21 日龄雏鸡时,苏州株排卵囊量最多,连云港株和扬州株的排卵囊量最少;排卵囊量随着感染剂量的增加或鸡日龄的增大而增多;在同一感染剂量时,福州株和连云港株增加最多,上海株和苏州株增加最少;在同一感染鸡日龄时,苏州株和上海株增加最多,南通株和扬州株增加最少;各虫株的排卵囊规律极相似,在感染后第7 天排卵囊量达峰值,第8 天、第9 天排出的卵囊量显著减少,第10天排出的卵囊量仅占总量的2%,第14天接近于0%;第6天至第8天排出的卵囊量占总量的87%~99%。     

Protective effects of sugar cane extracts (SCE) on Eimeria tenella infection in chickens

The effects of oral administration of sugar cane extracts (SCE) on Eimeria tenella oocysts infection in chickens were studied with 2 different experiments. In Experiment 1, 3-week-old inbred chickens (MHC; H.B15) were inoculated into the crop with SCE (500 mg/kg/day) for 1 day or 3 consecutive days, and then challenged with E. tenella sporulated oocysts (2 x 10(4) cells/chicken). In Experiment 2, 1-week-old chickens were orally administered SCE at the same dose for 3 consecutive days, and then initially infected with E. tenella sporulated oocysts (2 x 10(3) cells/chicken). At 2 and 3 weeks of age, these chickens were immunized intravenously with the mixed antigens of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Brucella abortus (BA). At 4 weeks of age, chickens were challenged with E. tenella sporulated oocysts (1 x 10(5)/chicken). Challenged chickens with E. tenella oocysts showed markedly decreased body weight gain/day, severe hemorrhage and great number of shedding oocysts in feces and high lesion scores. Oral administration of SCE and initial infection with oocysts (2 x 10 (3)/chicken) resulted in a remarkable improvement in body weight gain/day, hemorrhage, the number of shedding oocysts and lesion score, compare to other infected groups. In addition, SCE-inoculated chickens with the initial infection showed a significant increase in antibody responses against SRBC and BA and also improvement in decreased relative proportions of Bu-1a(+) and CD4( )cells in cecal tonsil lymphocytes of E. tenella-challenged chickens. Cecal tissues of chickens administered SCE and initially infected with E. tenella oocysts showed lower numbers of schizonts, gametocytes and oocysts than those of infected control chickens. These results suggest that SCE have immunostimulating and protective effects against E. tenella infection in chickens.     

Experimental reproduction of transmissible viral proventriculitis by infection of chickens with a novel adenovirus-like virus (isolate R11/3)

Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) was experimentally reproduced in 2-wk-old specific-pathogen-free chickens and commercial broiler chickens by eyedrop inoculation of adenovirus-like virus (AdLV), isolate R1 1/3. No clinical signs and no weight gain depression were observed in chickens inoculated with AdLV (R11/3); however, gross and microscopic lesions characteristic of TVP were present in proventriculi of inoculated chickens. Proventriculi of AdLV (R11/3)-inoculated chickens were markedly enlarged, compared with sham-inoculated controls, by day 7 postinoculation (PI). Microscopic lesions in proventriculi of inoculated chickens were detected beginning on day 3 PI and consisted of degeneration and necrosis of glandular epithelium, ductal epithelial hyperplasia, replacement of glandular epithelium with ductal epithelium, and diffuse interstitial lymphoid infiltration; no microscopic lesions were observed in other tissues. AdLV (R11/3) antigens were detected in proventriculi by immunohistochemistry on days 3-10 PI in inoculated SPF chickens and days 3-21 PI in inoculated commercial broiler chickens; no viral antigens were detected in other tissues. AdLV (R11/3) was reisolated from proventriculi of inoculated SPF and commercial broiler chickens on days 5 and 7 PI. No virus, viral antigens, or lesions were detected in proventriculi collected from sham-inoculated chickens. These findings indicate an etiologic role for AdLV (R11/3) in TVP.     

Lesions in the thymus and bone marrow in chicks with experimentally induced chicken infectious anemia disease

One-day-old SPF chicks were inoculated with the Cux-l strain of chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV), and the clinical development of disease and its macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the thymus and bone marrow, were observed. Tissue sections of thymus and bone marrow were stained using the streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method and examined under light microscope for evaluation of antigenic intensities in tissues. Those findings were then compared with blood parameters and ELISA results obtained through collected sera during sacrifice procedures. We sought to determine: the localization of viral antigens in thymus and bone marrow tissues after inoculation, the correlation between antigen intensities and hematologic, serologic and histopathologic findings, definitive diagnostic criteria using histopathologic and immunoperoxidase methods, and the reliability of these methods in the diagnosis of CIAV infection. For this purpose, 83, one-day-old SPF chicks were used. The birds were divided into experimental (n = 52) and control (n = 26) groups. A virus dose of TCID50 of 100,000/ml was administered intramuscularly to every bird in the experimental group. Based on the results of this study, we have suggested that clinical examination, along with macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the thymus and bone marrow, maybe undertaken starting from day 7 post-inoculation (PI). ELISA, might be of value, as it might give consistent results starting from day 14 PI. However, the most reliable results were obtained through examination of thymus and bone marrow sections from infected birds stained by immunoperoxidase technique, as early as day 4 PI.     

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the recombinant merozoite protein as antigen for detection of antibodies to Eimeria necatrix

A cDNA library was constructed with Eimeria necatrix merozoite mRNA and immunologically screened by chicken sera against this parasite. One of the positive clones containing an insert of 879 nucleotides, pNP19, showed similarity to part of a published gene expressed in E. tenella merozoite by the homology search system. The inserted DNA was subcloned into baculovirus, and a 35-kD protein was expressed, purified, and used for the antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antibodies from the chickens vaccinated with the E. necatrix attenuated strain, Nn-P125, were detected from 14 days after vaccination by ELISA. The mean absorbance increased rapidly to a peak around 21 days after vaccination; thereafter, it began to decline. Even though some of the vaccinated chickens showed very low levels of antibody response to the recombinant protein 56 days after vaccination, they were protected against challenge with virulent strain of E. necatrix. The mean absorbances in sera from both vaccinated and nonvaccinated chickens highly increased 14 days after challenge. On the other hand, the antibody was not detected in ELISA when chickens were exposed to other Eimeria species such as E. tenella, E. acervulina, and E. maxima. These results demonstrate that this recombinant protein is suitable for detecting the specific antibody in chickens infected with both attenuated and virulent strains of E. necatrix.     

2株贝氏隐孢子虫鸡源分离株对雏鸡的致病性比较

为了解不同地区鸡源贝氏隐孢子虫的致病特点,对收集到的郑州、林州两地区鸡源贝氏隐孢子虫卵囊经雏鸡传代扩增纯化后,分别以1×106个卵囊量接种3日龄罗曼公雏鸡,从其排卵囊情况、临床症状和病理学变化比较了2个分离株的致病情况。结果表明:2个隐孢子虫分离株均主要引起雏鸡呼吸道症状和法氏囊炎病变;接种雏鸡均于感染后第4天开始排卵囊,林州株和郑州株排卵囊持续期分别为23 d和13 d;排卵囊高峰期均为感染后第8~12天。雏鸡感染2个地区鸡源贝氏隐孢子虫分离株后,排卵囊量及排卵囊规律存在差异。     

Experimental gizzard erosions in specific-pathogen-free chicks by serotype 1 group I avian adenoviruses from broilers

The pathogenicity of serotype 1 group I avian adenovirus (GIAAV) strains isolated from gizzard erosions for 1-wk-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens was investigated. In Experiment 1, SPF chickens inoculated orally with a serotype 1 strain (Tokushima2000/GE) of GIAAV isolated from gizzard erosion in broilers were euthanatized and necropsied from 3 to 12 days after inoculation. Clinically, there were no significant signs in the chickens inoculated with Tokushima strain. The gizzards were found macroscopically to be dilated with liquefied contents. The koilin layer of the gizzard exhibited multifocal white lesions with occasional erosions. Gross lesions of the koilin layer (white foci and erosion) appeared at 3 days after inoculation and persisted until 12 days after inoculation. The gross lesions were most severe at 9 days after inoculation. Histologically, multifocal degeneration, necrosis, and loss of the glandular epithelial cells with intranuclear inclusions, liquefactive change of koilin substance, and erosive lesions of koilin layers and surface epithelium of the gizzards were observed. Macrophages increased in the focal areas of the lamina propriabelow the liquefactive koilin substances. Immunohistochemically, intranudear inclusions were positive against GIAAV antigen. Histologic lesions of gizzards were most severe at 7 and 9 days after inoculation, but the frequency of intranuclear inclusions was greatest at 5 days after inoculation. In Experiment 2, the pathogenicities of four strains of serotype 1 GIAAV for 1-wk-old SPF chickens were compared. Three strains isolated from gizzard erosion had similar pathogenicities but one strain from a normal chicken was not pathogenic for chickens. These results suggest that gizzard erosions by serotype 1 GIAAV infection may occur in broiler chickens in Japan.     

Immunity to Hammondia hammondi infection in cats.

Acquisition of immunity to Hammondia hammondi, a newly recognized coccidian of cats, was studied in 18 specific-pathogen-free cats. One cat was given a single oral inoculation, 11 cats were given 2 oral inoculations, and 1 cat was given 3 oral inoculations of homogenized mouse carcasses containing H hammondi. In all cats, oocyst shedding began 6 to 9 days after the 1st inoculation. Oocyst shedding peaked at 1 to 2 days after the onset of shedding and lasted for 1 to 2 weeks. None of the cats became sick. Of the 11 cats inoculated twice (between 2-51 days after the 1st inoculation), 5 shed oocysts 7 to 14 days after the repeat inoculation; however, fewer oocysts were shed at this time. One cat that was inoculated thrice (14 and 51 days after the 1st inoculation) shed oocysts 14 to 17 days after the 3rd inoculation but not after the 2nd inoculation. Spontaneous oocyst shedding was studied in 9 of these 13 H hammondi-infected cats for 5 months. Two cats spontaneously shed oocysts: One cat (inoculated only once) spontaneously re-shed oocysts 21 to 24, 31 to 33, 49 to 50, and 118 to 120 days after inoculation; The other cat (inoculated twice-the 2nd time, 6 days after the 1st inoculation) re-shed oocysts 38 to 48, 85 to 89, and 133 to 136 days after the 1st inoculation. The course of H hammondi infection was studied in 5 cats given weekly injections of 6-methyl prednisolone acetate for at least 7 weeks, starting 18 days before inoculation in 2 cats, and starting 14, 34, and 45 day after inoculation in 3 cats. The induced hyperadrenocorticism did not affect the prepatent period or induce parasitism of extraintestinal organs. The 3 cats infected for 14, 34, and 45 days, re-shed oocysts after hyperadrenocorticism was induced. It was concluded that immunity to H hammondi infection in cats is less stable than immunity to the related coccidian, Toxoplasma gondii.