CLINICAL AND PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF EIMERIOSIS IN CHICKENS IN THE WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

Abstract

This study presents clinical and pathomorphological findings that confirm the presence of eimeriosis in the animal. Clinically, depression, feather-ruffling, weakness, lack of appetite, diarrhoea with blood, and decreased physical activity are observed. These signs, characteristic of parasitic diseases, indicate acute inflammation in the intestine. Studies have shown the presence of anaemia, manifested by a decrease in haemoglobin and hematocrit. The processes occurring in the chickens' body indicate haemorrhages caused by intestinal lesions, which are characteristic of meiosis. Physiologic abnormalities in blood cells include increased basophils, which may indicate inflammation and decreased eosinophils, which may be due to depletion of the immune system in response to chronic inflammation. Quantitative lymphocyte counts are slightly elevated, reflecting an activated immune response. Biochemical blood analysis showed hypoproteinemia, decreased urea levels, and increased creatinine, indicating metabolic disturbance, liver and kidney damage, and destruction of muscle tissue, probably due to exposure to toxins produced by parasites. Microscopic and histopathologic examination of tissues confirmed the diagnosis of eimeriosis of chickens. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. were detected in intestinal samples, indicating parasitic infection. Pathanatomical autopsy results showed significant mucosal damage, loss of villi and tissue necrosis, and infiltration with lymphocytes and macrophages. Release of merozoites from the oocysts resulted in cell destruction and intestinal tissue damage. Thus, all data indicate a severe organismal lesion caused by eimeriosis, with pronounced metabolic disorders and tissue inflammatory changes.