Eimeria Group

Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria cause enteritis (coccidiosis) in many animals, being transmitted by the faecal-oral route. They rapidly invade gut cells, causing severe damage, and leading to the build-up of heavy parasite loads in the environment. In the absence of measures to control Eimeria, outbreaks of severe clinical coccidiosis with high levels of mortality are inevitable.

We aim to understand more fully the interactions of Eimeria parasites with the chicken in order to develop better control measures. Much of our research is focused on parasite invasion of host cells. We have identified classes of parasite proteins, derived from different subcellular compartments (parasite surface, parasite secretory organelles) that are involved in this intricate process. Using genomics, proteomics, biochemistry and parasite transgenesis, we study the precise functions and interactions of some of these proteins and also evaluate their potential as vaccine antigens. In a complementary approach, we are exploiting parasite genetics to identify regions of the parasite genome that encode antigens that elicit protective immune responses.

Alongside our own research projects, we are leading members of international consortia for genome sequencing, expression analysis and proteomics of Eimeria.

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