Multiplex Eimeria Spp. (Coccidia)

Eimeria species are obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa causing coccidiosis, a serious disease affecting poultry profitability and production efficiency worldwide. Multiple species exist with different anatomical sites of infection in the intestinal tract and varying pathogenicity levels. Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mivati, E. necatrix, and E. tenella represent major chicken pathogenic species, with E. tenella causing particularly severe disease and bloody diarrhea. Eimeria parasites cause intestinal damage, malabsorption, increased feed conversion, growth stunting, and mortality, particularly in young birds. Secondary bacterial infections commonly occur in immunocompromised birds. Coccidiosis is traditionally controlled through anticoccidial medication in feed and ionophore use, with growing concern about drug resistance.