Abstract
ABSTRACT. Cardozo S.V., Berto B.P., Ferreira A.M.R., Macedo H.W. & Lopes C.W.G. [Frequency of Eimeria bateri in japonese quails (Coturnix japonica) challenge with sub-lethal dose of aflatoxin.] Frequência de Eimeria bateri em codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) desafiadas com dose sub-letal de aflatoxina. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 32(4):211-214, 2010. Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Grande Rio, Rua Prof. José de Souza Herdy, 1160, Duque de Caxias, RJ 25071-202, Brasil. E-mail: sergianvc@gmail.com This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of elimination of Eimeria bateri front of intoxication induced by sub-lethal dose of aflatoxin in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). A total of 50 birds was kept in a shelter with the floor covered with sawdust bed for five days to obtain the natural infection with oocysts of E. bateri. On the 7th day after birth 25 birds were poisoned orally with aflatoxin at a dose of 0.04 mg / kg body weight (Group I) and the remaining animals were kept free of mycotoxin poisoning (Group II). Quantitative analysis of oocysts shed in the feces of the quails was held on 6, 11, 18 and 25 after intoxication (DAI). At 11 DAI was observed that the animals in group II eliminated large amounts of oocysts of E. bateri feces, as in group I the presence of oocysts of E. bateri in the feces of birds was slight in quantity, this finding was related to the immunosuppressive effect of aflatoxin offered to Group II. The effect of sub-lethal poisoning by aflatoxin allowed that birds infected with E. bateri eliminate a larger number of oocysts in feces is characterized by that the suppressive effect of aflatoxin in quail exposed.