The aim of the present study was to perform a controlled experiment in order to evaluate the predisposing role of Eimeria adenoeides invasion on the appearance, development and severity of a Salmonella Enteritidis infection, with both infectious agents being field isolates obtained from spontaneous cases of the disease. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the principal epidemiological parameters of the mixed infection. The effect of an experimental Eimeria adenoeides invasion upon an artificial S. Enteritidis infection was studied in 160 turkey poults. The birds were divided into 4 experimental groups. Group 1 was infected with Eimeria adenoeides. Group 2 was infected once with Eimeria adenoeides and 24 h later infected with S. Enteridis during 3 consecutive days via feed. The birds in group 3 were infected with Salmonella for 3 days whereas those in group 4 were not infected (negative controls). The highest values of parameters determining the severity of the epidemic (morbidity rate, lethality, cumulative mortality) were observed in the group where the Eimeria invasion preceded the Salmonella infection. The most frequent and most prolonged isolation of Salmonella from parenchymal organs was also observed in birds with mixed infection, with Eimeria infection coming before salmonellosis. The same group was characterized with the highest values of oocyst and lesion indexes as well as with the worst economic results-lowest live body weight and lowest daily weight gain.

The aim of the present study was to perform a controlled experiment in order to evaluate the predisposing role of Eimeria adenoeides invasion on the appearance, development and severity of a Salmonella Enteritidis infection, with both infectious agents being field isolates obtained from spontaneous cases of the disease. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the principal epidemiological parameters of the mixed infection. The effect of an experimental Eimeria adenoeides invasion upon an artificial S. Enteritidis infection was studied in 160 turkey poults. The birds were divided into 4 experimental groups. Group 1 was infected with Eimeria adenoeides. Group 2 was infected once with Eimeria adenoeides and 24 h later infected with S. Enteridis during 3 consecutive days via feed. The birds in group 3 were infected with Salmonella for 3 days whereas those in group 4 were not infected (negative controls). The highest values of parameters determining the severity of the epidemic (morbidity rate, lethality, cumulative mortality) were observed in the group where the Eimeria invasion preceded the Salmonella infection. The most frequent and most prolonged isolation of Salmonella from parenchymal organs was also observed in birds with mixed infection, with Eimeria infection coming before salmonellosis. The same group was characterized with the highest values of oocyst and lesion indexes as well as with the worst economic results-lowest live body weight and lowest daily weight gain.