Search Results (32)

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) and Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) are economically important pathogens of the poultry industry worldwide. However, the impact of dual infection of these two pathogens in chickens remains unclear. This study investigated the pathogenic effects of dual infection with CAV and E. tenella using two trials. In Trial A, chickens were infected at 21 days of age (D21) with either CAV and E. tenella simultaneously (C₂₁ + T₂₁), CAV alone (C_21a), E. tenella alone (T₂₁), or PBS as a negative control (NC). In Trial B, chickens received CAV at D21 followed by E. tenella at D28 (C₂₁ + T₂₈), CAV alone at D21 (C_21b), E. tenella alone at D28 (T₂₈), or PBS at D21 (NC). Assays of lesion scores (LS), oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, packed cell volume (PCV), and thymus index (TI) were used to assess variations in pathogenicity. Both the C₂₁ + T₂₁ and C₂₁ + T₂₈ groups showed higher OPG than the group infected with E. tenella alone, with significantly elevated OPG in the secondary infection scenario and more severe lesions in the concurrent co-infection group (p < 0.05). Anemia, indicated by PCV < 27%, was observed in the C₂₁ + T₂₁ group at day 28 and in the C₂₁ + T₂₈ group at day 35, both of which had significantly lower PCV values than the group infected with CAV alone (p < 0.001). Thymus atrophy was most severe in C₂₁ + T₂₁ at 28 days old (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). In this study, preliminary observations suggested that concurrent and secondary infections with CAV and E. tenella showed variable trends that may indicate potential interactions; however, these exploratory findings require more systematic validation in older chickens. Full article

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., remains a major challenge in poultry production, significantly affecting poultry health and performance, leading to substantial economic losses. While its impact on gut health is well documented, the interplay of Eimeria spp. challenge and/or vaccination with the intestinal microbiota remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Eimeria spp. (E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella) challenge, alone or in combination with a commercially available vaccine, on broiler performance, intestinal gross lesions, and cecal microbiota structure and function in experimentally challenged broiler chicks. A total of 216 Ross 308^® broilers were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group, according to the following experimental design: (A) negative control, (B) Eimeria spp.-challenged birds on day 16, and (C) Eimeria spp.-vaccinated and -challenged birds. Performance parameters were recorded on a weekly basis, coccidiosis gross lesions in the intestine were evaluated on days 23 and 29, and microbiota samples were collected on day 23. Broilers in the challenged group exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased coccidiosis gross lesions in the intestine at both sampling periods (7 and 19 days post-infection, dpi), whereas vaccination significantly (p ≤ 0.05) minimized the severity of lesions at both time points. The challenged-only group showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower average daily weight gain (ADWG) during the finisher phase and the overall experimental period compared to the vaccinated group. Additionally, average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the post-challenge period (22–29 dpi) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced in both challenged groups. Alpha diversity decreased in the challenged (p = 0.016) and vaccinated–challenged (p = 0.016) groups compared to control, Accordingly, beta diversity was reduced in groups B and C compared to the control group. This reduction was accompanied by an increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria (18, 71% in Group B and 10, 87% in Group C) and potentially pathogenic genera (Escherichia spp. and Shigella spp. p < 0.05), along with a decline in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Oscillibacter spp. and Eisenbergiella spp.) in groups B and C, respectively, compared to the control. Predictive functional metagenomics indicated disruptions in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide degradation, and lipid metabolism, potentially affecting gut integrity and nutrient absorption. Additionally, in the vaccinated group, gross lesions in the intestine were reduced in severity and microbial diversity was partially preserved, resulting in a microbiota composition more similar to that of the control group. Overall, these findings support that Eimeria spp. infection alters gut microbiota and function in broiler chicks, underscoring the need for further research into alternative strategies, such as probiotics and phytobiotics, to support gut health and disease resilience in poultry. Full article

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria protozoa, is a severe intestinal parasitic disease that results in substantial economic losses to the global poultry industry annually. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, metabolism, immune function, and nutrient absorption in chickens. Recent studies have focused on the effects of Eimeria tenella’s (E. tenella) acute infection period on host health. However, recovery conditions, cecal microbiota composition, and functional differences in the ceca of chickens with varying resistance to E. tenella remain poorly understood during the recovery period after infection. This study aimed to compare growth performance, cecal histopathology, and the cecal microbiota characteristics in control (R_JC), resistant (R_JR), and susceptible (R_JS) chickens during recovery, using metagenomic sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in both cecal tissue structure and growth performance between the different groups during recovery. Although no significant differences were observed in microbial alpha diversity among the groups, sequencing analysis highlighted notable changes in microbial composition and abundance. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla in chicken cecal contents; however, Firmicutes abundance was lower in the R_JS group than in the R_JC and R_JR groups. Further analysis, combining linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and differential heatmap analysis, identified Bacteroides_fluxus, Ruminococcus_flavefaciens, and Bacteroides_sp_CACC_737 as dominant microorganisms in the R_JR group (p < 0.05) compared to both the R_JC and R_JS groups. In contrast, Sutterella_sp_AM11-39, Bacteroides_sp_43_108, Mycobacterium, Mycoplasma_arginini, and Chlamydia dominated in the R_JS group, while Butyricimonas, Butyricimonas_sp_Marseille-P3923, and Flavonifractor_plautii were significantly reduced in the R_JS group (p < 0.05). Additionally, beneficial cecal microorganisms such as Flavonifractor_sp__An10, Pseudoflavonifractor, and Faecalicoccus were significantly decreased in both the R_JR and R_JS groups (p < 0.05) compared to the R_JC group. Predictive functional analysis using the KEGG and CAZy databases further indicated that the cecal microbiota in the R_JR group exhibited enhanced metabolism-related pathways, whereas these pathways were significantly diminished in the R_JS group, potentially influencing the recovery process from coccidial infection. These findings provide valuable insights into the cecal microbiota’s role during recovery from E. tenella infection and deepen our understanding of the impact of coccidial infections on host health. Full article

Coccidiosis in chickens is a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Among these species, Eimeria tenella is considered the most virulent pathogen, with its infection strongly associated with the apoptotic response of host cells. Eimeria tenella modulates host cell apoptosis in a stage-specific manner, suppressing apoptosis in the early phase to promote its intracellular development and triggering apoptosis in later stages to facilitate parasite egress and disease progression. This study established an in vitro infection model using 60 fifteen-day-old chick embryo cecal epithelial cells and infecting the cells with Eimeria tenella sporozoites at a 1:1 ratio of host cells to sporozoites. The aim was to examine the relationship between parasitic infection and the apoptotic response of host cells in the chick embryo cecal epithelial cells infected with E. tenella. The roles of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and cytochrome c in intrinsic apoptosis were examined through the application of cyclosporine A (CsA), N, N, N’, N’-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (TMPD), and ascorbate (Asc). TUNEL staining, ELISA, and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate apoptotic rates. CsA, TMPD, and Asc significantly (p < 0.01) decreased cytochrome c release, caspase-9 activation, and apoptotic rates from 24 to 120 h post-E. tenella infection. These findings highlight the significance of cytochrome c-mediated, mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways in parasitized chick embryo cecal epithelial cells. Full article

Recurring outbreaks of cyclosporiasis linked to fresh produce demonstrate the need to develop interventions to reduce C. cayetanensis in irrigation water. C. cayetanensis is resistant to commonly used irrigation water treatments, such as chemical sanitizers, making removal of oocysts by filtration the most suitable intervention. This study evaluated the reduction of Eimeria tenella and E. acervulina, as surrogates for C. cayetanensis, in water using filters packed with sand alone or mixtures of sand and zero-valent iron (ZVI). Water inoculated with Eimeria spp. oocysts was filtered through laboratory-scale (PVC column) and field-scale (swimming pool filter) filters packed with either 100% sand or 50% ZVI/50% sand (v/v). Filtered and backflush water was examined microscopically for oocysts. Laboratory-scale filters with 50% ZVI significantly (p < 0.05) reduced 99.9% of E. tenella oocysts compared to 55.3% with filters containing 100% sand. At the field-scale level, 50% ZVI filters significantly (p < 0.05) reduced 70.5% of E. acervulina oocysts compared to 54.5% by 100% sand filters. Filters were backflushed to examine the recovery of these parasites during routine filter-media cleaning procedures. Backflush recovery of oocysts ranged from 4.42–16.7%. The addition of ZVI significantly improved the reduction of Eimeria spp. oocysts at both filter scales. and should be further investigated as a potential irrigation water intervention to reduce C. cayetanensis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell nuclear antigen factors (TCPs) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in leaf development, flowering, branching, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Prunus a key temperate fruit tree with ornamental spring blooms, still lacks comprehensive TCP gene studies across many species. Methods: We identified 154 TCP genes in eight Prunus species: 19 in Prunus tenella var. tenella, 19 in P. amygdalus, 17 in P. armeniaca ‘Rojo Pasion’, 19 in P. mira, 20 in P. jamasakura var. jamasakura, 19 in P. fruticosa, 19 in P. mume var. tortuosa, and 22 in P. × yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’. These genes were classified into PCF, CIN, and CYC/TB1 groups. We examined segmental duplication, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. Expression patterns of 12 TCPs in P. tenella var. tenella were tested under low-temperature stress (25 °C, 5 °C, −5 °C, and −10 °C), and PtTCP9’s subcellular localization was determined. Results: TCP genes within the same groups showed similar motifs and cis-acting elements. Cold stress analysis identified multiple low-temperature-responsive elements in gene promoters. Four genes (PtTCP2, PtTCP6, PtTCP14, and PtTCP16) increased expression under cold stress, while six genes (PtTCP1, PtTCP5, PtTCP8, PtTCP9, PtTCP17, and PtTCP19) decreased. PtTCP9 was localized to the nucleus. Conclusions: This was the first genome-wide study of the TCP gene family in these eight Prunus species, providing valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of TCP genes within this important genus. Full article

The genus of Prunus subg. Amygdalus are endangered Tertiary-relict plants that are an essential source of woody plant oil. In order to provide a theoretical basis for better protection and utilization of species in the Prunus subg. Amygdalus. This study collected global distribution information for six species within the Prunus subg. Amygdalus, along with data on 29 environmental and climatic factors. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to simulate the globally suitable distribution areas for these species within the subgenus. The suitable results showed that the area under the test curve (AUC) values of the simulation results were more than 0.8, indicating that the simulation results have high accuracy. Temperature, precipitation, UV-B, and altitude were critical environmental factors affecting the distribution of each species in Prunus subg. Amygdalus. Currently, the distribution area of six species in this genus, from largest to smallest, is Prunus triloba (Lindl.) Ricker, Prunus tenella Batsch, Prunus amygdalus Batsch, Prunus pedunculata Maxim, Prunus mongolica Maxim and Prunus tangutica (Batal.) Korsh. The simulation results of distribution areas showed that under the ssp2.45 and ssp5.85 scenarios, the potential distribution areas of P. amygdalus, P. tangutica, and P. pedunculata all show a decreasing trend, while the distribution areas of P. mongolica and P. tenella, and P. triloba exhibit an increasing trend. The general distribution of P. amygdalus, P. mongolica, and P. tenella will trend to transfer in a northwest direction. P. tangutica and P. pedunculata were affected by other environmental factors (such as slope, altitude, and soil pH), and the distribution area has a tendency to move northeastward. The P. triloba moved to the southwest. The spatiotemporal distribution patterns of Prunus subg. Amygdalus can be used as a reference for forest management and to formulate species conservation strategies. Full article

To investigate the effect of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection on the cecal microbiota, resistant and susceptible families were screened out based on the coccidiosis resistance evaluation indexes after E. tenella infection. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of cecal microorganisms among control, resistant, and susceptible groups as well as between different periods following the E. tenella challenge was conducted using metagenomic sequencing technology. The results showed that the abundance of opportunistic pathogens, such as Pantoea, Sporomusa, and Pasteurella in the susceptible group and Helicobacter and Sutterella in the resistant group, was significantly higher on day 27 post-inoculation (PI) (the recovery period) than on day 5 PI (the infection period). Additionally, the abundance of Alistipes, Butyricicoccus, and Eubacterium in the susceptible group and Coprococcus, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus, and Lactobacillus in the resistant group showed a significant upward trend during the infection period compared with that in the recovery period. On day 5 PI, the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus was decreased in both the resistant and susceptible groups when compared with that in the control group and was greater in the resistant group than in the susceptible group, while Alistipes in the susceptible group had a relatively higher abundance than that in other groups. A total of 49 biomarker taxa were identified using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) method. Of these, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus aviarius, Lactobacillus salivarius, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus gauvreauii was increased in the resistant group, while Bacteroides_sp__AGMB03916, Fusobacterium_mortiferum, Alistipes_sp__An31A, and Alistipes_sp__Marseille_P5061 were enriched in the susceptible group. On day 27 PI, LDA scores identified 43 biomarkers, among which the relative abundance of Elusimicrobium_sp__An273 and Desulfovibrio_sp__An276 was increased in the resistant group, while that of Bacteroides_sp__43_108, Chlamydiia, Chlamydiales, and Sutterella_sp__AM11 39 was augmented in the susceptible group. Our results indicated that E. tenella infection affects the structure of the cecal microbiota during both the challenge and recovery periods. These findings will enhance the understanding of the effects of changes in the cecal microbiota on chickens after coccidia infection and provide a reference for further research on the mechanisms underlying how the intestinal microbiota influence the growth and health of chickens. Full article

Chicken coccidiosis causes annual losses exceeding GBP 10 billion globally. The most pathogenic species for domestic fowls including Eimeria tenella, E. acervulina, and E. maxima, can lead to gastrointestinal issues ranging from mild to fatal. In this study, stages of E. tenella and freshly isolated chicken heterophils were co-cultured for 180 min. These interactions were analyzed using live 3D holotomographic and confocal microscopy. We observed that E. tenella stages were entrapped by heterophils and heterophil extracellular traps (HETs). Notably, different HET phenotypes, specifically sprHETs and aggHETs, were induced regardless of the stage. Furthermore, the quantification of extracellular DNA release from co-cultures of heterophils and sporozoites (ratio 1:1) for 180 min demonstrated a significantly higher release (p = 0.04) compared to negative controls. In conclusion, research on the chicken innate immune system, particularly fowl-derived HETs, remains limited. More detailed investigations are needed, such as exploring the time-dependent triggering of HETs, to establish a standard incubation time for this pathogen defense mechanism. This will enhance our understanding of its role in parasite survival or death during HET confrontation. Full article

Parallel evolution usually occurs among related species with similar morphological characters in adaptation to particular environments. Four wild almond species (Prunus) sharing the character of dry mesocarp splitting are distributed in China, most of which occur in arid Northwestern China. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the phylogenetic relationship, evolutionary history, and environmental adaptation of these wild almond species based on genome-wide SNP data and chloroplast genomes. Chloroplast phylogeny showed P. pedunculata and P. tenella were clustered with wild cherry species (Prunus), while P. mongolica and P. tangutica were clustered with wild peach species (Prunus). Genomic phylogeny suggested P. tenella formed an independent clade. An ABC-RF approach showed P. pedunculata was merged with P. tenella and, then, diverged from the ancestor of P. mongolica and P. tangutica. P. tenella was split from other wild almond species at ca. 7.81 to 17.77 Ma. Genetic environment association analysis showed precipitation variables contributed the most to genetic variations between P. mongolica from an arid environment and P. tangutica from a humid environment. Finally, a total of 29 adaptive loci were successfully annotated, which were related to physiological processes in response to abiotic stresses. Inconsistent genomic and chloroplast phylogenetic positions of P. tenella suggested this species could have originated from historical hybridization among different clades of Prunus. Physiological mechanisms promoted P. mongolica in adapting to the arid environment in Northwestern China. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on growth performance, anticoccidial index, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and cecum microbiota in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 234 one-day-old broilers were categorized into three treatments, with six replicates per treatment containing 13 broilers each. The three treatments included the control group, Eimeria tenella group, and Eimeria tenella + curcumin (200 mg/kg) group. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days, during which the broilers were orally administered with 0.9% saline or 5 × 10⁴ Eimeria tenella oocysts on day 14 of the study. On day 17 and day 21, one bird per replicate was selected for slaughtering. Results indicated an increased survival rate and anticoccidial index and improved productive performance in coccidia-infected broilers with curcumin supplementation. Furthermore, curcumin enhanced the serum antioxidant capacity in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers, evidenced by increased serum catalase activity (3d, 7d), as well as decreased malondialdehyde level (3d, 7d) and nitric oxide synthase activity (7d) (p < 0.05). Curcumin also improved intestinal inflammation and barrier function, evidenced by the downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β (3d, 7d), TNF-alpha (TNF-α) (3d, 7d), and IL-2 (7d) and the up-regulated mRNA levels of claudin-1 (7d), zonula occludens (ZO-1; 3d, 7d), and occludin (3d, 7d) in the ceca of infected broilers (p < 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection significantly disrupted cecum microbial balance, but curcumin did not alleviate cecum microbial disorder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Collectively, curcumin supplementation enhanced growth performance and anticoccidial index in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers via improving antioxidant ability and cecum inflammation without affecting cecum microbiota. Full article

Due to increasing concerns about the contamination of animal food products with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their byproducts, phytogenic feed additives in animal diets have been explored as antibiotic alternatives. In this study, we investigated the effect of ginger root extract (GRE), green tea extract (GTEC caffeinated and GTED decaffeinated), and onion peel combined (OPEC) on the activity of C. perfringens toxin genes and Eimeria tenella sporozoites. To this end, two Clostridium perfringens strains, CP19 and CP240 (Rollins Diagnostic Lab, Raleigh, NC, USA), were cultured (three replicates per treatment) as follows: without additives (Control), with Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), with GRE, with GTEC, with GTED, and, finally, with OPEC for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h. RNA was extracted to determine the expression of tpeL, alpha toxin (α-toxin), and NetB and we measured the protein concentration of NetB-positive C. perfringens toxin. Also, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of green tea and ginger extracts on E. tenella sporozoites. Results show that phytogenic extracts, GRE, GTEC, and GTED, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the level of expression of α-toxin gene compared to control; however, BMD treatment showed much less effect. Furthermore, NetB and tpeL encoding gene expression was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by GRE and GTED, as well as BMD treatment, compared to the control. In contrast, GTEC treatment did not change the expression levels of these genes and was similar to control. With the CP240 strain, all the selected phytogenic extracts significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the expression of selected genes, except for OPEC, which was similar to control. GRE, GTEC, and GTED all reduced the viability of concentration of E. tenella sporozoites. Overall, our data show that these selected phytogenic extracts reduced the level of expression of toxin encoding genes associated with necrotic enteritis and decreased the viability of sporozoites which cause coccidiosis in broiler chicken. Full article

To date, no study has reported the anticoccidial effect of lemon peel powder in broilers. Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is the prevalent enteric parasitic disease in poultry. Although certain chemical drugs have been used for their control, concerns regarding drug residues and the development of resistance in chickens have arisen among consumers. In this study, a total of 300 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups (five equal replicates of 12 animals). The first group served as the control and did not receive any specific treatment (NC). The second group, referred to as the positive control (PC) group, was deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella. The third group was challenged with E. tenella and also received treatment with amprolium (1 g/kg) and was designated as AT. The fourth and fifth groups were challenged with E. tenella and simultaneously supplemented with lemon peel powder at a dosage of 3 g/kg (LPP3) and 6 g/kg (LPP6). Sporulated E. tenella oocysts (5 × 10⁴/mL bird) on day 22 of the experiment were administered to the infected broiler chickens. The results indicated that in comparison with the NC, all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower growth performance. However, a notable improvement was observed when infected birds also received a supplement of LPP3 and LPP6 in their feed. Both LPP3 and LPP6 supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mortality, lesion scores, and oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces compared with the PC group. Additionally, the histological features of the cecum revealed that villus height, villus width, and crypt depth were partially restored under supplementation with LPP3 and LPP6 in the infected birds. Overall, the results demonstrate that Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with LPP3 and LPP6 exhibited improved growth performance, reduced OPG, lowered intestinal coccidiosis lesion scores, and enhanced intestinal histological features. Full article

Eimeria tenella rhoptry protein has the properties of a protective antigen. EtROP27 is a pathogenic gene that is detected via a transcriptome, but its expression pattern, immunogenicity, and potency are unknown. Therefore, a gene segment of EtROP27 was amplified and transplanted into the pET28a prokaryotic vector for the expression of the recombinant protein, and it subsequently purified for the generation of a polyclonal antibody. Then, RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to understand the expression pattern of EtROP27. Subsequently, animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of the recombinant protein with different immunizing doses (50, 100, and 150 μg). The results showed that the expression of EtROP27 gradually increased with the prolongation of infection time, reaching the highest level at 96 h and then decreasing. Additionally, EtROP27 is a natural antigen of coccidia that can stimulate the body to produce high levels of IgY. As with recombinant protein vaccines, the results of immune protection evaluation tests showed that the average weight gain rates of the immune challenge groups were significantly higher than that of the challenged control group, and their average lesion scores were significantly lower than that of the challenged control group. Furthermore, the oocyst excretion decreased by 81.25%, 86.21%, and 80.01%, and the anticoccidial index was 159.45, 171.47, and 166.75, respectively, for these groups. EtROP27 is a promising antigen gene candidate for the development of a coccidiosis vaccine. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection. Full article