In vitro cultivation of Eimeria acervulina (Coccidia)

Eimeria acervulina oocysts were sterilized with 50 ppm chlorine and viable sporozoites were released mechanically with the aid of trypsin and bile. These sporozoites, when suspended in the appropriate cell culture nutrient, were used as inoculum for chick embryo kidney, chick embryo fibroblast, mouse fibroblast, human amnion, and HeLa cell cultures. Infection of the host cell by sporozoites occurred in cultures of each cell type. Apparent cell infection occurred as early as one hour post inoculation, and forms recognized as trophozoites were observed at 18 to 24 hours. Further development failed to occur.