The Invasion of the Cecal Mucosa by <i>Eimeria tenella</i> sporozoites and their Transport by Macrophages*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. The establishment of Eimeria tenella sporozoites in the cecal mucosa of the chicken is described. The invasion process was similar to that reported for E. necatrix by Van Doorninck and Becker. Sporozoites were found to pass through the surface epithelium of the cecal mucosa into the lamina propria. Within the lamina propria the sporozoites were engulfed by macrophages and transported to the cells of the glands of Lieberkühn. Development of the sporozoites ensues within the gland epithelium.