Light and Electron Microscopy of Macrogametogenesis and Oocyst Formation in Eimeria bateri infecting quails from Saudi Arabia

The development of macrogametes of Eimeria bateri was studied by light and electron microscopy in the epithelial cells of the villi at 88, 96, 106 and 120 hrs post infection. Appearance of young macrogamonts at 88 hrs P.I. was characterized by the loss of the characteristics of the apicomplexa (Polar ring, rhoptries, micronemes, conoid, subpellicular microtubules), while the pellicle became only one unit memberane. Mature macrogametes were seen at 96 hrs P. I. and they were recognized by their large size, appearance of wall-forming bodies of type I and type II as well as increased numbers of cell organoids and food reserves (Lipids and polysaccharides). Young oocysts were recorded at 106 and 120 hrs. P.I., characterized by their 2-layered oocyst wall and absence of the wall forming bodies of both types. Host cell reaction to infection included enlargement of the cell, swollen and degeneration of mitochondria and increased activities of the goblet cells and their mucoid secretions