EIMERIA TENELLA INFECTION MODULATES THE EXPRESSION LEVELS OF INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL BARRIER-RELATED GENES IN CHICKEN

Eimeria tenella infection causes coccidiosis, which induces diarrhea and bloody stool in chicken. This infection impairs the epithelial barrier that lines the intestinal tract. The intercellular junctions are key factors for maintaining barrier integrity. However, information on the gene expression modulation of junctional molecule–related genes is still limited. This study aimed to elucidate the association between disease symptoms and the regulation of target genes. Intestinal function was evaluated using biomarker measurements. Gene expression regulation was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The disruption of the intestinal barrier might be induced by lower levels of claudin-1, claudin-3, E-cadherin, occludin, and ZO-1 but higher levels of claudin-2. Our results might suggest the association between the modulation of junctional barrier molecules and major symptoms of E. tenella infection.