The Influence of Age of Host on Infection with Eimeria tenella

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Abstract
Excystation of E. tenella sporozoites was more rapid in chicks aged 4, 5, and 6 weeks than in those of 0, 1, 2, and 3 weeks. A greater proportion of unexcysted sporulated oocysts was found in the feces of birds aged 0 and 1 week than in any of the other age-groups studied, indicating less successful excystation in these birds. Oocyst production to a dose of 500 oocysts increased with age of host. Older birds tended to be more resistant to 2nd and 3rd infections than the younger birds but direct comparisons are difficult to make.