Abstract
Ascaridia galli is the largest gut-dwelling helminth of chickens
which confers adverse effects on meat and egg production and thus, on
the animal protein supply and the economy. Both adult and immature
parasites affect the gut health, but larval stages play the major role
in pathology. The larvae cause excessive mucus production, damage to the
intestinal gland, hemorrhage, anemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The
adult worms can cause death by intestinal obstruction and
intussusception. Although both cellular and humoral immunity are
involved in fighting against ascaridiasis, the role of naturally
acquired immunity is poorly defined. In cellular immunity, Th-2
cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13), goblet cells (mucin), GALTs (gut
-associated lymphoid tissues), CD8α+ intraepithelial cells, TCRγδ+T
cells, and TGF-β4 form a protective band. Type 2 immunity provides
protection by forming a network of eDAMP (endogenous damage-associated
molecular pattern), chitin, and parasitic antigens. Among antibodies,
IgY is the most prominent in chickens and provides temporary humoral
protection. During parasitic infection, infiltration of various immune
cells is evident, especially in the intestinal epithelium, lamina
propria, and crypts of the duodenum and jejunum. In chickens older than
3 months, gradual reduction of worm burden is more successful. Female
chickens exert a short-lived but higher level of protection by passing
IgY to chicks in the form of egg yolk antibodies (EAB). In laying
condition, immunity differs greatly between breeds. This review provides
a good overview of the silent but inevitable pathological changes
induced by A. galli; and the interaction of host immunity with
the parasite.