Molecular investigations of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) provide the first evidence of Rickettsia felis in Malta and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in Israel.

Rickettsia felis, the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever, occurs on all continents except Antarctica, owing to the cosmopolitan distribution of its cat flea vector. In this study, cat fleas were collected in two countries where the occurrence of R. felis was either unknown (Malta) or where accurate prevalence data were lacking (Israel). Altogether 129 fleas were molecularly analysed for the presence of rickettsial DNA. On the basis of three genetic markers, R. felis was identified in 39.5% (15/38) of the cat fleas from Malta. Sequences showed 100% identity to each other and to relevant sequences in GenBank. Among the 91 cat fleas from Israel, two (2.2%) contained the DNA of Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. Phylogenetically, the R. felis and Candidatus R. senegalensis identified here clustered separately (with high support) but within one clade, which was a sister group to that formed by the typhus group and spotted fever group rickettsiae. This is the first record of R. felis in Malta and of Candidatus R. senegalensis outside its formerly reported geographical range including Africa, Asia and North America.

A comparative test of ixodid tick identification by a network of European researchers.

This study reports the results of a comparative test of identification of ticks occurring in Western Europe and Northern Africa. A total of 14 laboratories were voluntarily enrolled in the test. Each participant received between 22 and 25 specimens of adult and nymphal ticks of 11 species: Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hy. marginatum, Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus, Rhipicephalus annulatus, R. bursa, R. rossicus, and/or R. sanguineus s.l. Ticks were morphologically identified by three of the co-authors and the identification confirmed by a fourth co-author who used molecular methods based on several genes. Then ticks were randomly selected and blindly distributed among participants, together with a questionnaire. Only specimens collected while questing and, if possible, in the same survey, were circulated. Because of the random nature of the test, a participant could receive several specimens of the same species. Species in the different genera had variable misidentification rates (MR) of 7% (Dermacentor), 14% (Ixodes), 19% (Haemaphysalis), 36% (Hyalomma), and 54% (Rhipicephalus). Within genera, the MR was also variable ranging from 5.4% for I. ricinus or 7.4% for D. marginatus or D. reticulatus to 100% for R. rossicus. The test provided a total misidentification rate of 29.6% of the species of ticks. There are no significant differences in MR according to the sex of the tick. Participants were requested to perform a second round of identifications on the same set of ticks, using only purposely prepared keys (without illustrations), circulated to the enrolled participants, including 2 species of the genus Dermacentor, 8 of Haemaphysalis, 10 of Hyalomma, 23 of Ixodes, and 6 of Rhipicephalus. The average MR in the second round was 28%: 0% (Dermacentor), 33% (Haemaphysalis), 30% (Hyalomma) 18% (Ixodes), and 50% (Rhipicephalus). Species which are not reported in the countries of a participating laboratory had always highest MR, i.e. purely Mediterranean species had highest MR by laboratories in Central and Northern Europe. Participants expressed their concerns about a correct identification for almost 50% of the ticks of the genera Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The results revealed less than total confidence in identifying the most prominent species of ticks in the Western Palearctic, and underpin the need for reference libraries for specialists involved in this task. Results also showed that a combination of certain genes may adequately identify the target species of ticks.

Bird ticks in Hungary reflect western, southern, eastern flyway connections and two genetic lineages of Ixodes frontalis and Haemaphysalis concinna.

BACKGROUND: Birds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The aim of the present study was to provide comprehensive information on the species and genetic diversity of ixodid ticks transported by migratory and non-migratory bird species in Central Europe, and to evaluate relevant data in a geographical, as well as in an ecological context. METHODS: During a three year period (2012-2014), altogether 3339 ixodid ticks were collected from 1167 passerine birds (representatives of 47 species) at ringing stations in Hungary. These ticks were identified, and the tick-infestations of bird species were compared according to various traits. In addition, PCR and sequencing of part of the cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI) and 16S rDNA genes were performed from representatives of five tick species. RESULTS: The most abundant tick species found were Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna (with 2296 and 989 immature stages, respectively). In addition, 48 I. frontalis (all stages), three Hyalomma rufipes nymphs, one I. lividus and two I. festai females were collected. The majority of I. ricinus and I. frontalis specimens occurred on ground-feeding bird species, as contrasted to Ha. concinna. Hy. rufipes showed the highest degree of sequence identity to an Ethiopian hybrid of the same tick species. Based on both COI and 16S rDNA gene analyses, two genetic lineages of I. frontalis were recognized (with only 91.4 % identity in their partial COI gene). These were highly similar to South-Western European isolates of the same tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of Ha. concinna specimens collected from birds in Hungary also revealed two genetic lineages, one of which showed high (≥99 %) degree of 16S rDNA sequence identity to conspecific East Asian isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Two genetic lineages of I. frontalis and Ha. concinna are transported by birds in Central Europe, which reflect a high degree of sequence identity to South-Western European and East Asian isolates of the same tick species, respectively. In addition, I. festai was collected for the first time in Hungary. These findings highlight the importance of western and eastern migratory connections by birds (in addition to the southern direction), which are also relevant to the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.

Q fever epidemic in Hungary, April to July 2013.

We investigated a Q fever outbreak with human patients showing high fever, respiratory tract symptoms, headache and retrosternal pain in southern Hungary in the spring and summer of 2013. Seventy human cases were confirmed by analysing their serum and blood samples with micro-immunofluorescence test and real-time PCR. The source of infection was a merino sheep flock of 450 ewes, in which 44.6% (25/56) seropositivity was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected by real-time PCR in the milk of four of 20 individuals and in two thirds (41/65) of the manure samples. The multispacer sequence typing examination of C. burnetii DNA revealed sequence type 18 in one human sample and two manure samples from the sheep flock. The multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis pattern of the sheep and human strains were also almost identical, 4/5-9-3-3-0-5 (Ms23-Ms24-Ms27-Ms28-Ms33-Ms34). It is hypothesised that dried manure and maternal fluid contaminated with C. burnetii was dispersed by the wind from the sheep farm towards the local inhabitants. The manure was eliminated in June and the farm was disinfected in July. The outbreak ended at the end of July 2013.

Serological and molecular detection of Theileria equi infection in horses in Hungary.

The prevalence of Theileria equi infection was studied in 324 healthy horses from 27 farms in Hungary with cELISA and IFAT and the blood samples of 101 horses selected randomly were also examined by PCR. The results indicate that there are many stud farms where one or more horses are infected with T. equi. Among 27 farms 17 (67.9%) were found to have seropositive horses. The seroprevalence of theileriosis among the tested stud farms ranged between 0 and 100%. No marked differences were found in seropositivity between geographical areas. The overall prevalence of positive samples was 32.0% with cELISA as well as with IFAT. The results obtained with cELISA and IFAT in this study had the strongest agreement, except for 9 samples in which the two serological tests gave different results. The prevalence of infection among 101 horses was 49% with PCR. All 14 sequenced samples were found by BLAST analysis to be closest to the T. equi 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank with a similarity of ≥ 99%. No significant association was found between the seropositivity and the age of horses. Horses below 5 years of age had three times higher chance to be PCR-positive, than older ones. There was no significant association between the gender and the results of diagnostic tests (cELISA: p=0.40; IFAT: p=0.25; PCR: p=0.41). Based on the findings, the prevalence of equine theileriosis is much higher than expected and it occurs in many regions of the country unlike equine babesiosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the serological and molecular survey of T. equi infection in horses in Hungary.

Ixodid ticks on ruminants, with on-host initiated moulting (apolysis) of Ixodes, Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor larvae.

To screen the host-dependent abundance of hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) developmental stages on ruminants in South Hungary, red and roe deer, as well as goats and sheep were examined in a season, when larvae and nymphs are active. Altogether 2271 ticks were collected. In the relevant period the prevalence of tick-infestation was significantly higher among goats, than among sheep kept in the very same area, most likely in association with the browsing habit of the former. Roe deer and goats were found to be important hosts for Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna larvae, in contrast to the view that this stage does not usually feed on medium-sized mammals. Interestingly, one third of I. ricinus larvae and one larva of H. concinna and of Dermacentor reticulatus collected from goats in the same herd in August have started the moulting process (showed apolysis) on their host, despite being three-host ticks. This is the first survey involving four species of domestic and wild ruminants in Europe to compare the host-preference of ixodid ticks in the same region.

Fatal bovine anaplasmosis in a herd with new genotypes of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis and concurrent haemoplasmosis.

Haematological and molecular analysis of blood samples was carried out during an outbreak of bovine anaplasmosis in Hungary. Acute disease was observed in five animals, two of which died. Anaplasma-carrier state was diagnosed in 69 (92%) of cattle. Further evaluation of 24 blood samples revealed concurrent infections with Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'CandidatusM. haemobos' in 22 and 21 animals, respectively. In addition, two cows were identified with rickettsaemia. Regarding molecular investigation of potential hard tick vectors, Haemaphysalis inermis and Dermacentor marginatus males collected from the animals were PCR-negative. However, in one pool (out of 18) of Ixodesricinus males, and in six pools (out of 18) of D. reticulatus males the msp4 gene of Anaplasma marginale was detected. In the same I. ricinus pool Anaplasma ovis was also identified. All ticks were negative for haemoplasmas. Anaplasma sequences yielded 97-99% homology to sequences deposited in the Genbank. This is the first report of fatal bovine anaplasmosis associated with divergent A. marginale genotypes and concurrent 'CandidatusM. haemobos' infection, as well as of an A. ovis strain in ticks collected from cattle.

Molecular investigation of transplacental and vector-borne transmission of bovine haemoplasmas.

The present study was carried out in a herd with concurrent infections of Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus M. haemobos', to investigate if transplacental and/or vector-borne transmission is possible for one or both bovine haemoplasma species. For this purpose blood samples were collected from 38 mother animals and their newborn calves; as well as from 17 uninseminated cows twice three months apart. In addition, 311 mosquitoes and blood-sucking flies (Diptera: Culicidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae) were cought near the animals. DNA was extracted from all samples, followed by real-time PCR analysis. In 10.5% of neonate calves, that were born to cows harbouring both haemoplasmas, M. wenyonii and/or 'Candidatus M. haemobos' positivity was detected. Copy numbers in positive samples from cows and their calves indicated that - in comparison with M. wenyonii - 'Candidatus M. haemobos'-bacteraemia had usually lower levels. In samples of uninseminated cows the rate of infection with the latter species decreased. These findings may explain why M. wenyonii was significantly more frequently detected in blood-sucking flies, than 'Candidatus M. haemobos'. In conclusion, molecular evidence is provided for the first time on the transplacental transmission of bovine haemoplasmas. Regarding their spread by blood-sucking arthropods, new potential vectors were identified, i.e. the horn fly (Haematobia irritans), the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) and two species of horse flies (Tabanus bovinus, T. bromius).

Survey on blood-sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) of ruminants and pigs with molecular detection of Anaplasma and Rickettsia spp.

Lice may serve as biological or mechanical vectors for various infectious agents. To investigate louse infestation of ruminants and pigs, and pathogens potentially transmitted by them, anopluran lice (n=1182) were collected in Hungary, and evaluated for the presence of anaplasma, rickettsia and haemotropic mycoplasma DNA. On cattle the following species were found: Linognathus vituli (57%), Haematopinus eurysternus (38%) and Solenopotes capillatus (5%). L. vituli had a lower mean individual count/host when compared to H. eurysternus. On calves only L. vituli was observed, with a higher louse burden than on full-grown cattle. H. eurysternus and S. capillatus were more likely to occur simultaneously with another species on the same host, than L. vituli. Goats infested with Linognathus stenopsis had the overall highest prevalence (68%), while pigs harbouring Haematopinus suis showed the lowest (<1%). Anaplasma DNA was detected in 50% of pools analysed. In L. vituli Anaplasma ovis (or a closely related novel Anaplasma marginale genotype) was identified. Anaplasma-positivity of H. suis suggests that pigs may extend the reservoir and/or host spectrum of relevant species. Anaplasma-infected L. stenopsis pools show for the first time that caprine anaplasmosis is endemic in Hungary. Rickettsia spp. were demonstrated from Linognathus spp. and H. eurysternus. No haemotropic mycoplasmas were detected in any samples. In conclusion, this is the first molecularly confirmed report of bovine and ovine Anaplasma spp. in L. vituli, L. stenopsis and H. suis. The present results suggest that phthirapterosis of domestic animals deserves more attention, and lice should be evaluated among the broad range of potential vectors of arthropod-borne pathogens.

Influence of biotope on the distribution and peak activity of questing ixodid ticks in Hungary.

In order to update the occurrence of hard tick species in Hungary, 3442 questing ticks were collected from the vegetation by the dragging/flagging method in 37 different places in the country, between March and June of 2007. Ixodes ricinus (L.) turned out to be ubiquitous. Dermacentor marginatus (Schulzer) was absent from sampling sites in the southwestern part of the country, but in most places was concomitant and contemporaneous with Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius). These two species, as well as I. ricinus, occurred up to an altitude of 900-1000 m a.s.l. Haemaphysalis inermis (Birula) and Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch) were not confined to any parts of the country, unlike Haemaphysalis punctata (Canestrini & Fanzago) which was found in only one region. The local prevalence of the latter species was also significantly lower than those of the former two in the same habitat (fringes of meadows, paths in forests). Dermacentor spp. and H. inermis were represented only by adults. In most species females were collected more frequently than males, except in H. concinna and H. punctata. Temporal differences between the peak activity of I. ricinus and Dermacentor spp. on dry pastures appeared to equalize on meadows in mountain forests, and a similar phenomenon was observed for the three Haemaphysalis spp. when collected along forest paths with fresh, green vegetation.

Prevalence of Setaria equina microfilaraemia in horses in Hungary.

Peripheral blood samples were collected randomly from 195 horses in various parts of Hungary, and the presence of microfilariae was evaluated by the Knott technique. On the basis of morphological identification 18 of the horses (9.2 per cent) were infected with Setaria equina, and the infection was confirmed in 10 animals by pcr and sequencing. The level of microfilaraemia was between 1 and 1138 larvae in 2 ml of blood. There was no correlation between the time of sampling or the sex of the animals (stallions versus mares) and the prevalence of infection, but the prevalence decreased with age. There was a significant association between the prevalence of microfilaraemia and the presence of still waters; positive samples were collected either in the region of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in the country, or at places with nearby ponds.

Serological evidence for Babesia canis infection of horses and an endemic focus of B. caballi in Hungary.

In order to evaluate the seroconversion of horses to Babesia caballi and B. canis in Hungary, blood samples were collected from 371 animals on 23 different locations of the country. The presence of antibodies to B. caballi was screened with a competitive ELISA. All 29 positive samples came from one region (the Hortobágy). The prevalence of infection did not show correlation with sexes, and reached 100% in the age group of 2-5 years. Babesia canis-specific antibodies were demonstrated by IFAT in 6.74% of animals kept in 7 regions. The titres were low or medium level (1:40 to 1:160), indicating that the horses had previously been exposed to this piroplasm, but their infection must have been limited. The highest seropositivity rate was observed in the age group of 3-4 years, and males (stallions and geldings) were significantly more frequently infected than females. However, neither B. caballi nor B. canis could be identified in the peripheral blood samples of infected horses by PCR. Since most of the B. caballi-positive horses remained negative in the B. canis IFAT, whereas seroconversion solely to B. canis was detected in several regions of the country, serological cross-reaction between the two species can be discounted. This is the first serological evidence of horses being naturally infected with B. canis, supporting the view that piroplasms are less host specific than previously thought.

Canine neosporosis in Hungary: screening for seroconversion of household, herding and stray dogs.

In order to assess the seroprevalence of canine neosporosis 651 blood samples were collected from 586 household, 41 herding and 24 stray dogs, at small animal clinics in four large cities and other places of Hungary. Nineteen (2.9%) showed positivity in the IFAT with titres between 1:80 and 1:10240. Two dogs with high titres of antibodies to Neospora caninum had neuromuscular signs (imbalance, tremor) and a further one developed papulomatous, ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis. There was no correlation between titers and age, sex, breed or keeping place. Although more male dogs had antibodies to N. caninum than females in case of both household and herding dogs, this association was not significant. No breed predisposition was observed. However, dogs with seroconversion were significantly more prevalent among rural (6%) than among urban dogs (1%), indicating that dogs in the countryside may have contact with or access to potentially infected offal from cattle and other intermediate hosts more frequently than those in large cities. Furthermore, significantly more herding dogs (29.3%) had antibodies to N. caninum than household dogs (1.2%), confirming the association between the occurrence of neosporosis and dog keeping on farms. The 12 dogs found seropositive among herding ones lived on 6 farms, on 5 of which seropositive cattle were also identified. This is the first report on the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs in Hungary.

Babesia divergens becoming extinct in cattle of Northeast Hungary: new data on the past and present situation.

Previously unpublished data from 1958 to 1967 attest the occurrence of Babesia divergens in cattle in several endemic foci of Northeast Hungary. During that period the number of clinical cases showed fluctuation with intervals of 4-5 years and monophasic seasonality (peaking in June). In order to assess the current status of bovine babesiosis in that region, blood samples were collected from 654 cattle on 44 farms of 36 settlements in or near the endemic area during 2005, and serum levels of IgG antibodies to B. divergens were measured by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Only 2 samples (0.3%) showed positivity. In one village clinical babesiosis was observed over the past few years. Animals brought into the endemic area during the spring developed haemoglobinuria in the summer of the same year, but those introduced during the summer or autumn showed clinical signs only after two years. Sampled animals born and raised locally had neither haemoglobinuria nor seroconversion. Reduction in the number of cases during the past decades may have been influenced by the availability of hosts (i.e. decrease of cattle breeding) and the activity of vectors associated with climate-related changes (e.g. increase of annual sunlight hours in the endemic area). This is the first report on the prevalence of antibodies to B. divergens in cattle in Hungary.

Seroprevalence of neosporosis in beef and dairy cattle breeds in Northeast Hungary.

In order to assess the seroprevalence of bovine neosporosis with indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), blood samples were collected randomly from 1063 beef and dairy cattle belonging to 12 different breeds in Northeast Hungary. Antibodies to Neospora caninum were detected in 27 (2.5%) of the animals, kept on 19 of the 42 settlements included in this survey. Since samples were collected on 50 farms, herd prevalence amounted to 38%. The percentage of cattle with seroconversion increased with age, suggesting a postnatal source of infection. The highest rate of positivity was detected in Aberdeen Angus (3.3%) and Holstein-Friesian cows (3.2%), and the lowest in Limousine (0.9%), but no breed predisposition was statistically substantiated. Neosporosis was more prevalent in dairy (3.4%) than in beef (1.9%) cattle, although the difference was not significant. Only three out of the seropositive cows, all of them Holstein-Friesians, had a history of abortion.

Influence of in ovo administered Cryptosporidium baileyi oocyst extract on the course of homologous infection.

In order to evaluate the effect of in ovo vaccination on avian cryptosporidiosis, two doses (1 and 10microg) of Cryptosporidium baileyi oocyst extract (OE) were injected into the amnionic sac of embryonated, specific pathogen-free chicken eggs. After hatching these birds as well as infected controls (IC) were inoculated with 8x10(5) C. baileyi oocysts at 10 days of age. Another group of chickens remained uninfected (UC). Faecal oocyst shedding was measured every second day, and weekly ELISAs were performed to monitor seroconversion. Those chickens that received OE during embryogenesis showed dose-dependent shift in their oocyst shedding, with higher oocyst output of OE1 and OE10 birds compared to IC ones. The patency was significantly longer in the OE10 group than in IC or OE1. ELISA results showed low seroconversion of OE1 and OE10 chickens prior to homologous challenge. Challenge infection resulted in antibody levels without significant difference between IC, OE1 and OE10 groups. These data suggest that in ovo vaccination with C. baileyi oocyst extract does not promote immune response, moreover, it may impair immunity and thus delay the clearance of cryptosporidia from chickens.

Study on the course of Cryptosporidium baileyi infection in chickens treated with interleukin-1 or indomethacin.

The effects exerted by human recombinant interleukin-1 beta (hrIL-1 beta) and the prostaglandin inhibitor indomethacin on the course of Cryptosporidium baileyi infection in chickens were studied. Daily oocyst shedding was monitored by a quantitative method throughout the experiment. Humoral immune response to C. baileyi was assessed by ELISA at 3 weeks of age while the level of cellular immune response to phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) by a skin test at 23 days of age. Parenteral application of hrIL-1 beta decreased oocyst shedding to 62%, but the infection ran a similar course in treated and control birds. The PHA-P skin test demonstrated increased cellular immune reaction in chickens receiving IL-1 beta, but there was no significant difference in the humoral responses of the two groups as detected by ELISA. On the other hand, indomethacin mixed to the feed lessened oocyst shedding to 13.7% and also shortened its duration. Immunological parameters as reflected by PHA-P skin test and ELISA results indicated enhanced cellular but unaltered humoral immune response. These data suggest that the systemic application of interleukin-1 can induce partial protection against C. baileyi in chickens and that prolonged, abundant oocyst shedding is due to an indomethacin-sensitive immunodepression via the prostaglandin pathway.

Immunogenicity of three oocyst extracts of Cryptosporidium baileyi in experimentally infected chickens.

The immunogenic properties of water-soluble and detergent-extracted components of Cryptosporidium baileyi oocysts were studied. Oocyst cytosol antigen (OCA) containing hydrophilic proteins was obtained by freeze-thaw cycles in liquid nitrogen. This was followed by Triton X-114 extraction of remaining oocyst fragments to dissolve membrane-bound proteins (TRE). The remainder of the pellet was solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate and treated with 2-mercaptoethanol to reduce disulfide-linked oocyst wall proteins (BME). The immune recognition of these three extracts was evaluated during the course of experimental cryptosporidiosis in chickens using ELISA, immunoblotting, and the lymphocyte stimulation test (LST). Four groups of chickens were infected at various times with different doses of C. baileyi and one group with the mammalian parasite C. parvum. Analysis of the data revealed that OCA proteins are well recognized by serum antibodies during the infection and to a limited extent by sera from chickens infected with C. parvum. Humoral responses of chicken groups to this antigen did not correlate well with the length of patency in contrast with its cellular recognition in LST. TRE gave lower values than OCA in both ELISA and LST, though it was still specifically recognized by samples from C. baileyi-infected chickens. Antibodies reacted aspecifically with BME, since only samples of birds which were immunocompetent at the time of their infection were able to recognize this extract as antigen. Immunoblotting revealed more specific components in OCA than in TRE or BME.

Assessment of maternal immunity to Cryptosporidium baileyi in chickens.

The degree of protection to Cryptosporidium baileyi in the progeny of infected chickens was studied. Hens at the beginning of their laying period were given orally three consecutive, large doses of C. baileyi oocysts at weekly intervals. The infection became patent after 6 days and lasted for another 6 days. Increasing serum IgG, and serum, bile, lachrymal and salivary IgA were demonstrated from their samples. These immunoglobulins were transferred to the eggs, since high levels of maternally derived IgG and lower amount of IgA were present in their yolks. Hatchlings of infected hens were divided into uninfected (UY) and infected (IY) groups, the birds in the latter receiving an oral inoculum of C. baileyi oocysts on the first day of their life. Two other groups, progeny of uninfected hens served as controls (uninfected UC, and infected IC). Maternal IgG was detected in serum samples of UY hatchlings which was eliminated by the third week. The total oocyst shedding of IY chickens was 54.3% lower than that of the controls (IC), however, the prepatent and patent periods did not show significant difference. In spite of the partial protection observed in IY birds, their humoral immune response to C. baileyi was significantly lower when compared to IC. A dot-ELISA was developed to evaluate seroconversion of infected chickens which was 100% in both infected groups. The findings of the present study suggest that infection of hens with C. baileyi results in partial protection of their progeny to this parasite, and factors other than immunoglobulins may also be transferred via the eggs.