The initial phases of invasion of mammalian coccidia of the genus Eimeria into host tissue are still poorly known. This process, including the passage of oocysts through the intestinal lumen, excystation of sporozoites, their penetration into epithelial cells and migration to the target site was studied in both naive and immune mice infected with Eimeria falciformis. After oral infection, the intact oocysts were transported with enteral contents to the large intestine, where the excystation of sporozoites and their penetration into superficial epithelium took place. The sporozoites subsequently migrated into the epithelium of crypts, which is the specific site of asexual multiplication. The immune status of the hosts did not affect the passage of oocysts, excystation and penetration of sporozoites. However, the migration of sporozoites towards their target site (crypts) was impeded in immune mice and sporozoites tended to remain in superficial mucosa rather than migrate to the crypts.

Institute of Parasitology Academy of Science of the Czech Republic Branisovská 31 37005 Ceské Budejovice Czech Republic