The Cathepsin-D proteinase was demonstrated immunohistochemically in cases of intestinal coccidiosis in chickens; its expression concerned almost the cyto-invasive stages of reproductive cycle of several strains of coccidia (merozoites of the II-nd generation and also microgametes). The authors consider Cathepsin-D as a potentional "penetration/spreading factor", being significant for intracellular invasion and spreading of coccidia into host cells. In diagnostic practice, an immunohistochemical demonstration of Cathepsin-D is a relatively simple and sensitive method, which brings information on the extent of parasitic lesions, and on participation of particular evolutive forms of coccidial life cycle; it may also be useful in proving isolated coccidia in the intestinal epithelium, poorly recognized in routine HE preparation. Some Cathepsin-D protease reactivity in intestinal Cryptosporidiosis is also briefly mentioned. The examined cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis and primary acanthamoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) showed in above mentioned methods negative results.

• MeSH
• Immunohistochemistry MeSH
• Cathepsin D metabolism   MeSH
• Coccidiosis enzymology   parasitology   veterinary   MeSH
• Chickens * MeSH
• Poultry Diseases enzymology   parasitology   MeSH
• Intestinal Mucosa enzymology   parasitology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH