Oocysticidal Effect of Essential Oil Components against Chicken Eimeria Oocysts

The objective of this study is to assess the ability of some major components of essential oils (EOs) to destroy Eimeria oocysts in vitro and to find out how the mechanism of action involved in this oocysticidal effect works. The methodology used was as follows: A screening of the oocysticidal activity of eight EO components was carried out in a liquid medium. The release of substances absorbing at 273 nm was measured after treatment of Eimeria oocysts with these components. The results we obtained showed that carvacrol, carvone, isopulegol, thymol, and eugenol have the most effective activity. The treatment of Eimeria oocysts with these components led to their lysis in a dose and time dependant manner as shown by the release of substances absorbing at 273 nm. We were able to conclude that these major components are of particular interest in fighting coccidiosis since they have a destructive effect on oocysts at very low concentrations. They could also help in the formulation of radical and safe solutions to coccidiosis.