Eimeria acervulina

Eimeria acervulina is a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Eimeria, which is part of the phylum Apicomplexa. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that specifically infects chickens, causing avian coccidiosis—a disease characterized by enteric lesions and impaired nutrient absorption. Infection leads to malabsorption, poor feed utilization, reduced body weight gain, and characteristic lesions in the upper small intestine (duodenum and jejunum). Pathogenicity is considered moderate compared to other Eimeria species; however, it can still cause significant economic losses in poultry production due to decreased growth rates and feed efficiency.