Apicomplexan co-infections impair with phagocytic activity in avian macrophages

Mixed infections of Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria tenella are likely to occur frequently due to the high prevalence of both pathogens in free-ranging chickens. In this study, we investigated the co-occurrence of the two parasites in the same immune-competent host cell towards altered patterns of parasite-host interactions. Chicken blood monocyte–derived macrophages were co-infected with T. gondii RH tachyzoites and E. tenella Houghton sporozoites in vitro for 24 h. Through monitoring the uptake of pH-sensitive pHrodo™ Zymosan BioParticles (“Zymosan”) by macrophages, we created a three-dimensional model and to analyze quantitatively phagocytosis using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Assessments of parasite populations were performed by qPCR at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post-infection (hpi). At 6 hpi, phagocytosis was inhibited in the E. tenella–infected cultures while no inhibition of phagocytosis was observed due to T. gondii. Phagocytosis activity revealed more complex interactions during co-infection. At 12 and 24 hpi, phagocytosis response to “Zymosan” was distinctly weaker in co-infected cells than in all other groups except for cells mono-infected with high doses of E. tenella at 24 hpi. By qPCR, significantly reduced numbers of both intracellular parasites were recorded (10-fold) in all infected groups at 2 hpi. At 12 hpi, the T. gondii population reached lowest values but dramatically increased by 24 hpi. Our data confirm that macrophage phagocytosis is involved in the control of invasion by apicomplexan parasites in chicken which particularly applies to E. tenella infection and it was able to be altered by the co-existing parasites. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00436-020-06900-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.