Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have anticoccidial and jejunum-protective effects in mice infected with Eimeria papillata

Eimeriosis, an infection with Eimeria spp. that affects poultry, causes huge economic losses. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antibacterial and antifungal properties, but their action against Eimeria infection has not yet been elucidated. This study demonstrates the action of AgNPs in the treatment of mice infected with Eimeria papillata. AgNPs were prepared from Zingiber officinale rhizomes. Phytochemical screening by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (GC–MS) was used to detect active compounds. Mice were divided into five groups: uninfected mice, uninfected mice that were administered AgNPs, untreated mice infected with 10(3) sporulated oocysts of E. papillata, infected mice treated with AgNPs, and infected mice treated with amprolium. Characterization of the samples showed the AgNPs to have nanoscale sizes and aspherical shape. Phytochemical screening by GC–MS demonstrated the presence of 38 phytochemical compounds in the extract of Z. officinale. Mice infected with E. papillata-sporulated oocysts were observed to have many histopathological damages in the jejuna, including a decrease in the goblet cell numbers affecting the jejunal mucosa. Additionally, an increased oocyst output was also observed. The treatment of infected mice with AgNPs resulted in the improvement of the jejunal mucosa, increase in the number of goblet cell, and decrease in the number of meronts, gamonts, and developing oocysts in the jejuna. Moreover, AgNPs also led to decreased oocyst shedding in feces. The results revealed AgNPs to have an anticoccidial effect in the jejunum of E. papillata-infected mice and, thus, could be a potential treatment for eimeriosis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-023-25383-0.