Interplay between Histomonas meleagridis and Bacteria: Mutualistic or Predator-Prey?

Abstract

Histomonas meleagridis is an extracellular protozoan parasite and the aetiological agent of histomonosis, an important poultry disease whose impact is greatly accentuated by inaccessibility of any treatment. A special feature of the parasite is its intricate interplay with bacteria in vitro and in vivo, the focus of this article.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; Histomonas meleagridis; bacteria; blackhead disease; histomonosis; poultry.