Purified E. tenella sporozoites were administered subcutaneously in neck region of broiler chickens in different age groups and the cell mediated immune response in terms of gamma interferons by ELISA was assessed. The mean IFN-γ concentration (pcg) in this experimental trial was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T4 (226.61±6.41) and lower in T1 (159.73±2.37) than other groups. On 49th day of age, the concentration declined but higher in group T4 (154.65± 3.66) than the other groups. The mean weekly weight gain (g) after challenge was high in T4 (2342.50±42.483) with a low mean lesion score (2.5±0.22). A partial protective cellular immune response against caecal coccidiosis with a mean bodyweight gain, and mean lesion score superior to the unimmunized infected chickens could be observed in this study.

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