22 Protozoa 2 Flashcards
Is Eimeria host specific?
Yes
What is the infective stage of Eimeria?
Sporulated oocysts
How long does it take for unsporulated Eimeria cysts to become sporulated?
Roughly 48 hrs
Each Eimeria contains ___ sporocysts with ___ sporozoites.
4 sporocysts; 2 sporozoites
What are the replicating stages of Eimeria in the intestines called (collectively as a group)?
Zoites
How is Eimeria diagnosed?
Double centrifugation fecal flotation
What is the pathogenesis of Eimeria?
Sexual and asexual reproduction occurs in the intestinal epithelial cells and zoites eventually burst out of the cell, damaging/killing it.
T or F: if Eimeria is found on fecal flotation, it is probably the cause of disease.
False - just seeing Eimeria doesn’t mean that it is causing the disease
What are the clinical signs of coccidiosis due to Eimeria?
Diarrhea, fever, weight loss, inappetence, emaciation, death – or may just have reduced productivity
T or F: clinical disease and infection prevalence of Eimeria are roughly the same.
F - clinical disease is seen in 5-10% of infected animals
What species of Eimeria infects horses?
Eimeria leuckarti
Is Eimeria leuckarti typically pathogenic?
No
What species of Eimeria infects rabbits?
Eimeria stiedae
Where are Eimeria stiedae eggs shed?
Into the bile ducts
What is unique about Eimeria stiedae pathogenesis?
It is localized in the liver instead of the intestines and can lead to liver failure
Does Eimeria have zoonotic potential?
No - it’s host specific
How long do Cryptosporidum oocysts take to sporulate in the environment?
They are already sporulated when they are shed from the host in feces - sporulation occurs in the intestines
What species are affected by Eimeria?
Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, pigs, rabbits
Are Cryptosporidum spp. host specific?
Yes, but may be shared in some immunocompromised individuals
What protozoa is a leading cause of diarrhea in neonatal calves?
Cryptosporidium
What is the most common species of Cryptosporidium
C. parvum
Compare and contrast thin vs. thick walled Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Thin walled oocysts rupture and re-infect the host’s intestines. Thick walled oocysts are shed into the environment.
What part of enterocytes do Cryptosporidium live in?
The microvillous brush border of intestinal epithelial cells
How is Cryptosporidium diagnosed in a general clinic?
Double centrifugation fecal flotation
How is Cryptosporidium diagnosed in a diagnostic lab?
Direct fluorescent antibody test (gold standard), PCR, or acid fast stain
How is Cryptosporidium treated?
Supportive therapy - fluid replacement and good nutrition
What species of coccidia can infect dogs and cats?
Cryptosporidium and cystoisospora
What species can be infected with Cryptosporidium?
Livestock, pets, primates, wildlife (incl. mammals, birds, and reptiles)
What other parasitic egg do Cystoisospora look like on fecal flotation?
Toxocara - but Cystoisospora is much smaller
Cystoisospora have ____ sporocysts with ____ sporozoites.
2 sporocysts; 4 sporozoites
How is Cystoisospora transmitted to dogs and cats?
Fecal-oral transmission or paratenic hosts
Are Cystoisospora zoonotic?
No – strictly host specific
What are the clinical signs of coccidiosis in dogs and cats?
Diarrhea (acute or chronic), weight loss, dehydration, hemorrhage (rare)
What is the only approved drug to treat coccidiosis in dogs and cats?
Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)
T or F: presence of oocysts in feces is proof coccidiosis is the cause of clinical signs.
F - many animals carry coccidiosis asymptomatically
What genera of coccidia can pigs be infected with?
Eimeria and cystoisospora
