Cryptosporidiosis Clinical Case Flashcards
what is Cryptosporidium?
protozoal pathogen
affects humans, cattle, mammals
mostly host specific
what are the two significant Cryptosporidium species in humans?
C. parvum and C. hominis
which species of Cryptosporidium is zoonotic?
C. parvum
what species of Cryptosporidium is significant in cattle?
C. parvum
what body system is typically affected by Cryptosporidium?
GI tract
which cattle industry is most affected by Cryptosporidium?
dairy industry
#2 cause of D in calves
how does Cryptosporidium cause disease?
fecal-oral ingestion of thick-walled oocysts
how many sporozoites are in the ingested Cryptosporidium oocysts?
4
where does Cryptosporidium begin to excyst?
proximal duodenum
which is normal villi and which is affected by C. parvum?
Right = villus atrophy/blunting
common clinical signs of Cryptosporidium
watery D, dehydration, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, death
what are treatment options for Cryptosporidium?
NO effective drug treatments
SUPPORT CARE
what is the only FDA approved drug for Cryptosporidium?
Nitazoxanide
BUT does not help immunocompromised pts
