Cryptosporidium spp. (Apicomplexa) Flashcards
DH
mammals, reptiles, fish
IH
none
___ life cycle
direct
Oocsyst characteristics
oocysts: 4-6 micrometers, NO sporocyst, 4 sporozoites free in oocyst. Sporulates in the host
Explain three types of potential infectious opportunities
- Sporulated oocyst
- ingestion/autoinfection
- excystation to digestive tract
oocyst sporulates where?
sporulates within the host– exits in feces (intermittent shedding)
First generation is called
meront
gametogony includes what two things?
microgametocyte and macrogametocyte
Infectious stage of DH
sporulated oocyst
Site of infection
primarily in the GI tract, URI in birds
Route of transmission
fecal to oral route, autoinfection (contaminated food, water, aerosol)
PPP
ONE WEEK OR LESS
Control with what two chemicals
Formaldehyde and chlorine
Other species affected
o C. bovis- older calves 2-7 months. Mo clinical disease
o C. canis- usually in puppies less than six months, asymp. Shedding in older dogs. Rarely associated with disease but can cause diarrhea
o C. felis- rarely associated with disease, diarrhea/anorexia in younger kittens, usually subclinical and cats that do have clinical symptoms are likely NOT shedding oocysts
In C. felis, the DH sporulates OUTSIDE OF THE HOST
o Avian hosts: three forms: intestinal, respiratory and renal
*****ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL WITH ALL 3 SPECIES
Diagnosis:
Acid fast staining to see tiny oocysts, immunfluorescnece
