Isospora in Domestic Livestock

Question 1

How many rounds of asexual multiplication can Isospora have?

Answer 1

Unlimited

Question 2

Describe the oocysts

Answer 2

2 sporocysts, 4 sporozoites c.f. Eimeria- 4 sporocysts, 8 sporozoites

Question 3

Which 2 species affect cats?

Answer 3

I. felis, I. rivolta

Question 4

Which species affects dogs?

Answer 4

I. canis

Question 5

Which species affects pigs?

Answer 5

I. suis

Question 6

What age kittens/puppies are most commonly affected?

Answer 6

<6 months. Most adults are immune carriers

Question 7

5 clinical signs?

Answer 7

diarrhoea (+/- blood or mucus)
weight loss
anorexia
dehydration
vomiting

Question 8

How do you treat cats and dogs?

Answer 8

Sulphonamides, amprolium

Question 9

Pig Isospora aka?

Answer 9

10 day scour

Question 10

What age piglets are generally affected?

Answer 10

8-15 days

Question 11

What colour is the pig poo?

Answer 11

Yellowish/grey

Question 12

Describe the pathogenesis of pig Isospora

Answer 12

Villous atrophy and necrotic enteritis reduce nutrient absorption, dehydration and failure to thrive

Question 13

What is the mortality in pigs? What infective dose will be enough to cause disease?

Answer 13

<20%

Low infective dose ~ 100 oocysts

Question 14

Control of pig disease

Answer 14

Good hygiene, removal of oocysts from farrowing crates, burn bedding, moving arcs between farrowing if outdoors, metaphylaxis <5days old will prevent disease and allow natural immunity to develop