ParaFinal Flashcards
What taxonomic group do Cystoisospora spp. belong to?
Protozoan
Specifically, they are Apicomplexan (coccidia) and obligate intracellular parasites.
What is the primary infectious life stage of Cystoisospora spp.?
Sporulated oocyst
This stage is ingested to initiate infection.
What is the transmission method for Cystoisospora spp.?
Fecal/oral ingestion of sporulated oocysts from contaminated environments
Infection can also occur indirectly via ingestion of infected paratenic hosts such as mice and rats.
What are the clinical signs associated with Cystoisospora spp. infection?
Diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, +/- hemorrhage
Severe cases may also exhibit anorexia, vomiting, and depression.
What is the definitive host of Cystoisospora spp.?
Carnivores, particularly dogs and pigs
These hosts are critical for the completion of the parasite’s life cycle.
What is the primary treatment for Cystoisospora spp. enteritis?
Sulfadimethoxine
This is the only drug approved for treatment associated with coccidiosis.
What type of reproduction occurs in Sarcocystis?
Asexual reproduction occurs within intermediate hosts, and sexual reproduction occurs within intestines of final hosts
This life cycle involves a prey-predator relationship.
What are the three infectious stages of Toxoplasma gondii?
- Tachyzoites
- Bradyzoites (in tissue cysts)
- Sporocytes (in oocysts)
These stages are crucial for understanding its transmission and life cycle.
What is the primary transmission method for Toxoplasma gondii?
Fecal/oral; ingestion of sporulated oocysts
Contaminated food and water are common sources of infection.
What are the clinical signs of Neospora caninum in dogs?
Neurological signs such as incoordination, paresis, dysphagia, and muscle wasting
Young puppies are particularly affected, showing more severe symptoms.
What is the diagnostic method for Neospora caninum?
Serology, history, clinical signs, and biopsy of affected tissues
PCR and competitive ELISAs are also used for accurate diagnosis.
What is the primary host for Hepatozoon americanum?
Dogs and coyotes
Paratenic hosts include rabbits and rodents.
What are the clinical signs associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?
Pyogranuloma formation, nonregenerative anemia, lethargy, decreased mobility
Some species may present with onion-like lesions.
What are the two forms of Giardia intestinalis?
- Cyst
- Trophozoite
Trophozoites are the active and motile feeding form, while cysts are the dormant form.
What is the primary transmission method for Giardia intestinalis?
Fecal/oral; ingestion of cysts
Flies have been suggested as potential vectors.
What are the clinical signs of Cryptosporidium infection?
- Watery diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
Infection can be asymptomatic in some cases.
What is the primary diagnostic method for Cryptosporidium?
Acid fast staining, direct immunofluorescent assay, and PCR
Fecal flotation is less effective for small oocysts.
What is the life cycle of Eimeria?
Direct; growth begins in the small intestine with no obvious clinical symptoms
The life cycle can vary in length depending on the host.
What are the clinical signs of Eimeria infection in cattle?
Invasion and destruction of intestinal epithelial cells, leading to diarrhea
Severity correlates with the number of oocysts ingested and the host’s immune status.
What increases the chances of disease development?
Stress.
What is an unsporulated oocyst?
Oocyst that has not yet undergone sporulation.
What are the clinical signs of coccidiosis?
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Catarrhal enteritis
- Bloody diarrhea
- Sloughing of mucosal epithelium
- Death
What factors influence the severity of coccidiosis symptoms?
Number of oocysts ingested and immune status of the host.
What is the main cause of coccidiosis in a herd setting?
Poor husbandry and management.
