Genus
Cryptosporidium
Contents -General Introduction -History -Clinical Signs -General life Cycle -Pathogenesis -Epidemiology -Diagnosis & Treatment -Prevention
Genus Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidiosis is caused by protozoan
parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium, in which there are 18 ‘valid’ species. In livestock, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. galli have been reported to cause morbidity and outbreaks of disease.
Some species are host specific but some are found in more than one species
Transmission by fecal oral route Person-to-person Person-to-animal –Waterborne-Foodborne Fomrs Oocyste with 4 sporozoits
History
1993: Milwaukee, West Indies Largest known water supply outbreak 400,000 persons became ill
1997: In decorative fountains
369 cases Appeared Most cases in children <10 years old
In Pakistan Fecal excretion of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts was
determined in 625 children less than five years old who presented at the pediatric clinic of a teaching hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
(+) Signs (--)
Infections characterized by watery diarrhea Stools with rancid odor Weight loss Anorexia Yellow to white color stools Tenesmus
Pathogenesis
Cryptosporidium parvum Primarily infects small intestine. Infections characterized by watery Diarrhea Impaired intestinal absorption.
Forms oocysts
-4-6 µm in diameter
-killed by ozone, desiccation
Post Mortem Lesions Gross lesions (not common)
Hyperemia of intestinal mucosaThe mucosal folds are markedly thickened, and there are numerous pinpoint foci of
hyperemia. Microscopic lesions
Mild to severe villous atrophy Spherical organisms in the
brush border
Common in calves and lambs (Some days after birth)
Other species– Dogs (rare)– Cats (rare)– Horses (rare)
Epidemiology More common with immune deficiency diseases such
as AIDS. Cryptosporidiosis occurs worldwide. It causes 50.8% of
the water-borne diseases attributed to parasites When Cryptosporidium spreads beyond the intestine,
(as in AIDS) it can reach upto lungs, middle ear, pancreas and stomach.
Unlike other coccidians autoinfection can occur
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests- Acid-fast staining- (histologic
examination)
- Microscopic detection
in feces
- Fecal flotation
-presumptive diagnosis based
on age
Treatment No specific treatment
-Supportive care
No vaccine
Prevention & Cares
Minimizing contact with infected individuals Wash hands Wash fruits/vegetables Minimize contact with young
animals especially having
age of somedays.
Presented by Ali Saqlain student of veterinary sciences
Uaf Pakistan