CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS (CRYPTO)

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS (CRYPTO)


Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most common forms of waterborne diarrhea in the United States. Although it has been a veterinary problem for quite a while, it was not identified in humans until 1976.



MORBIDITY: +++




MORTALITY: +




ETIOLOGY: PARASITIC


Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic, one-celled, protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium spp.



HOSTS


Cryptosporidium spp. can infect mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds. C. parvum is the species that most often infects humans, pets, and domestic and wild animals.



TRANSMISSION


Cryptosporidiosis is spread by the fecal-oral route. This means people or animals can get cryptosporidiosis when they put anything in their mouths that has been in contact with the feces of an infected animal or human. The most common sources of infection are direct contact with infected feces, water contaminated with infected feces (human or animal), and food contaminated by infected feces (Figure 7).


image

FIGURE 7 Cryptosporidiosis.


Infective organisms called oocysts are passed in the feces of an infected host. Oocysts have thick, protective outer shells and can live in a moist environment for up to 6 months. When the oocysts are ingested by the next host, they lose their thick outer shells and enter the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract of the host. In these cells, they undergo an asexual multiplication and a sexual multiplication, which result in oocyst production. The oocysts leave the cells and are passed in the feces.


A second, uncommon route of transmission is through the respiratory tract. In this instance the oocysts become airborne on feces, such as when a calf with diarrhea swishes its tail or when a high-pressure washer is used to clean up feces. When this method of transmission occurs, respiratory signs, along with intestinal signs, may result.


Transmission does not occur through contact with blood.



CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN ANIMALS


Cryptosporidiosis in animals affects mainly very young animals or immunocompromised animals. Calves 1 to 3 weeks old and lambs appear to be the most susceptible. Pigs, horses, dogs, and cats can become infected, but infection is uncommon in these species.


Clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis appear after a 4-day incubation period. They are characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea; lack of appetite; straining to defecate when there are no feces to pass; and weight loss. Cryptosporidiosis may be worse in immunocompromised animals.


Some animals may be infected without exhibiting any clinical signs. These animals will still shed oocysts and will be a source of infection to other animals.


Cryptosporidiosis is self-limiting in otherwise healthy animals. Mortality is very low in animals that develop cryptosporidiosis. Neonates and immunocompromised animals will have a longer course of disease that is increasingly fatal.

Related posts:

  1. ABOUT THE DISEASES
  2. CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS (VIBRIOSIS)
  3. EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS
  4. LEPTOSPIROSIS

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Oct 1, 2016 | Posted by in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off on CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS (CRYPTO)

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access