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