D329 - Cryptosporidium parvum

Description:

Cryptosporidium inhabits the epithelium of the respiratory and digestion systems of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Infections of the ileum are most common, but gastric, respiratory, and conjunctive infections have been observed in immunosuppressed hosts. Many species have been described. Most species may be relatively host specific. Those found in reptiles and birds apparently do not infect mammals. Only two species are recognized in mammals on the basis of the very small oocyte size, namely Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium spp. Oocysts are often difficult to demonstrate in the feces without special techniques. The biology Cryptosporidium spp. is not well known and its host range is limited. In contrast, Cryptosporidium parvum is by far the most commonly occurring species in mammals and, similar to Toxoplasma, has a wide mammalian host range. In a clinical and postmortem study in domestic and feral cats, the prevalence of infection was 5% and 12%, respectively. In rural cats from the surrounding area, the prevalence was 12%. Oocytes of cryptosporidium are spread via the fecal-oral route. Fecal contamination of food or drinking water is a common source of infection.

Diagnosis:

Nested PCR has been developed to detect Cryptosporidium parvum DNA in feces of symptomatic animals with 500 oocytes/g of feces. Positive DNA test result conforms Cryptosporidium parvum infection.

Sample:

Feces in sterile container.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D329