An experimental cryptosporidium infection in mice and goat kids
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Date
2000-12-16
Authors
Noordeen, F.
Horadagoda, N. U.
Faizal, A. C. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Cryptosporidiuni parvum, a zoonotic protozoan parasite of mammals. occurs throughout the world. Following infection, it multiplies within the microvilli of the enterocytes and produces pathological changes associated with clinical signs in susceptible hosts. Studies on experimental Cryptosporidium infections in various species reveal that the infectivity varies with the host species and the strain of the parasite. This paper describes the infectivity. pattern of oocyst shedding. and the morphological changes in the intestine following an experimental Cryptosporidium infection in goat kids.
Crvptosporidiuni oocysts, isolated from adult asymptomatic goats. were identified as C parvuni by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Two. -l-day-old goat kids were infected orally' with C pan'IIJII oocysts (l05 oocysts in 10 ml phosphate buffered salinelkid) and an age-matched goat kid given an equal volume of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by the same route served as a control. In addition, eight I-week-old mice were infected orally (103 oocysts/mouse) for comparative purposes. Crvptosporidium oocysts were detected in the feces of one infected kid on 3 days post inoculation (dpi) whereas in the other 6 dpi, The faecal oocyst counts gradually increased and the peak counts in both kids were 2 x 10° g'' (on 12 dpi) and 3.2 x 106 s" (on l-l dpi). The increase in faecal oocyst output coincided with diarrhoea in an infected kid from 10 to 17 dpi. Although. the oocyst excretion declined gradually after the peak. both infected kids excreted oocysts until euthanized on 20 and 22 dpi, Light and scanning electron microscopic investigations of the ileum revealed the developmental stages of the parasite within the brush border of the enterocytes, infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells into the lamina propria, and atrophy. stunting and fusion of villi, All experimental mice excreted oocysts from 3 dpi, and -l infected mice continued to excrete oocysts until -l2 dpi. Thus, the experimental infection in goat kids resembled the natural disease in terms of oocyst excretion, clinical signs. and intestinal pathology. The ability of oocysts excreted by asymptomatic goats to infect goat kids and mice is likely to have a major impact on the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in livestock and man
Description
Keywords
Veterinary Medicine , Mice and Gaot kids Infection
Citation
Proceedings and Abstract of the Annual Research Sessions, December 16, 2000, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka pp 173-183