Protozoa: Cryptosporidiosis

Question 1

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Answer 1

disease caused by a protozoan parasite capable of infecting many animals

Question 2

What is the causative agent for Cryptosporidiosis?

Answer 2

cryptosporidium parvum

Question 3

What are the symptoms/syndrome for Cryptosporidiosis in animals?

Answer 3

watery diarrhea in calves 1-2 weeks old

Question 4

Where does Cryptosporidiosis occur?

Answer 4

infection found in 1-4.5% of stool samples surveyed in the US and Europe

Question 5

How is Cryptosporidiosis transmitted?

Answer 5

ingestion of oocysts passed in animal or human feces

Question 6

How is Cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?

2

Answer 6

1. microscopic examination of feces for oocysts

2. fecal antigen test

Question 7

How is Cryptosporidiosis controlled and prevented?

4

Answer 7

1. Good personal hygiene
2. Dispose of feces in a sanitary manner
3. Filter public water supplies
4. Immunocompromised individuals should avoid contact w/ diarrheic animals or people