Host responses to Cryptosporidium infection

Cryptosporidium is a clinically and economically important infection whose pathogenic effect begins with colonization of the intestinal epithelium. Despite intensive efforts, a consistently effective therapy for the infection has yet to be identified. Morbidity and mortality results from ongoing loss of absorptive epithelium, which leads to villous atrophy and malabsorption and release of inflammatory mediators that stimulate electrolyte secretion and diarrhea. With further clarification of the mechanisms underlying enterocyte malfunction in Cryptosporidium infection, it should be possible to design rational nutritional and pharmacologic therapies to enhance nutrient and water absorption, promote the clearance of infected enterocytes, and restore normal villus architecture and mucosal barrier function.     

Cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>): Prevalence and potential risk factors

The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves in Middle Egypt. During one year, 458 fecal samples were collected from buffalo calves less than 3 month age in 55 small scale herds and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Data describing age, gender, season, and herd management practices were gathered to assess potential risk factors. Fecal examination showed that 14.19% of the examined calves were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Calves at 1-15 days were at the highest risk (P < 0.001), and a significant relationship between season and infection (P < 0.05) was recorded. A significant association between infection and hygiene (P < 0.001), type of floor (P < 0.01) and source of water (P < 0.01) was also recorded. Statistical analysis concerning the clinical signs and fecal characteristics revealed a significant association with fecal consistency (P < 0.001), presence of blood (P < 0.01) and mucous (P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant association was found between infection and the desire for suckling (P < 0.05) and tenesmus (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated the strong relation between infections by Cryptosporidium spp. and diarrhea in buffalo calves.     

Cryptosporidiosis in two alpaca (Lama pacos) holdings in the South-West of England

Cryptosporidiosis was investigated on two alpaca (Lama pacos) holdings in the South-West of England. Diagnosis was initially confirmed in a cria with diarrhoea from each holding. Cohort faeces samples were subsequently collected and examined for presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by immunofluorescence microscopy. On the first holding, 30 samples (24 adults, 6 crias) were tested, and oocysts were detected in three of the cria samples but in none of the adults. On the second holding, 14 floor faeces samples representing apparently healthy crias and one faeces sample from a cria with diarrhoea were collected. Oocysts were detected in four of the "healthy" faeces samples and the sample of diarrhoeic faeces. All isolates were confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism of the cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and ssu rRNA genes. Sequence analysis of a 741bp region of ssu rDNA was carried out on nine of these and revealed high sequence homology with previously reported C. parvum isolates. This investigation highlights the possibility of alpaca crias subclinically shedding oocysts, which has implications for epidemiology and transmission in animals as well as raising zoonotic concerns for human contacts. Gene sequencing of UK isolates from South American camelids is also described for the first time.     

奶牛隐孢子虫的检测技术

隐孢子虫病是一种重要的人畜共患原虫病。在家畜中以对反刍动物—奶牛的危害最大。当前，奶牛隐孢子虫主要还是以粪便检测为主，如改良抗酸染色法、金胺一酚改良抗酸复染法等。现在还有应用日趋广泛的免疫学检测方法，如ELISA、IFA、McAb等；分子生物学检测方法。如常规PCR、巢式PCR等。本文对上述各种检测方法作一综述，以供广大寄生虫病学和兽医工作者参考。     

隐孢子虫病的中药防治研究进展

隐孢子虫病（Cryptosporidiosis）是由隐孢子虫引起的一种呈世界性分布的机会致病性人兽共患原虫病,给人类生命安全带来严重威胁,也给畜牧业带来巨大的经济损失。该病无特效治疗药物,我国在中草药抗隐孢子虫病方面有相当的研究,也取得了一定的成绩。本文就单味中药提取物和复合制剂抗隐孢子虫病相关的研究做一简单阐述。     

A Survey of U.S. Obstetrician‐Gynecologists' Clinical and Epidemiological Knowledge of Cryptosporidiosis in Pregnancy

Although cryptosporidiosis is frequently diagnosed in the U.S., there has been very little assessment of obstetrician–gynaecologist knowledge about this disease. In 2010, we surveyed U.S. obstetricians about the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis. Data were examined through univariable analysis and multivariable regression models. Of 1000 obstetrician–gynaecologists surveyed, 431 (43.1%) responded. Only 44.4% of respondents correctly identified that prolonged, intermittent diarrhoea would lead them to consider cryptosporidiosis in a differential diagnosis. Routine ova and parasites (O&P) testing was incorrectly chosen to identify Cryptosporidium in stool by 30.4% of respondents. Questions about nitazoxanide, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of cryptosporidiosis, were the most frequently missed questions. Only 9.0% of respondents correctly classified nitazoxanide as an FDA pregnancy Category B drug, and only 5.6% of respondents correctly indicated that FDA approved nitazoxanide for immunocompetent patients aged ≥1 years. Regarding prevention‐ and control‐related knowledge, only 14.1% of respondents correctly indicated that alcohol‐based hand sanitizers were not effective at inactivating Cryptosporidium spp., and <10% correctly indicated that cryptosporidiosis is a reportable disease in their state of practice. Multivariable analysis found that ≥19 years in practice was positively associated with O&P diagnostic testing knowledge, while rural and urban non‐inner city practice location, compared with suburban practice location, was positively associated with nitazoxanide knowledge. The low level of knowledge among obstetrician–gynaecologists about cryptosporidiosis indicates a need to develop resources for physicians about all aspects of cryptosporidiosis, particularly on diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies.     

合肥市某奶牛场奶牛隐孢子虫病流行病学调查

为查明合肥市某奶牛场奶牛隐孢子虫感染情况,采用饱和白糖溶液漂浮法和金胺酚-改良抗酸染色法对该场325头奶牛的粪样进行了检查。结果表明：饱和白糖溶液漂浮法在103头奶牛的粪样中查到了隐孢子虫卵囊,感染率为31．69％;金胺酚-改良抗酸染色法在88头奶牛的粪样中查到了隐孢子虫卵囊,感染率为27．08％。经鉴定,所获虫体为鼠隐孢子虫Crtptosporidium muris。     

隐孢子虫病检测技术研究进展

隐孢子虫是动物和人腹泻的重要病原,也是人类艾滋病患者的主要致死因素之一.当前,对隐孢子虫病的研究已成为全球寄生虫学研究领域的热点由,于迄今尚无治疗隐孢子虫病感染的特效药物,因此,快速、简便、准确地发现隐孢子虫是控制该病的关键.随着分子生物学技术的应用,隐孢子虫病的检测技术得到了极大的发展.笔者就近年来隐孢子虫病检测技术进行了简要综述.     

Investigation of the Role of Companion Animals in the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidiosis

Companion animals owned by human patients with cryptosporidiosis (cases) and those animals owned by the wider human population (controls), were studied to determine whether Cryptosporidium was more likely to be excreted by case animals than controls. A total of 280 recently voided faecal samples (114 case animals and 166 control animals) were collected and tested by immunomagnetic separation and immunofluorescent microscopy. A multivariable model was also created to identify pet characteristics, contacts and management factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in animals, using information collected by a standardized questionnaire. The model was designed to take into account the clustering of samples at the owner level and whether the sampled animal was a case or control.     

Sheep management and cryptosporidiosis in central Mexico

To establish the association between sheep farm management practices and cryptosporidiosis in Central Mexico, 37 farms were invited and questionnaires answered by owners. Faeces samples were taken from lambs under 3 months old and ewes in the farms. Parasites were identified by modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Questionnaire included: general farm information, facilities characteristics, facilities cleaning measures, water use and farm and animal management practices. Farms were grouped in a low (￡3,37%), medium (3.38-49.9%) and high basis (³50%) according to prevalence. Associations (OR) were calculated according to positivity, compared by chi-square test. A general prevalence of 34,33% was found. Five variables showed statistical significance (p<0.05). Associations found were: use of bed, grazing place, and bottle cleaning. The only association found between management practices and cryptosporidiosis that could represent a risk was the grazing place. This report is the first one in the country regarding predisposing conditions for cryptosporidiosis.