| Clinical symptoms
The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis are watery diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. In Symptoms and severity of infection vary with age and immune status of the host. Cryptosporidium infections are uncommonly detected in cats and dogs. Cryptosporidiosis can sometimes make dogs and cats sick, but animals with signs are atypical. In most cases, epithelial damage is minimal, but in severe cases, infection is associated with loss of the ability to maintain water balance. Clinical signs are usually restricted to mild diarrhea, unless the host is immune suppressed or has another underlying condition such as viral infection or malignancy.
Diagnosis
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease that is spread through contact with the stool of an infected person or animal. The disease is diagnosed by examining stool samples. Oocyst excretion is intermittent, and multiple stool samples may be needed.
1. Microscopic examination of stool: Most often, stool specimens are examined microscopically using different techniques, such as acid-fast staining, Ziehl-Nielsen staining.
2. Laboratory diagnostic:
A. Real-time PCR: Detecting Cryptosporidium spp. can be done most accurately through a fecal PCR assay. The BIOGUARD Qmini PCR SYSTEM offers a versatile way of obtaining nucleic acid for PCR through its magnetic bead technology. In just under 10 minutes, PCR samples are purified and ready for use. Additionally, the system includes a pre-made lyophilized powder PCR reaction mixer and pre-calibrated PCR protocol, resulting in PCR outcomes in 90 minutes.
B. Immunologic tests, such as direct fluorescent antibody, enzyme immunoassays for detection of Cryptosporidium sp. antigens
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Treatment and Prevention
Most patients with healthy immune systems will recover from cryptosporidiosis without treatment. Supportive measures, oral or parenteral rehydration, and hyperalimentation may be needed for immunocompromised patients with severe disease.
The best way to prevent the spread of Cryptosporidium in the home is by practicing good hygiene. |
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Webinar: Diseases causing Lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in dogs: A systematic approach to diagnosing Leishmaniasis (presented in Turkish)
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A free online class brought to you by Bioguard
Get familiar with canine leishmaniasis. Sponsored by Bioguard Corporation and presented by Prof. Dr. Nihat Toplu, this is the next webinar you don't want to miss it.
Access to the on-demand recording is FREE
Obtain a CERTIFICATE of attendance
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During the presentation, we will cover the clinicopathologic approach to lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in dogs, along with the various infectious and non-infectious causes that can lead to these conditions. Additionally, we'll examine the pathogenesis of immune reactions against Leishmania spp. pathogens that can cause lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in dogs. We'll explore how these pathogens can escape the immune system and the different diagnostic methods that can be used during the clinical course. Specifically, we'll delve into the working mechanisms and diagnostic value of cytology/immunoassay, immunochromatography, serology, and PCR methods.
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Prof. Dr. Nihat Toplu is an accomplished veterinarian who graduated from Ankara University, Turkey in 1993. In 2000, he completed his doctoral thesis on the development of specific antibodies and fluorescent antibody techniques for detecting Avian Encephalitis Virus infection in poultry. Since then, he has dedicated himself to researching the mechanisms of various diseases such as Pestiviruses, Akabane virus, West Nile virus, and Leishmaniasis. His work has helped to develop new diagnostic methods and a deep understanding of these illnesses. He now continues his academic career at Aydın Adnan Menderes University (Turkey), where he specializes in Pathology.
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