Morphological and molecular characterisation of a mixed Cryptosporidium muris/Cryptosporidium felis infection in a cat

Abstract

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t Abstract 19To date Cryptosporidium muris has been identified by microscopy and genotyping in 20 cats in two studies. We report morphological and genetic evidence of a mixed C. muris 21 and C. felis infection in a cat and provide the first histological, immunohistochemical, in 22 situ hybridisation and genetic confirmation of a C. muris infection in the stomach of a cat. 23The cat suffered persistent diarrhoea after the initial consultation, which remained 24 unresolved, despite several medical interventions. Further studies are required to 25 determine the range, prevalence and clinical impact of Cryptosporidium species infecting 26 cats. 27 28

The epidemiology of cryptosporidium in cats and dogs in the Thohoyandou region, South Africa

“…With respect to the hygienic-sanitary conditions, it was noted that properties with poor hygienic conditions were more affected by Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp., confirming that poor sanitation is a predisposing factor for the infection with these protozoans, as previously described (El-Sherbini et al, 2012;FitzGerald et al, 2011;Mohammed et al, 1999;Teixeira et al, 2007). In our study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cats and dogs (about 40%) was higher compared to the prevalence in human (16%) previously described by our group in the Vhembe district (Samie et al, 2006).…”

Possible zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium felis in a household

“…Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cats varies considerably, ranging from 0 to 29.4% depending on the population investigated and the evaluation methods used ( 21 , 22 ). In studies employing species identification, most cases of feline cryptosporidiosis have been attributed to C. felis , and detection of C. parvum or C. muris has only occasionally been reported ( 23 – 25 ). In Sweden, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cats is not known, but the present observation that 18.5% (5/27) of fecal specimens from diarrheic cats with giardiasis were positive for C. felis suggests that occurrence of feline cryptosporidiosis is underestimated in this country.…”

“…The cat's general condition is good, and currently the main cause of concern is the potential risk of reinfection of the owner or infection of other people or cats in the household, but, fortunately, no such events have yet occurred. FitzGerald et al ( 23 ) have described a case in which a cat that was originally infected with two Cryptosporidium species ( C. muris and C. felis ) was still excreting oocysts 1 year later, but it appears that very few studies have included long-term follow-up of cats infected with Cryptosporidium .…”

Cryptosporidiumspecies in Australian wildlife and domestic animals

“…In domestic dogs in Australia, only C. canis has been identified and C. felis and C. muris have been identified in domestic cats in Australia Morgan et al 1998Morgan et al , 2000Palmer et al 2008;FitzGerald et al 2011).…”