[Cryptosporidiose (C. parvum) in a foal with diarrhea]

The protozoon parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is an important cause of diarrhea in farm animals, but it can also infect other animals and humans. In this case report, oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were microscopically detected by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining in the feces of a 9 day old Arabian colt presented with yellowish, foul smelling, diarrhea and fever of 40 degrees C. PCR and sequencing of the isolate revealed C. parvum (bovine genotype). Hemato-chemical analysis of the foals blood revealed a marked hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG 108mg/dl). The colt responded well to a supportive therapy and administration of plasma (until a gammaglobulin-concentration of 620 mg/dl was reached) and was released in good health from the clinic after 10 days. Follow-up testing for Cryptosporidium oocycsts remained negative. Cryptosporidiosis with life-threatening diarrhea is a rare diagnosis in foals in Switzerland. Immunodeficiency increases the risk for cryptosporidiosis. We hypothesize that the low concentration of gammaglobulins together with the weak INF-gamma response normally observed in young foals may have favored the clinical manifestation with diarrhea. Foals with diarrhea should be screened for cryptosporidia with specific tests.