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Cryptosporidium spp. in wild and captive reptiles
S J Upton1, C T McAllister, P S Freed
1Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Reptiles can carry Cryptosporidium, a parasite. This study found infections in 15 reptiles from diverse genera and species, suggesting multiple Cryptosporidium species may infect reptiles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Herpetology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteric protozoan parasites.
- Reptiles are potential reservoirs for various pathogens.
- Limited data exists on Cryptosporidium infections in reptiles globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in reptiles.
- To identify the species and genera of reptiles infected with Cryptosporidium.
- To explore the potential for multiple Cryptosporidium species in reptiles.
Main Methods:
- Parasitological examination of 528 reptiles from three continents between 1986-1988.
- Identification of infected specimens.
- Statistical analysis of oocyst morphology.
Main Results:
- Fifteen out of 528 reptiles (2.8%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp.
- Infected reptiles represented eight genera and 11 species.
- Oocyst structural variations were observed, indicating potential species diversity.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium infections are present in a variety of reptile species.
- The findings suggest the existence of multiple Cryptosporidium species infecting reptiles.
- Further research is needed to characterize Cryptosporidium species in reptiles.