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Infectivity of Cryptosporidium sp isolated from wild mice for calves and mice
Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine the incidence of cryptosporidiosis in wild mice (Mus musculus) and the infectivity of oocysts from their feces for susceptible calves. The presence of oocysts and the duration of shedding of oocysts in the feces were evaluated in 115 wild mice. Approximately 30% of the mice shed Cryptosporidium sp oocysts, without evidence of clinical infection; recurrence of oocyst shedding was found in about 50% of the mice. Oocysts from the feces of naturally infected mice were infective for calves and mice. Calves began shedding oocysts at 7 days and shed oocysts for about 10 days. Nonfatal, clinical cryptosporidiosis developed in 7 infected calves. The mice began shedding oocysts at 6 days and shed oocysts for 12 days. Fatalities or clinical infection did not develop in 5 infected mice. The results indicated that Cryptosporidium-infected wild mice may be a source of cryptosporidiosis in susceptible calves.
Insights
Wild mice shed Cryptosporidium oocysts, posing a risk to calves. These oocysts are infective, causing cryptosporidiosis in susceptible calves, highlighting a potential transmission cycle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidiosis is a significant enteric disease in livestock, particularly calves.
- The role of wild animal reservoirs in the transmission of Cryptosporidium to livestock is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Cryptosporidium shedding in wild mice (Mus musculus).
- To evaluate the infectivity of oocysts from wild mice feces for susceptible calves.
- To assess the potential of wild mice as a reservoir for calf cryptosporidiosis.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from 115 wild mice were analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocysts.
- Oocysts from infected mice were used to experimentally infect calves and mice.
- Clinical signs and oocyst shedding were monitored in infected animals.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of wild mice shed Cryptosporidium oocysts, often without clinical signs.
- Recurrent oocyst shedding was observed in about 50% of infected mice.
- Oocysts from mice were infective for calves, causing nonfatal clinical cryptosporidiosis with shedding for approximately 10 days.
- Infected mice shed oocysts for 12 days without developing clinical disease or fatalities.
Conclusions:
- Wild mice can shed Cryptosporidium oocysts and serve as a source of infection for susceptible calves.
- The study demonstrates a potential transmission pathway for cryptosporidiosis from wildlife to livestock.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and control of cryptosporidiosis in mixed wildlife-livestock environments.