Abstract
Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified by phase contrast microscopy on smears from flotations of greenish-yellow pasty feces obtained from two foals. One foal, a one week old Percheron was recumbent, anorectic and lethargic, believed to be the result of a septicemia of undetermined etiology. Despite therapy and nursing care the animal died. Using light and electron microscopy, numerous stages of Cryptosporidium sp. were seen protruding from the surface of epithelial cells of intestinal villi. The other foal, a six week old Arabian had a mild diarrhea. The diarrhea and passage of oocysts eventually ceased. Immunological tests on sera of both these foals provided no evidence of abnormal immune function. This report is the first to describe cryptosporidiosis in apparently immunocompetent horses.
Keywords: Cryptosporidiosis, neonatal diarrhea, coccidia, protozoa, horse
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