Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Prevalence and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from pet lizards and snakes in Italy.
- Journal:
- Parasite (Paris, France)
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Rinaldi, L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Animal Pathology and Health · Italy
- Species:
- reptile
Abstract
In order to acquire prevalence and genetic data on Cryptosporidium infections in captive lizards and snakes kept as pets, a survey was conducted on 150 individual reptiles from southern Italy. Fecal samples were preserved in 5% formalin and analyzed using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. IFA revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in nine of the 150 samples examined (6.0%), precisely in 6/125 snakes (4.8%) and in 3/25 lizards (12.0%); all fecal samples tested negative for the presence of Giardia cysts. Molecular characterization based on nested PCR amplification and sequencing of the SSU-rRNA gene, revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium serpentis in three samples from snakes (Boa constrictor constrictor, Elapheguttata guttata guttata and Python molurus).
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23193530/