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19-08-2009, 06:46 PM
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Cryptosporidiosis in Lizards
Seeing as there is no longer a sticky topic for this and I have no idea why seeing as its a lot more common that people actually think and probably one of the most devastating parasite, I thought id put up some info to hopefully educate people a bit more.
In a book published in 2006 it states more than 50% of UK leopard geckos are carriers of crypto so id hate to think what the stats are now with the amount of people breeding and the lack of quarantine that goes on or when people think that 3 months is enough to rule it out. So could someone consider making this a new sticky as there is a lot of confusion that seems to surround crypto as many people think it’s not that common. Here is the best information sheet found by Marcia McGuiness from Golden Gate Geckos and I hope people will read through it and maybe think a bit more about its risks when breeding and selling on their animals. Purpose: This provides some facts and common myths about the parasite Cryptosporidium, aka “crypto”, in a comprehensive article targeted for the average lizard keeper, hobbyist, and breeder. Description: There are eleven strains of Cryptosporidium, which is a mutant form of Coccidia. These are single-celled protozoan parasites with a direct life cycle, which means that the microorganism can complete its life cycle (from egg to larvae to adult) within a single host animal’s body. Generally speaking, these parasites are ‘host specific’, meaning that certain strains of Cryptosporidium are adapted to cause disease only in specific hosts. The strains of crypto that infect reptiles are Cryptosporidium serpentis (found primarily in snakes), and Cryptosporidium saurophilum (primarily in lizards). Unlike some myths claim, these strains are not zoonotic, or transmissible to humans or other mammals. Most reptiles are considered susceptible to Cryptosporidiosis, especially snakes. Crocodilians are not known to have crypto. Rare cases of non-alimentary Cryptosporidium have been found in the kidneys and salivary glands of Iguanas. Cryptosporidium parvum is often observed when testing the faeces of snakes, but this strain of crypto only causes infection in mammals, and most likely originates from mice feeders passing though the snake’s GI system. Crypto affects snakes and lizards differently, and is much more difficult to diagnose in lizards because the symptoms are more elusive than in snakes. In lizards, the parasite invades the GI tract in the lining of the intestines creating inflammation and lesions that severely inhibit the absorption of nutrients. In snakes, it is the stomach wall that is affected which can cause fatal internal haemorrhaging. Contagion and Transmission: Some experts claim that ALL lizards have Cryptosporidium, but this is completely unfounded and false. Most reptiles do carry sub-clinical, non-problematic coccidian microorganisms, but not crypto. Contrary to common myths, crypto is not easily transmitted by casual contact with skin and clothes. In its reproductive stage, when oocysts (spores/eggs) are being shed, Cryptosporidia infection is spread by contact via oral and faecal contamination. Reptiles that are infected with Cryptosporidia pass oocysts through their faeces, and orally via water and food bowls. When uninfected reptiles share water and food bowls with infected animals, they can ingest crypto oocysts. Likewise, if they come in contact with infected faeces, or consume insect prey that has ingested infected faeces, the parasite can be easily transmitted. Crypto infected reptiles can also continually re-infect themselves by using their own contaminated water bowls and contact with their own faeces, which creates large loads of this parasite to build up in their GI system very quickly. Fastidious disinfection is required to eradicate crypto infection, and will be discussed later in this article. Clinical Symptoms: Many reptiles are asymptomatic (no symptoms) but are known to be carriers of Cryptosporidium. The carrier status of lizards is not completely known yet, but it is known that the parasite may remain in a dormant state until the animal is subject to severe stress and/or immuno-supression, and then begins to multiply to a clinical state. Unfortunately, most of the clinical symptoms of crypto infection are similar to other parasitic and bacterial infections, so making a diagnosis purely by symptoms is ambiguous. The progressive symptoms of Crypto in lizards are: - Anorexia, loss of interest in food - Regurgitation of food and undigested skin shed masses - Change in consistency of faeces, florid diarrhoea, ‘cottage cheesy’ stools - Weight loss, wasting away, thin tail - Enlarged, darkened liver (hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver) - Lethargy - Death Diagnosis: There are stages of the disease when it is sub-clinical and extremely difficult to detect. Until recently, the only 100% accurate method of diagnosis for crypto was post-mortem pathology of the stomach and intestines. In most cases, Cryptosporidium must be shedding, or in their reproductive stage, in order to be detected by conventional microscopic methods, as normal/routine faecal tests (floats and/or smears) are unreliable and produce too many false negatives. Today, more sophisticated and precise test methods are available to accurately diagnose Cryptosporidium infection. Samples of faeces, regurgitated stomach contents, endoscopic biopsies, and by-products of cloacal or stomach flushes may be used to detect Cryptosporidium. - Acid-Fast Stain (AFS) Test: This common method employs the use of carbol-fuchsin, which is a mixture of phenol (carbolic acid) and basic fuchsin ( a biological purplish-red pigment), because it has a natural attraction to the mycolic acids found in cell walls. This compound stains the walls of the Cryptosporidium oocysts, creating a bright red contrast visible on laboratory glass slides under 100X microscopic power. This test may need to be repeated several times in order to make a positive diagnosis, as the parasite is not always shedding (in its reproductive state) in order to be visibly observed. - Merifluor Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA) Test: This test is 16X more sensitive than AFS method. This method uses the blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids from an animal that is then evaluated by a laboratory. Certain chemical reagents are used which cause the targeted antibody or antigen, (any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it) is linked to an enzyme, which are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in other substances, without being changed themselves. If the target substance is present in the sample, the test solution turns a different colour when observed through fluorescence. - Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test: Similar to the IFA test, this procedure uses components of the immune system and chemicals to detect immune responses in the body (for example, to infectious microbes). The ELISA test involves an enzyme (a protein that catalyzes a biochemical reaction), and an antibody or antigen (immunologic molecules). The ELISA test is generally considered to be the most accurate test for diagnosing Cryptosporidium infection, but is also more elaborate and therefore more expensive to perform. Treatment: There is currently no medication or treatment available that will eliminate Cryptosporidium in reptiles, although there are promising treatments that seem to prevent the parasite from multiplying to levels where the infection is clinical. Current treatments appear to be more effective in snakes, and less so in lizards and tortoises. Many reptiles have maintained their health and have prolonged lives as a result of recent and ongoing treatment studies, but are still considered to be infected and can transmit the disease to other reptiles. Since there is no ‘cure’ for crypto in reptiles at this time, the inevitable suffering and death of an infected lizard can be expected. Humane euthanasia is often the best course of action. Some of the medications that are being tested and used are: Bactrim/Septra/Albon (trimethoprim sulfa): A sulfa-based, broad spectrum antibiotic with excellent activity against most gram-negative organisms. This treatment has not proven to be effective in the treatment of Cryptosporidiosis in cold-blooded animals, but is very useful in treating Coccidiosis. Halofuginone: An anti-coccidian agent which is an alkaloid originally isolated from the plant Dichroa febrifuga. This drug is similar to chemotherapy, which acts on rapidly multiplying cells. It does have a narrow margin of safety as it can actually weaken the immune system, which is a critical factor in keeping crypto suppressed. Spiramycin: A macrolide antimicrobial agent (antibiotic) with activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including protozoans and many strains of bacteria. Since this medication also kills gram-positive bacteria which are essential for the digestive system to function properly, it can have detrimental effects by keeping the ‘good’ gut flora out of balance. Paromomycin: A carbohydrate based drug that fights intestinal infections such as cryptosporidiosis and amoeba infection, or amoebiasis, by inhibiting protein synthesis within the organism. This treatment has proven more effective of Crytosporidia parvum, they type of crypto that affects mammals, but has limited effectiveness with cold-blooded animals. Baycox (toltrazuril): A drug formulated specifically for the treatment of coccidian infections in farm animals. It interferes with the division of the nucleus and with the activity of the mitochondria, which is responsible for the respiratory metabolism of Coccidia. Since it was formulated for mammals, it also has limited effectiveness on reptiles. Alinia (nitazoxanide): A drug formulated for humans used to treat diarrhoea caused by the parasites Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lambia. This drug is currently being tested for treatment of Crypto in reptiles, but no definitive therapeutic results have been observed other than symptomatic relief. Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum (HBC): This treatment utilizes colostrum, a natural substance secreted by the mammary glands of cows, which provides passive immunity against Cryptosporidia parvum in mammals. Although HBC does not eliminate crypto in all reptiles, there is promising research being conducted* that may prove a cross-reactivity of the antibodies to that of Cryptosporidia serpentis. * Studies performed by Drs. T. K. Graczyk, M. R. Cranfield, P. Helmer, R. Fayer, and E. F. Bostwick using Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum have shown to eliminate Cryptosporidium in infected subject monitor lizards. Disinfection: Cryptosporidium are remarkably resistant to many common disinfectants because their cell walls are impermeable to chemicals and drugs. Crypto oocysts can remain viable up to 18 months in moderately cool, damp or wet environments, so complete disinfection is mandatory to prevent cross-contamination and perpetuating the infection. * Ammonium compounds or straight household ammonia is most effective Prevention: The only success in eradicating Cryptosporidium infection is through prevention. Isolation of infected and new animals, fastidious husbandry and cleanliness, reducing crowding and stress, and maintaining all animals in optimal health so that their immune systems are strong enough to fight off infection will be protocol. As harsh as it seems, ANY reptile that has been positively diagnosed with Cryptosporidium should be humanely euthanized, and all cages and cage items discarded to protect any other reptiles in collections and colonies from being infected. The following are guidelines in preventing crypto in reptile collections: - · Quarantine ALL newly acquired reptiles, regardless of their origin, for at least 90 days. · Practice fastidious husbandry and cleanliness during the quarantine period, and at all times. · Quarantine any reptile that exhibits ANY symptoms of disease or sickness, and seek veterinary care immediately! DO NOT try to diagnose problems yourself, and follow prescribed treatment(s) as ordered. · Acquire reptiles only from reliable sources. Avoid buying reptiles from large chain pet stores, and ‘reptile mills’ or suppliers that deal in huge, volume sales. These reptiles are only inventory items. · Obtain faecal samples for veterinary examination for every newly acquired reptile. Most reptile diseases and parasites are completely curable if diagnosed and treated expeditiously. · Never interchange or recycle food items between reptiles or their enclosures. · Never interchange water bowls, cage furniture, décor, or any enclosures between animals or habitats without complete prior disinfection. · Educate yourself on Cryptosporidium. The internet and/or your veterinarian are GREAT places to learn! With reptiles becoming more mainstream as pets, and more veterinarians being trained and specializing in reptiles, knowledge is the best weapon in the fight against Cryptosporidium, and other reptile parasites and diseases. Thanks for looking
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19-08-2009, 07:01 PM
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Great info, i never really new what it was but now after reading this im all clued up.
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1.1.0 LEOPARD GECKO-JEROME,PRINCESS, 1.0.2 BEARDED DRAGON-ROBSON,TONTO,LUCY 1.1.0 CRESTED GECKO- TYRONE,TILLY ACKIE WANTED- BABY TO SUB ADULT- ANY SEX PM ME PLEASE!!
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19-08-2009, 07:22 PM
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Marcia's is a good one
 Other good threads/links posted by forum members previously and well worth mentioning are ~ Reptilian Cryptosporidiosis ~ posted by GlasgowGecko and was originally stickied (don't know why it was unstickied) Cryptosporidium in gecko colonies. ~ posted by Gazz How widespread is crypto in UK leopard geckos?
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SleepyDee Geckos  Information, Care sheets and much more... Nationwide Courier/Delivery available *I'm a short, plump, grey-haired Grandmother ..... NOT a fella*  Research and read before you buy and breed! Last edited by SleepyD; 19-08-2009 at 07:25 PM..
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19-08-2009, 11:05 PM
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Thanks for the info
Very informative
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1.0.0 Bosc Monitor ~ Rex
0.2.0 Leopard Geckos ~ Talula Wotsit 0.0.1 Bearded Dragon ~ Gizmo 1.0.0 Patterdale terrier ~ Tyke 0.1.0 Yemen Chameleon ~ Yoda
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20-08-2009, 09:04 PM
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Think this is the best crypto sheet. Very informative and easy to understand
 why they un-stickied the last crypto sheet i don't know, but this is a good replacement 
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www.kageckos.webs.com <-- please visit  gecko available --> http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/lizar...rd-geckos.html Geckos, a baby Garter snake, an evil parrot and 2 psycho whippets
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20-08-2009, 11:26 PM
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very helpful yet absolutely terrifying!
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08-09-2009, 06:52 PM
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That was a very good read
I wonder why the other one was taken off though :/
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18-09-2009, 09:13 PM
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Having myself studied cryptosporidiosis cases on reptiles, may I add this to your brillant exposé:
Disinfection of vivaria and other infected materials: Ultra-violet of the C wavelength have proven to be efficient both on oocysts and on "free" Cryptosporidium sp. . Neon tubes emitting such radiations can possibly be found at medical accessories suppliers. These radiations are VERY dangerous for any living form, including humans. Wear protection glasses while using them, and leave neon tubes in the vivaria to be disinfected at least 12 hours of continous lighting, 24 hours being optimum. Farmers who have contamined calves use steam cleaners to disinfect oocyst-contamined surfaces, it has been proven than the exposure to steam over 105°C or to flame kills oocysts. I worked in 2006 on a case of epidemics at a reptile keeper's place, we removed all animals from the reptile room then burned pure sulphur tablets in the room, then let fresh air in. Sulphur is toxic and irritates lungs, so protection masks have to be worn. About 90% of the spores present in the environment of this reptile room were killed using this method. The smell of sulphur may remain for weeks after the operation though, and it is essential to renew completely the air in a room treated in that way before normal activity can take place again. It is essential that all suspect substrates and plants are put in closed plastic bags then be put to waste. One should do the same with most vivaria accessories which could have been in contact with oocysts, i.e. water bowls, drinking vessels, branches, shelters... About the case on which I referred to above, 11 reptiles on a total of 15 died within 3 weeks after the introduction of a pair of newly-bought monitor lizards which were the initially contamined animals. A 4-year old girl who had direct contact with snakes got 2 weeks in hospital with severe diarrhea, dehydratation, fever and other worrying symptoms, and the mother got infected as well. Cryptosporidiosis has lead to a few deaths in humans, especially in those categories: -young children -elderly people -people having disfunctions of the immune system. Wearing single-use protection gloves which can be bought at any chemist shop and washing hands with hydroalcoholic gels would certainly have avoided human contamination.
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 1:1 Western Hognose (Heterodon nasicus)-1:1 Giant Ground Gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer)-1:1:n crested geckos--1:1 Turner Gecko (Chondrodactylus turneri)-1:0 Australian thick-tail gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)-1:3 American tree frogs (Hyla cinerea)-2:1 Pachydactylus rangei (Web -footed geckos)-1:1 Fan-foot geckos (Ptyodactylus guttatus)-1:1 Halmahera Giant Geckos (Gehyra marginata)-1:1 Wahlberg's geckos (Homopholis wahlbergi)-1:2 Brook's Geckos (Hemidactylus brooki)1:1 Günther Leaf-tail geckos (Uroplatus guentheri)-2:1 Uroplatus henkeli (Henkel's leaf-tail geckos)-1 cat Forum admin of RFUK's twin forum in France. Breeder of rare gecko species.
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19-09-2009, 12:47 PM
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Sad death
Our beautiful bearded dragon had been off her food for some time and was not pooing - her stomach expanded but she was just skin and bone and painful to watch. So today she went to the vets and he thought it may well be cryptosporidium and she has been put to sleep. We are all devasted, especially my 10 yr old daughter but it is for the best as she was suffering.
She was just so stunning - bright orange and yellow, but it is for the best for her. I do not know how she got this way as she was initially with the other dragons who are all fine and then we separated her to her own viv. It's a very sad sad day. 
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20-09-2009, 01:33 AM
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Quote:
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1:1 Western Hognose (Heterodon nasicus)-1:1 Giant Ground Gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer)-1:1:n crested geckos--1:1 Turner Gecko (Chondrodactylus turneri)-1:0 Australian thick-tail gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)-1:3 American tree frogs (Hyla cinerea)-2:1 Pachydactylus rangei (Web -footed geckos)-1:1 Fan-foot geckos (Ptyodactylus guttatus)-1:1 Halmahera Giant Geckos (Gehyra marginata)-1:1 Wahlberg's geckos (Homopholis wahlbergi)-1:2 Brook's Geckos (Hemidactylus brooki)1:1 Günther Leaf-tail geckos (Uroplatus guentheri)-2:1 Uroplatus henkeli (Henkel's leaf-tail geckos)-1 cat Forum admin of RFUK's twin forum in France. Breeder of rare gecko species.
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