|
Overview:
Coccidiosis is
an parasitic disease of the intestinal tract. It
is caused by intracellular microscopic protozoans (single celled
organisms) called coccidia. The
diseases caused by these parasites are referred to collectively
as coccidiosis.
There are many species of coccidia, and each is infective in
different animals. The species of coccidia that most frequently
affect cats are I. rivolta and I. felis.
Symptoms are most commonly seen in kittens under 6 months of
age. Most adults carry coccidia, but their immune system
keeps it in check, some adults may however shed cysts in the
faeces. Symptoms can appear especially if the cat is stressed or
the immune system is under attack from another cause,
such as FIV.
Two very well
known coccidia are toxoplasmosis
&
cryptosporidium
which are covered in other articles.
What are the
symptoms of coccidiosis in cats?
Severe cases
may lead to;
How do cats
become infected?
Nonsporulated
(non-infective) oocysts are
passed in the cat's faeces. Once they are on the outside, they
mature. Once the oocyst matures (which depends on
environmental conditions), they become infective (sporulated oocyst).
It is also possible for a rodent to pick up an oocyst & the
cat becomes infected when it eats the rodent. Each oocyst
contains 4 sporozoites in each of 2 sporocysts. The "zoites"
invade the intestinal cells and develop to the schizont stage.
The schizonts release more zoites which invade new cells and
give rise to the next generation of schizonts. There are 3
generations of schizonts. Zoites released from the last
generation of schizonts invade cells and form gametocytes. The
male gametocyte releases gametes which fuse with the female
gametocytes and form oocysts.
Damage to the
intestinal cells leads to diarrhoea.
How is
coccidiosis diagnosed?
Routine fecal
examinations can detect the condition. A negative result is not
a definite indication that your cat doesn't have coccidioses,
and it may be necessary to perform repeat fecal
examinations.
How is
coccidiosis treated?
It isn't
possible to kill the parasite, but medication is is given to
inhibit coccidial reproduction. The usual treatment is sulfadimethoxine
or Trimethoprim-sulfa, given orally. By
stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is
allowed for the cat's own immunity to develop and remove the
organisms.
Fluids to
treat dehydration if necessary.
Can I become
infected?
I. felis which
is the most common form of coccidiosis in cats does not affect
humans. However it is possible to become infected with toxoplasmosis
from cats.
How can I
prevent coccidiosis?
-
Good
hygiene. Ensure you scoop out your cat's litter tray at the
very least once a day.
-
Preventing
your cat from hunting & killing rodents.
-
Proper
sanitation.
-
Avoiding
stress where possible.
-
Daily washing of
food & water bowls.
References:
Isospora
felis Homepage
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
