What is coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a one-celled organism (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are sub-classified into a number of genera, and each genus has a number of species. Some six different genera of coccidia can infect pets. They are microscopic parasites that spend part of their life cycle in the lining cells of the intestine. Most infections are not associated with any detectable clinical signs (they are sub-clinical). Most clinical infections in pets are caused by the species Isospora canis. Cryptosporidium parvum is another coccidian parasite that may cause diarrhea in some puppies.

 

How did my pet become infected with coccidia?

 

Oocysts (immature coccidia) are passed in the stool of an infected pet. They are very resistant to environmental conditions and can survive for some time on the ground. Under the right conditions of temperature and humidity these oocysts “sporulate”. If the sporulated oocysts are ingested by a susceptible pet they will release “sporozoites” that invade the intestinal lining cells and set up cycles of infection in neighboring cells. Pets may also be indirectly infected by eating a mouse that is infected with coccidia.

 

What kinds of problems are caused by coccidiosis?

 

Most pets that are infected with coccidia do not have diarrhea or other clinical signs. When the coccidia oocysts are found in the stool of a pet without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. However, in puppies and debilitated adult pets, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting. In severe cases, death may occur.

 

How is coccidiosis diagnosed?

 

Coccidiosis is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since the oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of intestinal worms, a careful study must be made. Infection with some of the less common coccidial parasites is diagnosed with a blood test.

 

How is the coccidial infection treated?

 

The most common drug used to eliminate coccidia is a sulfa-type antibiotic. It is given for 10–14 days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. If the sulfa-type drug is not effective, other treatments are available. Re-infection of pets is common so environmental disinfection is important. The use of diluted chlorine bleach [1 cup (250 ml) of bleach mixed in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water] is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it.

 

Are the coccidial parasites of my pet infectious to humans?

 

The most common coccidia found in pets do not have any affect on humans. However, less common types of coccidia are potentially infectious to humans. One parasite, called Cryptosporidium, may be carried by pets or cats and may be transmitted to people. This parasite has also been found in public water supplies in some major cites. It poses a health risk for immuno-suppressed humans such as AIDS patients, those taking immune suppressing drugs, cancer patients, or the elderly.

 

Good hygiene and proper disposal of pet feces are important in minimizing risk of transmission of all canine parasites to humans, or to other animals.