Cryptosporidiosis in Tanzanian goat kids: scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations
Matovelo, J.A.; Landsverk, T.; Amaya Posada, G.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 25(3): 322-326
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-605X PMID: 6524571 Document Number: 228413
Trophozoites, gametes, and schizonts characteristic of cryptosporidia were demonstrated in 2 Tanzanian goat kids. In a heavily infected kid the parasite was associated with villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. Enhanced epithelial cell aging and extrusion rate, possibly due to a drain on cell metabolites by the parasite, is suggested. The protozoan seemed to induce host cell specializations, including parasitophorous envelope and development of smooth-membraned vesicles. The vesicles possibly have a function in the transport of nutrients from the host cell to the parasite.