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[[Image:Isospora.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Isospora'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
[[Image:Isospora.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Isospora'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
There are many different species of ''Isospora'', all of which are host specific. The most commonly seen of all the ''Isospora'' species is ''Isospora suis''.
There are many different species of ''Isospora'', all of which are host specific. The most commonly seen of all the ''Isospora'' species is ''Isospora suis'' in the pig.
==Identification==
==Identification==
''Gametogony'', which is sexual division occurs endogenously, namely in the intestinal cells. Merozoites then form either microgamonts (male) or macrogamonts (female). Invasion of macrogametocytes containing cells by microgametocytes leads to fertilization, and the cycle continues.
''Gametogony'', which is sexual division occurs endogenously, namely in the intestinal cells. Merozoites then form either microgamonts (male) or macrogamonts (female). Invasion of macrogametocytes containing cells by microgametocytes leads to fertilization, and the cycle continues.
==Test yourself with the Coccidia Flashcards==
==Clinical Signs==
Clinical signs are due to '''destruction of the intestinal epithelium''' and sometimes the underlying connective tissue of the mucosa.
[[Coccidia_Flashcards|Coccidia Flashcards]]
There may be haemorrhage into the lumen of the intestine, catarrhal inflammation and diarrhoea. There may be '''dysentry, tenesmus and dehydration'''. Anaemia is only seen in severely affected animals.
==Diagnosis==
'''Sugar or salt flotation''' methods enable oocysts to be observed in the faeces.
Diarrhoea may precede a heavy output of oocysts, and may continue after the output has finished, therefore '''multiple faecal samples''' may be necessary to identify oocysts.
The number of oocysts in a sample can vary and must be related to clinical signs and lesions, and the species observed must be found to be pathogenic to that host. Other causes of diarrhoea should be ruled out before ''Isospora'' infection is diagnosed.
Many '''nonpathogenic species''' can be found during episodes of diarrhoea, which will non allow a diagnosis of coccidiosis in that species.
==Treatment==
The life cycle of ''Isospora'' is '''self limiting''' and infection should resolve spontaneously within a few weeks unless reinfection occurs. Medication can shorten the length of clinical signs and lessen the likelihood of complications and death.
Sick animals should be isolated and treated individually if possible.
Soluble sulfonamides such as '''sulfaquinoxaline''' are effective in most species. '''Amprolium''' can be used in large animals, and can be given as a preventative treatment to healthy in contact animals.
==Isospora in Cats and Dogs==
''Isospora'' species in cats are ''I. felis'' and ''I. rivolta'' which can be identified by size and shape.
Four species infect the dog: ''I. canis'', ''I. ohioensis'', ''I. burrowsi'' and ''I. neorivolta''.
Clinical illness is uncommon but heavy infections have been reported in kittens and puppies. In kittens, infection is usually seen at weaning.
'''Clinical signs''' include: bloody diarrhoea, weight loss and dehydration.
The illness can be associated with other infections and immunosuppression.
Cats usually '''spontaneously eliminate''' the infection, but if they are clinically infection: '''trimethoprim-sulfa''' can be given.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Coccidia_Flashcards|Coccidia Flashcards]]
[[Small Animal Abdominal and Metabolic Disorders Q&A 12]]
}}
==Literature Search==
==Literature Search==
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?rowId=1&options1=AND&q1=Isospora&occuring1=title&rowId=2&options2=AND&q2=&occuring2=freetext&rowId=3&options3=AND&q3=&occuring3=freetext&publishedstart=2000&publishedend=yyyy&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&la=any&it=any&show=all&x=31&y=10 ''Isospora'' spp. publications]
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?rowId=1&options1=AND&q1=Isospora&occuring1=title&rowId=2&options2=AND&q2=&occuring2=freetext&rowId=3&options3=AND&q3=&occuring3=freetext&publishedstart=2000&publishedend=yyyy&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&la=any&it=any&show=all&x=31&y=10 ''Isospora'' spp. publications]
==References==
Bowman, D. (2002) '''Feline Clinical Parasitology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
Merck and Co (2008) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
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[[Category:Coccidia]]
[[Category:Coccidia]]