Detection of Cryptospridium sp. Oocysts in Drought Horses in Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

The aims of the present work were to detect Cryptospridium sp. oocysts in drought horses from different regions in Mosul city, Iraq as Bab-Sinjar region in addition to horses which were brought to Veterinary Teaching Hospital in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul. Fifty fecal samples were collected from horses with different ages and both sexes (25 fecal samples from foals aged less than one year and another 25 fecal samples from adult horses 3-10 years old). Diseased horses showed severe signs of diarrhea with offensive odor, anorexia, dehydration and emaciation with generalized debility. Diagnosis of Cryptospridium oocysts were confirmed by two methodes Modefied acid fast stain and Lugol’s iodine stain. Results showed that out of 50 fecal samples 15(30%) were positive for oocytes, and the results also showed an increase in the percentage of infection of foals compared to adult horses (26%, 4%) respectively. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain proved to be more efficient revealing (24%) followed by Lugol’s iodine stain (6%) Microscopical examination revealed that Cryptospridium oocysts have small spheric shape with pink color, 4-5 micron in diameter. It has been concluded that Cryptospridium infection is an important disease affected horses in Mosul, Iraq and the percentage of infection was high in foals compared to adults horses, and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for detection of oocysts could be authenticated.