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Title: CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN A BAT (RPTESICUS FUSCUS)

Author
item Dubey, Jitender
item HAMIR, A. - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
item SONN, R. - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
item TOPPER, M. - WALTER REED ARMY INST.

Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Species of the genus Cryptosporidium are microscopic single celled parasites of humans, livestock, and many other species of cold and warm-blooded animals. They cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the Oregon State University report the presence of Cryptosporidium in a bat for the first time. This finding is of interest to parasitologists, public health workers, and veterinarians. Cryptosporidium infection in a bat enlarges the host range of this parasite.

Technical Abstract: Cryptosporidial infection was diagnosed histologically in the small intestine of a big brown bat (Eptesicus fascias) from Oregon. This is the first report of cryptosporidiosis in a bat.