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Isospora canis Homepage     
Common name: Coccidia Kingdom: Protista Phylum: Protozoa Class: Apicomplexa Order: Eucoccidiorida Family: Eimeriidae Genus: Isospora Species: caninum
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Adult Parasite:Tissue stages: The schizonts are found in the epithelial cells of the small intestine.
Hosts:
Life Cycle:The dog ingests a sporulated oocyst which excysts in the small intestine releasing 8 sporozoites. The sporozoites invade intestinal epithelial cells. The sporozoites develop into a schizont which undergoes an asexual internal multiplication known as schizogony. There are 3 generations of schizonts, the last round of schizogony leads to the formation of gametes. The gametes which invade other cells, the male gamete will divide, then break out of its host cell, invade the host cell containing the female gamete and fuse with the female gamete forming a zygote. The zygote develops into an oocyst which breaks out of its host cell and passes out in the feces. The prepatent period for this parasite is about 9 to 11 days. The oocyst will sporulate in 4 days and then is infectious for the next host. The dog may also become infected by ingesting a rodent which has the asexual stages in its tissues.
Site in host where adult parasite is found:
Diagnostic Stage:
Common Diagnostic Test
Clinical Signs:
Treatment:Drug: Sulfadimethoxine, Amprolium
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© University of Pennsylvania 2004 Comments or Questions please contact: Dr. Nolan at:
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