Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet shop birds in Baghdad, Iraq

摘要

Authors report prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet shop birds in Baghdad, Iraq determined from fecal samples of pigeons Columba livia domestica, cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus, Parrots Psiltacula krameri), Finch (Chloebia gouldia) and love birds Agapornis spp. Feces were examined by smear stained modified Ziehl-Neelsen, flotation in Sheather's sugar or NaCl saturated solutions. Infection rates were 63% for Cryptosporidium spp, 30% pigeons but only 4.3% in parrots. Highest infection rates occurred during April 15.6% and lowest during June, at 2.6%. Infection rates by methods were Ziehl-Neelsen stain 62.6%, and salt 60% or sugar solutions 54.7%. Cryptosporidium spp oocysts appeared circular or oval shape measuring (4.5-4.8 × 5.6-6.3um) .