7 Questions
Which protozoal agent is one of the most prevalent parasites infecting warm-blooded vertebrates?
Toxoplasma gondii
Which animal completes the coccidian life cycle and passes environmentally resistant oocysts in feces?
Cats
Which protozoal agent may be common based on seroprevalence but infection appears to be uncommon?
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Which protozoal agent can induce fatal toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats with immune deficiency secondary to viral infection or immunosuppressive therapy?
Toxoplasma gondii
Which protozoal agent is associated with clinical disease in the GI phase?
Toxoplasma gondii
Which protozoal agent has been detected in diseased dogs with some form of immune function deficit?
Pneumocystis carinii
Which protozoal agent should be on the differential diagnoses list for cats with anterior or posterior uveitis, fever, muscle hyperesthesia, weight loss, anorexia, seizures, ataxia, icterus, diarrhea, cutaneous disease, and pancreatitis?
Toxoplasma gondii
Study Notes
- Common protozoal agents in dogs and cats include Hepatozoon americanum, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Cytauxzoon felis, and Babesia spp.
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microspora that may be common based on seroprevalence but infection appears to be uncommon.
- Pneumocystis carinii is a saprophytic organism that has characteristics of protozoans, yeast, and fungi that has been detected in diseased dogs that generally have some form of immune function deficit.
- Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent parasites infecting warm-blooded vertebrates.
- Only cats complete the coccidian life cycle and pass environmentally resistant oocysts in feces.
- Clinical disease associated with the GI phase of T. gondii infection is rare.
- Most clinical signs of T. gondii infection are systemic and can include death in dogs and cats that develop overwhelming intracellular replication of tachyzoites after primary infection; hepatic, pulmonary, CNS, and pancreatic tissues are commonly involved.
- Immune deficiency secondary to viral infection or immunosuppressive therapy can also induce fatal toxoplasmosis.
- Chronic toxoplasmosis occurs in some dogs and cats.
- T. gondii infection should be on the differential diagnoses list for cats with anterior or posterior uveitis, fever, muscle hyperesthesia, weight loss, anorexia, seizures, ataxia, icterus, diarrhea, cutaneous disease, and pancreatitis.
Test your knowledge on common protozoal agents in dogs and cats with this quiz! Learn about parasites such as Hepatozoon americanum, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and more. Explore the clinical signs and differential diagnoses associated with these infections, and learn about the potential for fatal outcomes in immune-compromised animals. This quiz is perfect for veterinarians, vet techs, and pet owners looking to expand their understanding of common parasites in dogs
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