Rapid cytologic diagnosis of respiratory cryptosporidiosis in chickens.
A method is presented for the rapid cytologic detection of cryptosporidial oocysts in Diff-Quik and modified Kinyoun acid-fast-stained tracheal imprints. On Diff-Quik-stained preparations, cryptosporidial oocysts were observed attached to the apical ends of respiratory epithelial cells or scattered throughout the imprint. These oocysts were round to oval, measured approximately 6 to 7 micron in diameter, and appeared faintly blue with fine pink granules. In modified Kinyoun acid-fast-stained tracheal imprints, the oocysts usually were pink to bright red against a blue background. Cytologic examination of tracheal imprints following Diff-Quik and modified Kinyoun acid-fast staining provides a rapid, reliable, and economical method for diagnosis of respiratory cryptosporidiosis in poultry.
Latimer
K S
KS
Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Goodwin
M A
MA
Davis
M K
MK
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000469:parasitology*; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D014132:Trachea / Q000469:parasitology