An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis among alpaca crias and their human caregivers.
METHODS
6 alpaca crias from a single farm were examined because of diarrhea (n = 4) or decreased fecal production (n = 2).


RESULTS
Cryptosporidium parvum was identified by means of fecal flotation in samples from 5 of the 6 crias, and a diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis was made. In the remaining cria, a presumptive diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis was made. Three people involved in caring for the crias from this farm were subsequently confirmed to have cryptosporidiosis, and 3 other people were suspected to have cryptosporidiosis. Sequence analysis of the ssu rDNA gene loci confirmed C parvum as the causative agent in 4 of the 6 crias. Subsequent evaluation of the farm revealed 2 additional crias confirmed to have cryptosporidiosis. Stocking densities on the farm were high, with approximately 20 adults/acre in some pastures.


RESULTS
All 6 hospitalized crias were given supportive treatment consisting of antimicrobials, gastroprotectants, and fluids. All but 1 survived. Farm owners were advised to decrease stocking density on the farm.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggested that zoonotic transmission of C parvum from alpacas to humans can occur.
Starkey
Simon R
SR
Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Johnson
Amy L
AL
Ziegler
Peter E
PE
Mohammed
Hussni O
HO
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000469:parasitology*; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000635:transmission* / Q000662:veterinary*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011156:Population Density; D015047:Zoonoses