The pattern of cryptosporidiosis in experimentally immune deficient albino rats.

Thirty clean laboratory bred male albino rats were divided into two groups. G1, twenty rats received corticosteroids (SC. injection of 1.5 mg dexamethasone, twice per week) for eight weeks for immuno-suppression, while G2, ten rats served as controls. Both groups were separately caged under controlled laboratory observation and given normal diet. After the 8th week, both groups were allowed to acquire Cryptosporidium parvum infection by feeding on infective source. Another week more, all animals were subjected to stool examination and were then sacrificed. Rats of G1 showed oocysts in 13/16, but none in rats of G2. Scrapping of the intestinal mucosa from both rats of G1 and G2 were prepared for microscopic examination, after stained in modified Kinyoun acid-fast (light microscope), and Auramine (fluorescent microscope). Cryptosporidium oocysts were demonstrated in 13/16 (81.3%) of G1 and 3/10 (30%) of G2. So, cryptosporidiosis as an opportunistic parasite threats in immune deficiency.