Coccidia

Disease caused by Isospora belli

Isosporiasis

Isosporiasis symptoms

Weight loss, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, weakness, malaise

Severe isosporiasis complication

Malabsorption syndrome

Infective stage of I. belli

Oocyst containing sporoblasts

Mature oocyst content

Sporocysts with sporozoites

Mode of transmission

Ingestion of infective oocyst (contaminated food or water)

Excystation site

Small intestine

Reproduction in S.I

Asexual and sexual reproduction; formation of gametocytes

Oocyst maturation site

External environment

Diagnostic challenge

May be positive in tissues but negative in stool

Recommended stain

Modified acid-fast stain

Definitive host for I. belli

Humans only

Isosporiasis management

Bland diet, rest

Isosporiasis treatment

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) + chemotherapy