Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is currently confirmed by the detection of the oocysts or endogenous stages in fecal or tissue samples. Various conventional staining methods and serodiagnostic techniques have been reported, but the latter has far been limited to a few laboratories. Cryptosporidium has recently been reported in mice and chiekens in Korea, but there has been no report on staining methods to the oocysts.
The present study was performed by light and scanning electron microscopic observations, and discussed with staining properties of four conventional methods such as dichromate solution floatation method, Carbol fuchsin stain, Auramine-O stain and Giemsa stain method. Cryptosporidial oocysts were isolated from the laboratory mouse. In tissue sections of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and upper colon, numerous very small, basophilic bodies were observed on the border of mucosal epithelial cells. In scanning electron microscopic observations, a few of developmental stages of Cryptosporidium were seen.
Two types of thick and thin-walled oocysts were recognized in the intestinal contents. Mean size of its were 5.19±0.23×4.31±0.32㎛ and 5.14±0.25× 4.27±0.4㎛, respectively.
Carbol fuchsin and Auramine-O stain methods are recommended as the satisfactory ones for the identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Giemsa stain was also recommended as available in the laboratory, because a few of developmental stage fo Cryptosporidium could be seen by it.
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