Cryptosporidia in the Cloacal Coprodeum of Red-Lored Parrots (Amazona autumnalis)

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in the cloacal coprodeum of 2 red-lored parrots (A. autumnalis). The parasites were adhered to the microvillus border of epithelial cells and their presence was associated with loss and atrophy of microvilli. Merozoites, trophozoites, gametes and oocytes were identified with light and transmission electron microscopy. The coprodeal epithelium was hyperplastic and the lamina propria was infiltrated with moderate numbers of heterophils and lymphocytes.