Five nursing opossums (Didelphis virginiana) were each inoculated with 5 × 106 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts of calf origin. Following inoculation, endogenous stages of C. parvum were observed in the ileum, cecum, and colon of these opossums. Two of three noninoculated pouch mates acquired infections during the study based on examinations of feces and tissue sections of all eight opossums. Mild diarrhea was observed in four of seven opossums harboring C. parvum, although none died as a result of the infection. Under the conditions of this study, C. parvum appeared to be only mildly pathogenic for opossums.

Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium sp., coccidia, opossum, Didelphis virginiana, experimental infection, neonates
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© Wildlife Disease Association 1988
1988