OBJECTIVES

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an extracytoplasmic and intracellular protozoan parasite, whose pathology is tied to immunosuppression. This illness often affects geckoes of the E.M. species. In this species we find three clinical diagrams: Subclinical Carriers- without symptoms, Acute- with hepatomegalia,, anorexia, digestive upsets, muscular atrophy, Subacute or chronic: ( more common) the same symptoms, but less serious and with better corporal condition. Diagnosis: presumed based on the symptoms and anamnesis; and definitively "in vivo" due to fecal immunofluorescence (IF). The object of this study is to find a protocol of treatment via hospitalization directed at decreasing as much as possible the paresityc charge or even to eliminate the parasitosis.

MATERIALS

After rejecting by trial other active elements, we have used paramomicina and at present are trying with Nitozoxanida as an agent against Cryptosporidium spp. All the animals were homed in individual terrariums with the appropriate enclosure and ambiental parameters required by this species, individual and isolated from the others.

Subclinical: (13 animals) trying to get a good immune level with a immunity booster. (Engystol PO), 2 q72h x 2 months after, 1q7d x 2 months.

Acute: (5 Individuals): fluid therapy, (fisilógico+glucosado 5%/SQ or IC or IO/q24h), Aminolid (0.05-0.2mlSQ q48-72h); Veratrum0.2ml+ Traumeel0.2ml+ Carduus 0.2ml+ Engystol0.4ml (0.05-0.2mlPO q24hx3-5d), if it survives, from 3-5 day: Paramomicina (70mgr/kgPO) x 1-2 week q48h, x3 weekq24h. On these cases, the IF was (+) but with decrease of parasitic charge).

Subacute or Chronic: Hepar compositum 0.3ml+ Veratrum 0.2ml+ Traumeel 0.3ml+ Carduus 0.2ml (0.05-0.3mlPOx1 weekq24h after2 weekq48hafter 3-4 weekq72h); Engystol (0.05-0.5mlq48hx1 week and q72hx2-4 week) Paramomicina (bibliography dose is 25-360mg/Kg/PO with different guidelines), but after several tests, the dose that we used was 70mgr/KgPO, the guideline is: q24hx7d; q48hx15d; q72hx3-4week; repeats IF, if it is (-) we change to Engystol (guideline 1).; if it is (+) the cycle of treatment repeats. We obtained results (-) in 2-6 cycles.

RESULTS

It is crucial in the treatment to provide the best maintenance and cleaning facilities (to remove the excrements daily, to disinfect the terrarium with ammonia 50% for ½ hr.) and avoid any stressful situations. In subclinical: 23% progressed to a subacute record; 77% IF negative after 2 months of treatment, 3% following IF between 3-6 months later are still negative. Acute: 20% pass onto the 3rd record: 80% dead. Subacute or chronic: 37,5% dead, one of them after being negative; 62,5% after 1st week of treatment began feeding, they looked better, the hepatic outline decreased, after 2-4 months of treatment they were negative, at present after 3-6 IF they are still negative.

CONCLUSION

Although we have not as yet been able to establish the source of this parasitic infection, we think that based on the incidence observed in this species, and due to this complete collections are lost, it is very important to make every possible effort in the investigation of the epizootiology of this illness and the development of preventive, palliative/curative treatments, disclosing the prophylactic measures essential in this kind of pathology and in any animal that is hospitalized.