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Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Synonym(s): Microsporidia
Introduction
Classification
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Microspora.
- Order: Microsporidia.
- Genus:Encephalitozoon.
- Species:cuniculi.
Etymology
- Gk:kephale- head, andenkephalos- brain.
- Gk:zoion- animal.
- L:cuniculus- rabbit; underground passage.
Distribution
- Reported in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North and South America.
Significance
- First described in 1922 as a cause of spontaneous paralysis in rabbits Encephalitozoonosis .
- Rabbits with microsporidiosis are often subclinically infected, but may show progressive and variable neurological abnormalities, such as head tilt Head tilt , posterior paresis and urinary incontinence.
- Particularly of concern in research laboratory colonies, and more recently identified in pet rabbits where it is thought to be widespread.
- Also reported as causing disease in mice, squirrel monkeys, guinea pigs, cats, and dog, vervet monkeys, sheep, pigs, goats, foxes, parrots, cows and lemmings. Clinical signs are most severe in dogs, monkeys and guinea pigs.
- Causes severe disease in immunosuppressed animals, including human beings.
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Clinical Effects
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Diagnosis
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Hein J, Flock U, Sauter-Louis C et al (2014) Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in Germany: prevalence and sensitivity of antibody testing. Vet Rec 174 (14), 350 PubMed.
- Varga M (2014) Questions around Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. Vet Rec 174 (14), 347-348 PubMed.
- Wright I (2011) Encephalitozoon cuniculi: Infecting the rabbit next door. UK Vet: Companion Animal 16, 49-50 VetMedResource.
- Furuya K, Asakura T, Igarashi M et al (2009) Microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in rabbit urine samples. Vet Rec 165 (3), 85-86 PubMed.
- Reusch B, Murray J K, Papasouliotis K et al (2009) Urinary protein:creatinine ratio in rabbits in relation to their serological status to Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Vet Rec 164 (10), 293-295 PubMed.
- Keeble E J & Shaw D J (2006) Seroprevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in domestic rabbits in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 158 (16), 539-544 PubMed.
- Harcourt-Brown F M & Holloway H K R (2003) Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in pet rabbits. Vet Rec 152 (14), 427-431 PubMed.
- Boot R, Hansen A K, Hansen C K et al (2000) Comparison of assays for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. Lab Anim 34 (3), 281-289 PubMed.
- Feaga W P (1997) Wry neck in rabbits. JAVMA 210 (4), 480 PubMed.
- Levkut M, Horváth M, Bálent P et al (1997) Catecholamines and encephalitozoonosis in rabbits. Vet Parasitol 73 (1-2), 173-176 PubMed.
- Stiles J, Didier E, Ritchie B et al (1997) Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the lens of a rabbit with phacoclastic uveitis - confirmation and treatment. Vet Comp Ophthal 7 (4), 233-238 VetMedResource.
- Thomas C, Finn M, Twigg L et al (1997) Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in wild rabbits in Australia. Austr Vet J 75 (11), 808-810 PubMed.
- Nast R, Middleton D M & Wheler C L (1996) Generalized encephalitozoonosis in a Jersey wooly rabbit. Can Vet J 37 (5), 303-305 PubMed.
- Wesonga H O & Munda M (1992) Rabbit encephalitozoonosis in Kenya. Lab Anim 26 (3), 219-221 PubMed.
- Greenstein G, Drozdowicz C K, Garcia F G et al (1991) The incidence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a commercial barrier-maintained rabbit breeding colony. Lab Anim 25 (4), 287-290 PubMed.
- Cox J C & Ross J (1980) A serological survey of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in the wild rabbit in England and Scotland. Res Vet Sci 28 (3), 396 PubMed.
- Gannon J (1980) A survey of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in laboratory animal colonies in the United Kingdom. Lab Anim 14 (2), 91-94 PubMed.