Biliary cryptosporidiosis in two corn snakes (Elaphe guttata).

Cryptosporidia are 5-7-mm apicomplexid coccidian parasites that infect humans and many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. In humans and cattle, infection by Cryptosporidium parvum usually affects the intestinal tract, resulting in self-limiting diarrhea.4 Respiratory and intestinal cryptosporidiosis occur in birds infected with C. bayleyi and C. meleagridis.5 Sneezing, coughing, or dyspnea are associated with infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses, trachea, or air sacs, whereas intestinal infection is manifested by diarrhea. Other cryptosporidia, such as C. muris in mice7 and C. serpentis in snakes,3 affect the gastric mucosa. In this study, we report the occurrence of concurrent gastric and biliary cryptosporidiosis in snakes. A total of 13 snakes raised by a commercial breeder were evaluated for the presence of cryptosporidia. Two corn snakes (Elaphe guttata ) purchased for inclusion in a reptile exhibit developed clinical signs typical of cryptosporidiosis...