Detection of Cystoisospora suis in faeces of suckling piglets - when and how? A comparison of methods.

Since oocyst excretion by C. suis-infected piglets is usually short the right timing and a sufficiently sensitive detection method are important for correct diagnosis. Oocyst detection in faecal smears of samples taken repeatedly is the method of choice to determine extent and intensity of infection on a farm, and autofluorescence microscopy provides by far the lowest detection limit. Other methods for oocyst detection in faeces are less sensitive and/or more labour- and cost intensive and their usefulness is restricted to specific applications.