Key Points
- Many rabbits are asymptomatic carriers of the microsporidian, E. cuniculi.
- Encephalitozoon may be spread through contact with rabbit urine.
- The immunocompromised are at risk for encephalitozoonosis.
- Clinical disease in humans varies.
- Avoid contact with the urine of infected or health rabbits, and always utilized good sanitation practices.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligatory intracellular microsporidian parasite that can infect a wide range of mammals, including humans. The primary host for E. cuniculi is the rabbit and infections in rabbits are typically subclinical. This zoonotic concern article reviews transmission and clinical disease in humans . . .
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Pollock C. Zoonotic concern: Encephalitozoonosis in European rabbits. August 18, 2011. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/zoonotic-concern-encephalitozoonosis-in-european-rabbits/