Abstract
ObjectiveCryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan organism that causes gastrointestinal disorders in different animals, mainly in calves. The parasite has also a zoonotic importance of children and immunocompromised patients. However, data are limited to northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey from October 2014 to April 2015 to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and to identify potential risk factors in bovine calves in northwest Ethiopia.ResultsOut of the 360 examined calves, Cryptosporidium oocysts were recorded in 67 (18.6%) calves. Risk factors such as age, hygiene, faecal consistency, feed source, water source and contact with other domestic animals were significantly (P < 0.05) affected the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection. However, significant variations (P > 0.05) were not recorded between Cryptosporidium infection and gender, body condition score, breed and study sites. Using multivariable analysis, age, feed source, water source, hygiene and close contact with other domestic animals were recognized as potential risk factors for the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection. This study clearly figures out that Cryptosporidium infection is prevalent in the study area. Therefore, further studies, extension services and community education are recommended to adopt an integrated control approaches.
Highlights
Cryptosporidium is an intracellular and extra-cytoplasmic protozoan parasite causing gastrointestinal disorders resulting in diarrhoea in young animals and immunocompromised human beings
Age, feed source, water source, hygiene and close contact with other domestic animals were recognized as potential risk factors for the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection
By using univariate logistic regression analysis, six risk factors were identified that affect the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves (Tables 1 and 2)
Summary
Cryptosporidium is an intracellular and extra-cytoplasmic protozoan parasite causing gastrointestinal disorders resulting in diarrhoea in young animals and immunocompromised human beings. In cattle, it causes acute or chronic gastrointestinal disturbance, which results in mortality, loss of weight and reduced milk production [1, 2]. The pathogen has a direct life cycle and can develop and multiply in the gastrointestinal epithelial cells of infected animals [3, 4]. The parasite can be transmitted from human to human or Infections are commonly transmitted via the faecaloral route, sticking direct or collateral contact with infective stages of the fully sporulated oocysts when excreted [7]. The infection is found to be self-limiting in immunocompetent hosts, but it may lead life-threatening acute and chronic diarrhoea in young and immunocompromised animals [8]. The occurrence of cryptosporidiosis in the calf can be determined by age, bed depth and environmental sanitation [1]
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