Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis have been identified as emerging diseases in both developed and developing countries. Wildlife has been highlighted to play a major role in the spread of these diseases to humans. This review aims to highlight the research findings that relate to Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., with a focus on (1) parasitism of neo-tropical hystricomorphic rodents and marsupials from the genus Didelphis and (2) prevention and treatment strategies for humans and animals for the neo-tropical region. It was found that there are few studies conducted on neo-tropical rodent and marsupial species, but studies that were found illustrated the potential role these animals may play as zoonotic carriers of these two parasites for the neo-tropical region. Thus, it is recommended that further studies be done to assess the threat of protozoan parasites in neo-tropical wildlife to humans and domestic animals, and to further determine the most effective prophylaxis adapted for the unique conditions of the region.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is estimated that of the emerging diseases affecting humans, 60% of these are zoonotic, with greater than 71% of these zoonotic diseases resulting from wildlife [1,2]
Potential? Life 2021, 11, 256. https://It is estimated that of the emerging diseases affecting humans, 60% of these are zoonotic, with greater than 71% of these zoonotic diseases resulting from wildlife [1,2].Two parasitic diseases with zoonotic potential are giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis
A flagellated protozoan, it is usually transmitted via water that has been contaminated with cysts
Summary
It is estimated that of the emerging diseases affecting humans, 60% of these are zoonotic, with greater than 71% of these zoonotic diseases resulting from wildlife [1,2]. C. hominis being the more anthroponotic species [25] Infection with this parasite often leads to gastrointestinal symptoms in humans, and can even result in 40% mortality in livestock [27,28], with further economic loss in livestock due to reduced growth combined with treatment associated costs [29]. The aim of this study was to examine the information that is available on the two gastrointestinal protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia and their zoonotic potential in neo-tropical rodents like the capybara, agouti, and lappe, as well as marsupial species like Didelphis spp., with the further goal of identifying areas that require future study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
