Abstract
Objective. To estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dual-purpose calves on cattle ranches in Veracruz, Mexico, by the use of the direct immunofluorescence test (DIT). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in five municipalities of Veracruz. The animals included in the study were calves between 1 and 60 days old. Stool samples were taken directly from the rectum. The modified Faust centrifugation technique was used to concentrate oocysts and DIT for their detection. In each ranch surveys were applied to know the characteristics of the animals and their management. General and specific prevalence was estimated. Variables were analyzed using the univariate Chi-square test to determine possible epidemiological associations. Results. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 69.9%, and the municipality with the highest prevalence was Tlalixcoyan (96.6%). No significant difference was found between the age, sex, breed and consistency of the feces of the calves. The ranch (R9) was the only factor associated with Cryptosporidium spp. in the calves studied. Conclusions. There is a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dual purpose calves from Veracruz, Mexico. For a better understanding of the transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential of this protozoan, it is necessary to determine the predominant species and genotypes in the region.
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