Abstract
Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia during June - September, 2012. Material and methods: Seven hundred fourteen pigs of different ages and sexes were selected for fecal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of pigs with strict sanitation. A total of 25 soil samples were also collected from backyards of pig pens using clean zipped plastic bags. Both fecal and soil samples were examined for eggs and cysts of GIT parasites by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl – Neelsen technique was used to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium species from 276 randomly selected fecal samples. Results: Out of 714 pigs examined through flotation and sedimentation, 27.3% were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Ascaris suum (25.9%) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Fasciola hepatica (1.8%), Eimeria spp. (1.7%) and Trichuris suis (0.3%). There was no significant association between sex and prevalence of parasites ÷2[df 1] = 1.921; P=0.166). Contrary to this, age of pigs had effect on prevalence of parasites ÷2[df 2] = 8.376; P=0.015). About 7% of pigs examined were positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Moreover, 72% of the soil samples found to be contaminated with eggs of Ascaris spp. in the study area. Apart from causing morbidity in the infected pigs, the potential of Ascaris of pigs to infect man and vice versa together with poor environmental hygiene, may complicate the epidemiology and control of Ascariasis in the study areas. Extensively managed pigs may also act as potential reservoirs for zoonoses of Cryptosporidium species. Conclusion: It is concluded that further investigations are crucial on molecular characterization of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium isolates of extensively managed pigs to determine the parasites upto species level so as to suggest proper control strategies.
Highlights
Infection of pigs with gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites is widely reported from all corners of the world and shown to be influenced by the type of pig management practiced [1]
Ascaris suum (25.9%) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Fasciola hepatica (1.8%), Eimeria spp. (1.7%) and Trichuris suis (0.3%)
About 7% of pigs examined were positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp
Summary
Infection of pigs with gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites is widely reported from all corners of the world and shown to be influenced by the type of pig management practiced [1]. Extensive production of pigs for commercial purpose is widely practiced in developing countries of Africa. Availability of cost free feed (household or municipal garbage) and possibilities for the animals to get better nutrition through scavenging initiate pig growers of developing countries to prefer extensive management. In this regard 70-95% of pig raising sectors of developing countries practice extensive husbandry [2]. Extensively managed pigs are reported to harbor intestinal protozoans including Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lambelia, Balantidium coli and Eimeria spp. in developing countries [8]. Among other intestinal protozoans Cryptosporidium has been given much attention because of its occurrence in various domestic and wild animals and and its potential for causing emerging cryptosporidiosis [9]
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