The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in lambs and goat kids in Kurdistan, Iran

Abstract

Aim: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea, which is typically a short-lasting benign infection. The aim of the present study was to determinate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in lambs and goat kids in Kurdistan district, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 1200 fecal samples were obtained from diarrheic and non-diarrheic lambs and goat kids aged 1 to 6 months from 48 villages in the Kurdistan province, west of Iran. The samples were tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining method. Results: Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were present in 10.24% of lambs and in 18.86% of goat kids. Both diarrhea and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were observed in 64.37% (56/87) of lambs and in 30.51% (18/59) of goat kids. Cryptosporidium spp. infection rates were significantly higher in diarrheic than in non-diarrheic groups. The highest rate of infection was found in an animal aged one month. Furthermore, the prevalence of the infection according to age groups and consistency of feces was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in lambs and goat kids in Kurdistan indicates that this protozoan parasite should also be considered in the etiology of lambs and goat kids exhibiting diarrhea.