Abstract
BackgroundCryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important zoonotic enteric pathogens of One Health concern for humans, animals, and the environment. For this study, we investigated parasite prevalence and risk factors among rural, peri-urban, and urban households and environments of Mongolia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study implemented a household risk factor survey at 250 home sites along with sample collection from humans, animals, flies, and drinking water. Multiplex real-time PCR analysis was conducted to look for Cryptosporidium spp. and/or Giardia duodenalis within household samples.ResultsLab analysis found one or both zoonotic parasites at 20% of the participating households (51/250). Human samples had a parasite prevalence of 6.4% (27/419), domestic animals at 3.3% (19/570), pooled filth flies at 14.8% (17/115), and drinking water samples at 2% (5/250). Parasite presence at the household was significantly associated with a household’s use of an improved drinking water source (OR 0.27; CI 0.12–0.61; p = < 0.01), having an indoor handwashing site (OR 0.41; CI 0.19–0.92; p = 0.03), domestic animal ownership (OR 2.40; CI 1.02–5.65; p = 0.05), and rural location (OR 0.50; CI 0.25–0.98; p = 0.04). Household use of an improved drinking water source remained significant in the multivariate model (OR 0.16; CI 0.04–0.68; p = 0.01).ConclusionIn Mongolia, public and veterinary health are intertwined, particularly for rural herding households. Increased access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure could help prevent further transmission of zoonotic enteric parasites. Public health interventions, policy and messaging should utilize a One Health framework employing joint leadership from local human and animal health sectors.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal zoonotic parasites of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis cause a significant portion of the diarrheal disease burden worldwide [1,2]
Understanding more about the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic enteric parasites can help guide collaborative efforts between human and animal health care providers to prevent disease exposure and transmission. The purpose of this One Health study was to determine the prevalence of either Cryptosporidium spp. or Giardia spp. in humans, animals, and the environment of Mongolia and to identify household risk factors associated with pathogen presence
The odds ranged from 0.015 in Dundgobi province to 0.14 in Selenge province. This heterogeneity was not attenuated by adjustment for environmental parasite exposure, suggesting that other unmeasured factors may contribute to this geographic pattern. Our findings in this One Health study on the presence of zoonotic enteric parasites and associated risk factors demonstrate Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis circulating among people, animals, flies, and drinking water within Mongolia, for rural herding families
Summary
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important zoonotic enteric pathogens of One Health concern for humans, animals, and the environment. We investigated parasite prevalence and risk factors among rural, peri-urban, and urban households and environments of Mongolia
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