Presence Of Cryptosporidium Oocysts Research Articles

Prevalence and risk estimates of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection associated with consumption of raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri metropolis LGAs, Northeast Nigeria

Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens, and it is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl–Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (100×) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9 (11.3%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled, Alau had the highest number of Cryptosporidium oocysts, 15 (12.5%), followed by Kilari-Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4 (10.0%) and 4 (5.0%), respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2 (2.5%) of oocysts, and there was a statistically significant association (χ2= 10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits. The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures in the food chain in line with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

Prevalence and Some Predisposing Factors Associated with Cryptosporidium Infections in Domestic Poultry in Enugu State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that is of major public health and veterinary concerns. This study determined the prevalence and some predisposing factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in domestic poultry kept in households and in the major live bird markets in the study area. Atotal of 314 fresh faecal samples were collected from domestic poultry in the randomly selected homes that keep poultry and live bird market in the study area. They were examined using the Formol-ether sedimentation method. Faecal smears were then stained by the Ziehl Neelson technique and examined under light microscopy. Cryptosporidium was identified using the staining characteristics of the oocysts. Results were analysed by descriptive statistics and GraphPad prism statistical package version 5.2.Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the faeces of 90 (28.7%) of the 314 poultry sampled. There was a strong association (p < 0.05) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and age, sex, breed and faecal consistency. However, there was no significant association (p > 0.05) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and locality as well as the type of management practice used in keeping the birds. This study suggests that domestic poultry in Enugu State harbour and shed Cryptosporidium oocysts in the environment. The shedding of this oocyst in the environment is of zoonotic importance especially in poultry that do not show clinical signs and therefore were not treated. Hence, constituting a public health risk, especially to immune-compromised humans, considering that almost every household keep chicken for food or income and the poultry dung is popularly used to cultivate vegetables eaten by humans and animals in the study area.
 Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Poultry, Prevalence, Risk Factor

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from domestic pigs in Argentina.

Cryptosporidiosis in pigs is caused by different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes, with C. suis and C. scrofarum considered porcine specific species. There is scarce information on Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in South America. A total of 520 individual faecal samples were obtained from 1, 2, 3 and 4week old piglets (n=130 from each age group), from 13 Argentinean intensive pig farms. The diagnosis of species of Cryptosporidium combined microscopy and molecular techniques. Genotyping from samples with Cryptosporidium oocysts at microscopy was performed by genus-specific and species-specific nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene fragments, and sequencing. Microscopic analysis detected Cryptosporidium oocysts in 47/520 (9%) faecal samples from 11/13 (85%) farms, with farm infection rates between 0 and 17.5%. Presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was associated with diarrhea. The proportion of microscopically positive samples was not associated with piglet age. A total of 15/47 (32% of samples with oocyst compatible structures) were positive by genus and species-specific nested PCR. Species-specific PCR and sequencing showed presence of C. suis, C. scrofarum, and both species in 3, 8 and 4 samples, respectively. The proportion of positive samples on each specific PCR was similar between age groups, being C. suis proportion slightly higher in 4week old piglets. The use of molecular tools allowed the confirmation of C. suis and C. scrofarum infection in Argentinean pigs. Cryptosporidiosis was widely distributed in the main pig husbandry area from Argentina, with a low to moderate intra farm infection rate.

Occurrence and diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in cattle calves with clinical diarrhoea

ABSTRACT Faecal samples were collected from a total of 148 cattle calves, up to 3 months of age, having clinical diarrhoea during different seasons of the study period from November 2017 to October 2018 from organized farms of Uttar Pradesh. All the samples were screened for the presence of cryptosporidium oocysts by staining the faecal smear by a modified Ziehl–Neelsen method. An overall occurrence of 18.2% was observed in calves with clinical cases of mild to severe diarrhoea. The occurrence was highest (25.6%, 19/74) in young calves (up to 1 month age) followed by the calves of age groups 1–2 months (15.2%, 7/46) and 2–3 months (3.5%, 1/28), respectively. The seasonal occurrence was highest in rainy season (26.41%, 14/53) followed by winter season (16.3%, 10/61) and summer season (8.8%, 3/34). All the positive faecal samples were used for the purification of oocyst by modified Shether’s Floatation method with slight modification for the mucoid diarrhoeac faeces to improve the efficacy and recovery of purification. The purified cryptosporidium oocysts were used as candidates for the development of advanced diagnostics, future vaccines and further studies of cryptosporidium in different experimental models.

Determining the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infections with Acid Fast Staining and ELISA in Calves at the Kars Province of Turkey.

This study aimed to comparatively determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in calves grown at dairies under farm or village conditions at the Kars Province using modified acid-fast (mAF) staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stool samples constituting the study material were collected between March and June 2011 from rectums of calves at 22 centers in the villages and farms of the Kars Province. Calves were divided into 2 groups: 3-90 days old (up to 3 months old) and 91-180 days old (older than 3 months). The study material comprised 313 stool samples (146 diarrheal samples and 167 healthy samples). Each of the samples was first examined using mAF staining; of these samples, 222 were examined using the C. parvum ELISA kit (Bio-X Diagnostics), whereas 91 were examined using the Cryptosporidium commercial ELISA kit (Diagnostic Automation, Inc., USA) for the presence of Cryptosporidium copro-antigens. The incidence of the presence of Cryptosporidium among the calves was 3.8% (12/313) with mAF staining and 5.1% (16/313) with ELISA. All the samples in which the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined using mAF staining were determined to be positive using ELISA. Cryptosporidium was found to be present in 5.5% (8/146) and 7.5% (11/146) of diarrheal calves, 2.4% (4/167) and 3.0% (5/167) of healthy calves, 4.0% (10/253) and 5.5% (14/253) of calves aged up to 3 months, and 3.3% (2/60) (via both tests) of calves aged 3-6 months. C. parvum was present in 5.9% (13/222) of the calves; it was found at a higher concentration in calves aged up to 3 months (6.2%; 12/194) than in those aged 3-6 months (3.6%; 1/28). Of the C. parvum-positive cases, 9 cases were found to have diarrhea, whereas 4 were observed to be healthy. C. parvum copro antigens were observed at the highest level (7.4%; 8/108) in diarrheal calves aged up to 3 months. At the species level, the rate of incidence of Cryptosporidium copro-antigens in calves examined using ELISA for determining Cryptosporidium factors was found to be 3.3% (3/91), and the same rate was found 3.4% (2/59) in calves aged up to 3 months and 3.1% (1/32) in those aged 3-6 months. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections among the calves was observed to decrease in recent years.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in raw and finished drinking water in north-eastern Spain.

This paper collects the first large-sample-size study on the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in drinking water plants at the 20 most populated towns in Aragón (north-eastern Spain). Samples of influent raw water and effluent finished water were collected from each plant during different seasons and processed according to USEPA Method 1623. Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were detected in samples collected from 55% and 70% plants, respectively, with nine plants being positive for both protozoa and only four plants being negative over the study period. Both parasites were identified in the raw water throughout the year, with a lower frequency in autumn and a peak in winter, at a mean concentration of 67±38 oocysts per 100l and 125±241 cysts per 100l. The turbidity of raw water was not related to the presence or concentration of (oo)cysts, and the (oo)cyst removal efficiency was not related to the type of water treatment. One or both pathogens were identified in the finished water in 7 out of 11 plants with a conventional treatment process (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes) compared to 4 out of 9 plants that did not apply one of the pre-chlorination treatment steps. Protozoa were detected in the finished water of positive plants at a mean concentration of 88±55 oocysts per 100l and 37±41 cysts per 100l, and most of them excluded propidium iodide so were considered potentially viable. The ubiquity of these parasites in the drinking water sources and the inefficiency of conventional water treatment in reducing/inactivating them may present a serious public health issue in this geographical area.

Potential role of beavers (Castor fiber) in contamination of water in the Masurian Lake District (north-eastern Poland) with protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the possible influence of beavers on the contamination of lake water with zoonotic parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., with respect to the risk to human health. A total of 79 water samples were taken around the habitats of beavers from 14 localities situated in the recreational Masurian Lake District (north-eastern Poland). Water was sampled in the spring and autumn seasons, at different distances from beavers’ lodges (0-2, 10, 30, and 50 m). The samples were examined for the presence of (oo)cysts of zoonotic protozoa Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. by direct fluorescence assay (DFA) and by nested and real time PCR. By DFA, the presence of Giardia cysts was found in 36 samples (45.6%) and the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 26 samples (32.9%). Numbers of Giardia cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts, and summarised (oo)cysts of both parasites showed a significant variation depending on locality. The numbers of Giardia cysts significantly decreased with the distance from beavers’ lodges while the numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts did not show such dependence. The amount of Giardia cysts in samples collected in spring was approximately 3 times higher than in autumn. Conversely, a larger number of Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples collected in autumn than in spring. By PCR, Giardia DNA was found in 38 samples (48.1%) whereas DNA of Cryptosporidium was found in only 7 samples (8.9%). Eleven Giardia isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR or sequencing which evidenced their belonging to zoonotic assemblages: A (3 isolates) and B (8 isolates). In conclusion, water in the vicinity of beavers’ lodges in the tested region was markedly contaminated with (oo)cysts of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., which confirms the potential role of beavers as a reservoir of these parasites and indicates a need for implementation of appropriate preventive measures to protect tourists’ health.

Comparative Study on Waterborne Parasites between Malaysia and Thailand: A New Insight

This study investigated the distribution of parasites as main contaminants in water environments of peninsular Malaysia (October 2011-December 2011) and the southeastern coast of Thailand (June 2012). Sixty-four water samples, 33 from Malaysia and 31 from Thailand, of various water types were examined according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Drinking or household water types from both countries were free from parasitic contamination. The recreational/environmental (except a swimming pool in Malaysia) and effluent water types from these two countries were contaminated with waterborne parasites: Giardia (0.04-4 cysts/L), Cryptosporidium (0.06-2.33 oocysts/L), hookworm (6.67-350 ova/L), Ascaris (0.33-33.33 ova/L), and Schistosoma (9.25-13.33 ova/L). The most contaminated sites were recreational lake garden 3 in Malaysia and river 2 in Thailand. Higher concentrations of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and hookworm were found in samples from Malaysia than in samples from Thailand. The presence of Giardia cysts showed a significant association with the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts (P < 0.005).

Cryptosporidium infection in school children in Dhanusha district, Nepal

Background and Objectives: Gastro-intestinal water-borne infections are among the most emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases throughout the world. Most water-borne diseases are caused by organism ranging from microscopic viruses of less than 30 nm in diameter to parasites of 10cm in length culminate into diarrhea and cause approximately 5million reported deaths annually. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites, Cryptosporidium parvum among school children. Material and Methods: The study was carried out between Februry to July 2012. Cases of diarrhea reported in 23 students were linked to water handling practices. A total 500 of child of age less than 15 years old was included in the study. A total five hundred soft, loose or watery stool specimens collected from student of less than fifteen years from different school in Janakpur. The sample was collected randomly from randomly selected five schools. The collected stool samples were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. A modified Ziehl Neelsen with DMSO staining method was used for detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in the stool samples. Results: The oocysts of Cryptosporidium were identified in 64 (6.8%) of the samples, while 242 samples (13%) showed mixed infections. Children aged between 3 and 10 years were mostly infected by this parasite, while infection was more prevalent in females than in males for all the age groups. Conclusion: The study suggests that Cryptosporidium is one of the important intestinal parasites of children as etiologic agents of diarrhea in immune-compromised population. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (2): 40-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i2.9268

The Importance of Poultry in Environmental Dissemination of Cryptosporidium spp.

The purpose of this study was to genotypically characterize and phylogenetically analyze the 18S rDNA sequences of Cryptosporidium obtained from poultry in Brazil. Fecal samples were obtained from ducks, chicks and quails sold in popular markets. DNA was isolated from Cryptosporidium positive feces, and 18S subunit rDNA was amplified and processed using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To identify the protozoan species, the PCR amplicons were used for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing analyses. The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was observed in 76% of the ducks, 55% of the quails and 86% of the chicks. Sequencing and further phylogenetic analyses identified C. parvum in quails and chicks and C. baileyi in ducks. Although C. baileyi is usually a parasitic species found in birds, C. parvum, due to its weak host specificity, is the species most frequently diagnosed in various domestic and wild animal species, especially mammals. Thus, suggesting that the poultry observed in the present study would be considered as mechanical transporters of C. parvum, contributing to protozoa environmental dissemination.

Detection of Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia in Ready-to-Eat Packaged Leafy Greens in Ontario, Canada

Numerous foodborne outbreaks of diarrheal illness associated with the consumption of produce contaminated with protozoan parasites have been reported in North America in recent years. The present study reports on the presence of Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia in precut salads and leafy greens purchased at retail in Ontario, Canada. A total of 544 retail samples were collected between April 2009 and March 2010 and included a variety of salad blends and individual leafy greens. Most of these products were grown in the United States, with some from Canada and Mexico. Parasites were eluted and concentrated before detection by PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. DNA sequences were aligned with reference sequences in GenBank. Cyclospora spp. were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in nine (1.7 % ) samples and by DNA sequence analysis. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified in 32 (5.9%) samples; 29 were sequenced and aligned with the zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum. Giardia duodenalis was identified in 10 (1.8%) samples, and of the 9 samples successfully sequenced, 7 aligned with G. duodenalis assemblage B and 2 with assemblage A, both of which are also zoonotic. The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts was confirmed in some of the PCR-positive samples using microscopy, while Cyclospora -like oocysts were observed in most of the Cyclospora PCR-positive samples. The relatively high prevalence of these parasites in packaged salads and leafy greens establishes a baseline for further studies and suggests a need for additional research with respect to the possible sources of contamination of these foods, the determination of parasite viability and virulence, and means to reduce foodborne transmission to humans.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in native beef calves in central Vietnam

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and to characterize the genotype distribution of Cryptosporidium isolates in native beef calves 2-6 months old in Dac Lac province, central Vietnam. The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. The overall prevalence on the sample and herd levels were 18.9% (44/232) and 50% (20/40), respectively. Genotyping based on PCR and sequence analysis of the 18 S rRNA gene revealed occurrence of the two nonzoonotic species Cryptosporidium ryanae and Cryptosporidium bovis, with the former as a dominant species in the animals. The absence of the zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum in calves examined suggests that the native beef calves 2-6 months old in the study area are unlikely to contribute to human cryptosporidiosis transmission.

Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in clinical samples: PCR-RFLP analysis of the TRAP-C2 gene.

The aim of the present study was to determine the species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. among children with diarrhea by PCR-RFLP using the TRAP-C2 gene. Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans. Four hundred and sixty nine stool samples were collected from children less than 12 years with diarrhea who had been referred to Pediatrics Medical Centers in Gazvin provinces. The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined by Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining, then, genomic DNA was extracted from positive samples and nested PCR-RFLP was performed to amplify the TRAP-C2 gene. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children was 2.5 %. Results of nested PCR amplification showed that of 12 positive children samples, 10 (83.3%) were belonged to C. parvum, followed by C. hominis in 1 (8.3%) and mixed infection in 1 isolate (8.3%). This study showed that Cryptosporidium parvum (the zoonotic genotypes) is more prevalent than other Cryptosporidium species in children from this area. This suggests that zoonotic transmission is the main mode of transmission of Cryptosporidium infection in Iran.

&lt;i&gt;Cryptosporidium&lt;/i&gt; infection in non-human hosts in Malawi

Of 1346 faecal samples from the Chikwawa and Thyolo districts of Malawi, analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts between October 2001 and May 2003, 61.3% were from cattle (29.8% of these were from calves <6 months old). Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected during all three seasons studied in Chikwawa and Thyolo. In Chikwawa, 13.6% of adult cattle and 11.7% of calves were infected, compared to 28.9% of adult cattle and 36.7% of calves in Thyolo. Dependent on season, between 7.8% and 37.7% (Chikwawa) and 16.7% and 39.3% (Thyolo) of cattle samples contained oocysts. In Chikwawa, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the cool season, whereas in Thyolo, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the dry season. Faecal samples from goats [n=225], pigs [n=92], sheep [n=6]), rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, doves and guinea fowls were also analysed. Up to 5.6% of goat samples contained oocysts in Chikwawa, compared to between 16.7% and 39.3% in Thyolo. Again, in Chikwawa, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the cool season and the lowest in the rainy season, whereas, in Thyolo, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the dry season and the lowest in the cool season. In pigs, more infections were detected in the dry season in Chikwawa, but infections in the cool season were similar (17.7%), whereas in Thyolo, infections occurred in all three seasons (17.9% in the rainy season, 25% in the cool season and 60% in the dry season). Of ten diarrhoeic, oocyst positive cattle faecal samples collected from Chikwawa and subjected to PCR-RFLP, four oocyst positive samples (two from heifers, one from a cow and one unknown) were amplified at an 18S rRNA and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) loci. RFLP of the 18S rRNA locus indicated that Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium bovis and/or Cryptosporidium ryanae DNA, or a mixture of them was present. Cryptosporidium parvum DNA was identified in one sample that amplified at the COWP locus, indicating the presence of the major zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in Malawi.

Presencia de Cryptosporidium Oocysts y Giardia Cysts en el agua Superficialy en el agua subterránea en la ciudad de Cayos (Les Cayes), Haití

Presencia de Cryptosporidium Oocysts y Giardia Cysts en el agua Superficialy en el agua subterránea en la ciudad de Cayos (Les Cayes), Haití

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with shedding of Cryptosporidium felis in domestic cats of Mississippi and Alabama

The prevalence of and risk factors associated with the shedding of cryptosporidial oocysts were determined for domestic cats in northeastern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama. Cryptosporidial oocysts were found in a single fecal samples from 30 of 250 cats using a centrifugal concentration technique followed by an immunofluorescent assay. The odds of a cat shedding oocysts were increased when another cat shedding oocysts was present in the household. Logistic regression analysis showed only concurrent shedding of Giardia cysts to be significantly associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the feces. Oocysts from 12 cats were successfully genotyped, based on sequencing of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, all isolates were Cryptosporidium felis.

Cryptosporidiumspecies and subtype analysis from dairy calves in Spain

Faecal specimens from 287 diarrhoeic calves younger than 21 days, collected over a 2-year period (2006-2007) from 82 dairy cattle farms in 14 provinces across the north of Spain, were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Overall, 63 farms (76.8%) and 166 calves (57.8%) tested positive by microscopy. In order to elucidate the genetic diversity, selected positive specimens from 149 calves originating from 61 farms in the 14 provinces were examined by genotyping and subtyping techniques. Cryptosporidium parvum was the only species identified by PCR-RFLP of SSU rDNA from all 149 isolates and sequencing of a subset of 50 isolates, except for 2 specimens that were identified as C. bovis. Sequence analyses of the glycoprotein (GP60) gene revealed that most C. parvum isolates (98%) belonged to the subtype family IIa and 2 isolates were identified as the novel subtype IIdA23G1. Subtype IIaA15G2R1 was the most common and widely distributed (80.3% of the 61 farms), followed by subtype IIaA16G3R1 (14.7%), whereas the remaining IIa subtypes (IIaA16G2R1, IIaA17G2R1, IIaA18G3R1, IIaA19G3R1) were restricted to 1-3 farms. All these C. parvum IIa subtypes have previously been described in human patients, indicating that most isolates from diarrhoeic calves in northern Spain have zoonotic potential.

Prevalence and genotyping of Cryptosporidium species from farm animals in Mongolia

The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 460 animals (439 cattle, 16 kids, and 5 sheep) of Tuv-aimak Mongolian district was investigated by IFT. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 116 (26.4%) cattle. Out of the 116 IFT positive samples, 47 were further purified by IMS, investigated by PCR and 11 were found positive. The species and/or genotypes were determined by nested PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis of a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. The results indicated the presence of Cryptosporidium andersoni in the sequenced samples and C. bovis in two samples as a common infection. No Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in fecal specimens collected from sheep and goats. The present work reports the first data on Cryptosporidium species in animals from Mongolia. Further studies are necessary to understand the epidemiology and transmission of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals in Mongolia.

Cryptosporidium oocysts and Balantidium coli Cysts in Pigs Reared Semi-intensively in Zuru, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Balantidium coli cysts in fecal samples from semi-intensively managed pigs in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria between November 2005 and July, 2006. A total of 632 households with human population of 5905 were identified in seven pig- rearing locations in the study area while 105 (16.6%) of these households with human population of 1105 (18.7%) reared a total number of 3895 pigs. Physical randomization was used to select 50% representative samples of pig-rearing households and pigs for this study. Out of the 402 pigs from 55 households, 207 (51.5%) pigs were positive for Balantidium coli cysts, 56 (13.9%) for Cryptosporidium oocysts while mixed infection was observed in 29 (7.2%). There is significance difference in the distribution of the two parasites in the pigs surveyed (p < 0.05). Young pigs were most affected with infection rates of 33 (58.9%) Cryptosporidium oocysts, 113 (54.6%) Balantidium coli cysts and 17(58.6%) mix infection. Human fecal samples collected from 53 individuals revealed 3 (5.7%) positive cases of Cryptosporidium oocysts all in young ones while a positive case of Balantidium coli cyst infection was found in an adult female. Water and soil samples from two areas were also found to contain both organisms. The semi-intensive system of pig rearing which allowed pigs to scavenge and defecate about, defective personal and environmental hygiene couple with the usage of untreated pig feaces as manure on vegetable farms in the study area can enhance the spread of these zoonotic diseases in human population.

A serological study of Cryptosporidium transmission in a periurban area of a Brazilian Northeastern city

To study the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection by measuring the levels of anti-Cryptosporidium IgG antibodies among people inhabiting three neighbourhoods of a periurban area of Salvador, Northeast of Brazil; and to investigate the effects of environmental sanitation measures, hygienic habits and household water supply, storage and handling on the frequency of these antibodies in sera of the studied population. Cryptosporidium inter-household transmission was studied by comparing the frequency of anti-Cryptosporidium IgG antibodies among people inhabiting areas with or without different environmental sanitation measures and intra-household transmission by comparing the presence of these antibodies in families with or without cases of diarrhoea, associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in their stools. Children or family members with diarrhoeal episodes were evaluated parasitologically for Cryptosporidium infection by testing stool specimens with the Ritchie-modified formol-ether concentration and the acid-fast staining methods. All groups were serologically evaluated for parasite exposure by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A statistically significant difference was detected in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection between area 1 which had no environmental sanitation measures and area 3 which had improved environmental sanitation measures (P = 0.044). Most of the hygienic habits investigated did not correlate with the presence of anti-Cryptosporidium antibody in sera of the population studied. However, positive associations were found between both poor household water supply (OD = 0.17; 90% CI = 0.09-0.32; P = 0.0001) and drinking unboiled/unfiltered water (OD = 0.40; 90% CI = 0.24-0.67; P = 0.0002) with high levels of anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies in sera. These data suggest that although uncorrected household water supply, storage and handling play an important role on Cryptosporidium transmission in periurban areas of developing country cities, like Salvador, Brazil, inadequate environmental conditions may also contribute to the spread of this parasite.