Prevalence Of Cryptosporidium Infection Research Articles

Cryptosporidium infections in asymptomatic calves up to 4 months in Poland: a cross-sectional population study

Cattle cryptosporidiosis is noted worldwide with varied frequency of infection prevalence depending on geographical, environmental and husbandry factors. In this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle was determined on the basis of molecular results obtained by testing 1601 faecal samples collected from calves up to 4 months of age housed in all Polish provinces from 2014 to 2018. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) locus by conducting PCR–RFLP analysis of the amplified DNA fragments. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in the cattle population was 45.3% (CI 95%: 42.8–47.7; 725/1601). The infected animals were housed on 233/267 (87.3%) of monitored farms with regional prevalence ranging from 27.8 to 62%. The restriction pattern of 18S rRNA amplicons for positive samples was characteristic of C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and unexpectedly also of C. baileyi and C. suis. Infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae prevailed in the studied cattle population relegating C. parvum to third in prevalence. Likewise, mixed infections caused by C. bovis and C. ryanae as well as C. parvum and C. bovis were observed. A relationship between the infecting parasite species and animal breed was found. For instance, C. parvum prevailed in Black and White lowland breed, C. ryanae in Limousine cattle and C. andersoni in dairy animals of mixed dairy breeds. Furthermore, differences in prevalence of particular parasite species between cattle breeds were also shown.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia, Northern China

BackgroundCryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal protozoan that widely exists in nature, it is an established zoonotic pathogen. Infected cattle are considered to be associated with cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. In the present study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia.MethodsWe focused on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) of Cryptosporidium and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) of Cryptosporidium parvum. We collected 505 dairy cattle manure samples from 6 sampling sites in Inner Mongolia in 2021; the samples were divided into 4 groups based on age. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence analysis, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using SspI and MboII restriction endonucleases were performed. RFLP analysis was performed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium.ResultsSSU rRNA PCR revealed that the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 29.90% (151/505), with a prevalence of 37.67% (55/146) and 26.74% (96/359) in diarrheal and nondiarrheal samples, respectively; these differences were significant. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection at the 6 sampling sites ranged from 0 to 47.06% and that among the 4 age groups ranged from 18.50 to 43.81%. SSU rRNA sequence analysis and RFLP analysis revealed the presence of 4 Cryptosporidium species, namely, C. bovis (44.37%), C. andersoni (35.10%), C. ryanae (21.85%), and C. parvum (11.92%), along with a mixed infection involving two or three Cryptosporidium species. Cryptosporidium bovis or C. andersoni was the most common cause of infection in the four age groups. The subtype of C. parvum was successfully identified as IIdA via gp60 analysis; all isolates were identified as the subtype IIdA19G1.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of dairy cattle infected with four Cryptosporidium species in Inner Mongolia, China, along with a mixed infection involving two or three Cryptosporidium species, with C. bovis and C. andersoni as the dominant species. Moreover, this is the first study to identify C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 in cattle in Inner Mongolia. Our study findings provide detailed information on molecular epidemiological investigation of bovine cryptosporidiosis in Inner Mongolia, suggesting that dairy cattle in this region are at risk of transmitting cryptosporidiosis to humans.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children from China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea in humans and animals, and a leading cause of diarrhea morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. However, the meta-analysis of Cryptosporidium infection in children in China has not been published. We searched the databases for articles published on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children in China since the inception of these databases to 31 October 2022. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in children was estimated using a random effects model. The results showed that 111 datasets from 24 provinces were selected for the final quantitative analysis. The estimated pooled Cryptosporidium infection prevalence in children in China was 2.9% (3300/126,381). The highest prevalence rate was in southwestern China (4.8%, 365/7766). Subgroup analysis indicated that the Cryptosporidium infection rate in children aged < 3 years (4.9%, 330/8428) was significantly higher than that in children aged 3–6 years (2.5%, 609/26,080) and >6 years (2.6%, 647/27,586). Six Cryptosporidium species were detected in children in China from the selected studies. C. hominis was the dominant species (77.1%, 145/188) and the proportions of subgenotype IaA14R4 of C. hominis was highest (42.8%, 62/145). The findings suggest that Chinese children is in a low level of Cryptosporidium infection, however, the geographical distribution of the infection is extensive. We suggest that measures should be taken to ensure the healthy growth of Chinese children by improving the water environment, increasing public health facilities, strengthening children's health education, and developing sound Cryptosporidium infection control programs.

Detection, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium species cause high morbidity and sometimes high mortality rates among cattle, resulting in serious economic threats. This present study is aimed at investigating the presence, prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria. To achieve this, 333 apparently healthy cattle were sampled from abattoirs and different cattle herds over a one-year period. Faecal samples were collected and subjected to the formalin-ethyl acetate (formol-ether) sedimentation technique. Sediments from the formol-ether sedimentation method were used for the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The Microsoft Excel (2016) spreadsheet and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA) for Windows version 22.0 were used for the data analysis. Of the cattle sampled, 99 were positive for the enteric protozoan (29.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.07–34.85). There was no distinct pattern in the monthly prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle. Breeds of cattle, physiological status, and seasons were statistically associated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle. There is a need to educate pastoralists on the control and preventive measures of this enteric protozoan to improve the economy of the cattle industry and prevent possible transmission to humans in Kwara State and Nigeria in general.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum Among Children At Wasit Province

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important enteric parasite among infants and children in Wasit Province. The present study was conducted from September to December 2011 in Al-Karamah Teaching Hospital in Wasit Province. Children aged 1 month to 12 years presenting with acute or persistent diarrhea were selected randomly. The oocyst of C. parvum was investigated in stool specimens using a modified acid-fast staining method. A total of 100 feces samples of children (55 male and 45 female) were examined. Fifty (50%) specimens were oocyst positive. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher (59%) in children under one year old compared to children between (7-12)years old(4%). Most of the infected children were had anemia. The infective rate of Cryptosporidium parvum in males was higher 27% than females 23% . Also, there was no significant difference among children in gender.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle from selected commercial farms and nomadic settlements in Yola, Adamawa State

Cryptosporidium species are apicomplexan parasites commonly associated with diarrhoea in both men and animals. They are of public health importance. The study aimed to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle in the Yola metropolitan area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Four hundred and sixteen (416) faecal samples were collected from cattle in commercial farms and nomadic settlements and were analyzed using Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) technique. Twenty-seven (27) positive samples were subjected to nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the amplification of a specific fragment of 18S rRNA gene that was used to detect Cryptosporidium spp. Seventy-three (17.5%) out of 416 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts by MZN, and 26 (96.0%) out of 27 isolated oocysts of Cryptosporidium detected by MZN were positive by PCR. Commercial farms had a higher prevalence (19.2%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts than the nomadic settlements (15.9%). Based on risk factors, there was a significant association (P&lt;0.05) between the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and factors such as sex and faecal consistency. At the same time, age, breed, management system, animal source and drinking water source varied insignificantly (P&gt;0.05). This study has shown the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in the Yola metropolis. There should be an awareness campaign among public health workers on the dangers posed by the organism to humans so that the Government would enforce control and preventive measures.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in slaughtered cattle at Lafenwa Municipal Abattoir, Ogun State

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in slaughtered cattle at a municipal abattoir in Ogun State was determined by acid-fast staining of stools. Using formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation followed by modified kinyoun’s acid fast staining of 280 faecal samples collected, 105 (37.5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Infection was higher in females and nondiarrhoeic cattle than males and diarrhoeic animals respectively. However, there were no statistical differences (p&gt;0.05) between the sexes and stool consistencies in Cryptosporidium infection. The highest infection rate, 51.2%, was recorded in the Red Bororo breed while the lowest rate, 17.0%, was recorded in the Sokoto Gudali breed. This study showed that cattle slaughtered at the abattoir were mostly infected with Cryptosporidium which may have serious economic, veterinary, and public health implications to beef consumers, abattoir, and farm workers within the state.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium Infection and Associated Risk Factors among HIV-Infected Patients Attending ART Clinics in the Central Region of Ghana.

Cryptosporidium species are intestinal protozoan parasites that infect and cause diarrhoea in animals and humans. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV-infected patients in the Central region of Ghana. In this cross-sectional study, four hundred eighteen documented HIV-infected participants from four health facilities that provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) services across the Central region of Ghana were selected by systematic random sampling. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CoproELISATM, Cryptosporidium Savyon® Diagnostics Ltd., Ashdod, Israel) was used to detect Cryptosporidium antigens in stool samples obtained from participants. Information regarding participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and clinical symptoms as well as potential environmental and behavioral risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine associations between Cryptosporidium infections and explanatory variables, while risk factors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV-infected participants in this study was 6.2% (95% CI: 3.90–8.54). Cryptosporidium was not significantly associated with any of the sociodemographic variables, patient clinical symptoms, and environmental factors. However, the prevalence of the parasite was significantly higher 25% (95% CI: 1.17–48.83; p = 0.013) among participants who did not always wash their hands before meals and those who did not always wash vegetables before eating them, 23.5% (95% CI: 1.05–46.01; p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants who used public water closet facilities were approximately 9 times more likely to become infected with the parasite than those who practised open defecation (OR: 8.83; 95% CI: 1.22–64.13; p = 0.031). In conclusion, Cryptosporidium is prevalent among HIV-infected patients in the Central region of Ghana. An important risk factor identified was the use of the public water closet toilet facility. More attention should be given to ensuring cleanliness at shared water closet facilities in addition to adequate disinfection of hands after using such facilities.

Cryptosporidium infection in cattle and humans in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium is an intracellular coccidian parasite causing gastrointestinal disturbances resulting in diarrhoea in humans and animals. It is more frequently detected in calves and early childhood, and one of the major causes of mortality in low-income countries. National estimates of Cryptosporidium infection rate in cattle and humans are lacking in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence and assess the risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle and humans over 20 years. Article searches were made using PubMed, HINARI, Research Gates, AJOLs and Google Scholar databases. Studies that met the inclusion criteria under the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist were used. Random effects models and Inverse Variance Index were used to calculate the pooled prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and heterogeneity among studies, respectively. A total of 23 eligible studies published between 2000 and 2020 were selected for this study. The estimated pooled prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was found to be 16.2% and 11% in cattle and humans, respectively. Ten Cryptosporidium species were documented with cattle and human-based studies. C. andersoni, C. parvum, C. bovis and C. ryanae were the reported species in cattle. Similarly, in humans, seven types of Cryptosporidium species (such as C. parvum, C. hominis, C. viatorum, C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. canis and C. xiaoi) were recorded. C. parvum and C. hominis were the dominant and responsible species for human illness. Using gp60 gene locus analysis, various zoonotic C. parvum subgenotypes were determined in humans; but it was limited in anthroponotic C. hominis. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle and humans was high and linked with several risk factors. Thus, there is a need for further epidemiological and genetic diversity studies, and awareness of creations on the disease to provide strategies that mitigate the disease in cattle and humans.

Cryptosporidium Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Cattle in the Central Region of Ghana.

Cryptosporidium species infects a wide number of animals including livestock all over the world. The current study was done to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. Two hundred and eighty-seven (287) faecal samples were randomly collected from animals on eight cattle farms in four districts across two agroecological zones. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (CoproELISA, Savyon® Diagnostics Ltd., Israel) for Cryptosporidium was used in the detection of Cryptosporidium antigens in faecal samples. Characteristics of the animals such as age, sex, and location, as well as consistency of faecal samples, were collected. Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and Cryptosporidium infection while a logistic regression model was also used to determine the risk of infection. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 23.7% (95% CI, 18.7-28.6). Prevalence was significantly higher (p = 0.049) among cattle aged 12-month old and above compared to those under 12 months of age. Among the four districts in the study area, Cape Coast metropolis recorded a significantly higher prevalence (60.5%; CI, 49.3-71.8), (p < 0.001) compared to the other three. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the consistency of faecal samples and Cryptosporidium infection (p = 0.042). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was also significantly higher among cattle from the coastal savanna zone (26.9%; 95% CI, 21.0-32.8) compared to those from the semideciduous forest area (p = 0.017). Cattle in the forest zone had a lower risk of being infected with the parasite compared to those from the coastal savanna zone (OR 0.408; 95% CI, 0.182-0.915). In conclusion, Cryptosporidium was prevalent among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. A higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection occurred in older animals and among animals in the coastal agroecological zone. The area of location and age of animals were identified as risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in the Central Region of Ghana.

Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium isolates among Egyptian children with cancer.

Immunocompromised individuals especially children with cancer are at risk for acquiring cryptosporidiosis, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. This work was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parasite and its genotypes in children with cancer. Stool specimens were collected from 145 children in the Oncology unit of Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Sharqiyah province, Egypt. Cryptosporidium infection was evaluated using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in oncological children was 29.7% using microscopy and 25.5% using nested PCR. Genotypic characterization showed that 23 (62.2%) had C. hominis, 11 (29.7%) C. parvum, and 3 specimens (8.1%) were mixed infection of both genotypes. Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with diarrhea. However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the age, gender, residency, animal contact and malignancy type concerning to Cryptosporidium infection. This study concluded that Cryptosporidium is a prevailing opportunistic parasite among children with cancer. It should be considered in oncological patients especially those suffering from diarrhea which requires proper management to reduce its complications.

Cryptosporidium infection among hemodialysis patients attending to the dialysis center at Kosti Teaching Hospital, Sudan.

Cryptosporidiosis is an illness caused by a protozooan parasite Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium species are an opportunistic pathogens cause a diarrheal disease worldwide, and can be more severe in immunocompromized patients. Until now, a little data have been available on its prevalence rate among haemodialysis patients in Sudan. Therefore, this article was designed to examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among hemodialysis Sudanese patients attending hemodialysis center at Kosti Teaching Hospital. A case-control study including one-hundred and twelve hemodialysis patients between November 2016 and January 2017 have been conducted. For the control group, we include one-hundred and twelve normal population. A total of two-hundred and twenty-four stool samples were collected. The stool samples were processed and examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining method. High Cryptosporidium prevalence of 14/112 (12.5%) was detected in hemodialysis patients compare to the normal individuals 3/112 (2.7%). There was no correlation between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection with the age, sex, and the duration of dialysis (P>0.05). Therefore, an early detection and prompt treatment of Cryptosporidium infected hemodialysis patients is crucial.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves with Effect on Biochemical Parameters

This study was conducted throughout the year on 93 calves from different regions of Baghdad province.Three age groups included; Below 1 month, 1-2 months and above 6 months. A changed aim-the techniqueof stain Neelsen (MZN) has been used for the identification of the development of cryptosporidium and fecaldiarrheic samples.In biochemical research, blood samples have been obtained. Cryptosporidium occurrence was much higherin spring season (56%), followed by the winter (52%), the allergy season (46%), and lowermost in a seasonof summer (40%).The highest rate of infection in animals which was given was the age group of theanimals that under the age of 30 days (71%), 2-6 months were (59%) and (43%) were over 6 months old.The animals concerned reported substantial rises in plasma, urea and creatinine relative to stable animalsin the management of biochemical changes. Finally, Age and seasonal changes were associated withcryptosporidiosis. The biochemical factors affected by the calves also have a negative effect.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in domestic cats from an urban area in Brazil

We investigated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts shedding by domestic cats in an urban setting. The calculation of minimum sample size was based on an estimated prevalence of 10%, 5% absolute sampling error and a 5% significance level, resulting in 138 cats. A total of 612 owners of 2,290 cats had to be contacted for achieving the minimal sample size. In the end, only 55 owners accepted to participate in this investigation. Stool samples collected from 138 dogs were examined by microscopy using modified Kinyoun acid-fast staining, capture ELISA and nested-PCR followed by sequencing. Samples were considered positive when Cryptosporidium were detected by at least two diagnostic methods. Thirteen samples were positive (9.4%; 95% CI: 4.5 - 14.3). Cryptosporidium amplicons from seven out of the 13 samples were successfully sequenced and shared 99% genetic similarity to Cryptosporidium felis, GenBank access AF112575.1 was found. We concluded that Cryptosporidium infection is common in domestic cats from urban area and veterinary practitioners should guide cat owners to adopt preventive measures against the parasite to reduce the chance of infection in cats and householders.

Factors Associated With Cryptosporidium Infection Among Adult HIV Positive Population in Contact With Livestock in Namwala District, Zambia.

Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease globally. In Zambia, the burden of Cryptosporidium infection in the general human population is unknown and factors associated with it are unclear. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and identify factors associated with its infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive individuals in contact with livestock in Namwala district of Zambia. Three hundred and twenty six stool samples were collected from HIV infected individuals presenting at local health centers in Namwala district of Zambia between August 2015 and June 2016. The Meriflour Cryptosporidium/Giardia test kit was used to test for presence of oocysts. Demographic information such as age and sex and information on hypothesized risk factors was collected using a structured questionnaire. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 9.5% (95% CI = 6.7–13.2%); 13.3% and 7.1% among male and female participants, respectively. Males were 2.5 times more likely to be infected than females whereas the divorced had higher odds of being infected (OR = 14.8). Participants who kept animals had a higher prevalence (11.4%) than those that did not (7.0%). Those that shared water with neighbors were 5.7 times more likely to be infected than those who did not. We conclude that Cryptosporidium infection is prevalent among HIV positive adults in Namwala district and infection is associated with sex, marital status and sharing water sources among neighbors. Community sensitization is required to create awareness and reduce human exposure to Cryptosporidium infection.

Parasitological detection and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium in bovines of Karnataka state

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle and buffalo calves of less than one month age was studied in Karnataka state using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Associated risk factors viz., age, sex, breed, consistency of dung, rearing systems and season were evaluated for their influence on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection. An overall prevalence of 12.20% (40/328) of Cryptosporidium infection was observed with a prevalence rate of 12.84% in cattle calves and 10.91% in buffalo calves. Age wise, three week-old animals were infected more (16.95%) followed by the four week (13.27%), one week (6.90%) and two week (4.41%) old animals. Female animals (13.14%) showed more prevalence than male animals (11.11%). Among the breeds, crossbred animals (15.08%) were infected more compared to non-descript animals (7.75%). Higher prevalence of infection was noticed in diarrhoeic samples (16.41%) followed by formed (10.31%) and semisolid dung samples (7.77%). Rearing system was correlated for its effect on its prevalence rate, in which the free-range animals (12.61%) had a slightly higher prevalence than that of intensively reared animals (11.32%). Season-wise, the higher prevalence of infection was noted in monsoon (14.74%) followed by winter (11.48%), autumn (11.38%) and summer (10.20%).

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle in China during 2008–2018: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium is the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium not only has a worldwide distribution, but also can infect various hosts, including dairy cattle and humans. Although numerous researches on Cryptosporidium infection in cattle have been conducted, no nationwide study on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle in mainland China was carried out. In this meta-analysis, five databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang, were used to search for published papers regarding Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle in China from inception to February 25, 2019. Our study obtained 60 eligibility studies that reported Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle. We estimated the pooled Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 17.0% (3,901/33,313), with 16.9% (722/5,191) in Central China, 17.4% (959/6,162) in Eastern China, 29.8% (404/2,021) in Northeastern China, 15.7% (227/2,344) in Northern China, 15.8% (1,042/11,452) in Northwestern China, 9.5% (494/5,758) in Southern China, and 13.7% (53/385) in Southwestern China. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium in before 2000 group (28.0%, 944/3,417) was significantly higher than in 2000–2010 group (11.1%, 384/3,643) and after 2010 group (13.7%, 2,134/22,411). Cattle with the age of ≤ 12 months (22.5%, 2,142/12,948) had a significantly higher prevalence than those of > 12 months (9.5%, 840/10,282). The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium in different seasons ranged from 8.2% (343/4,552) in Autumn to 19.5% (285/1,570) in Winter. Diarrhea cattle (38%, 133/477) had a higher Cryptosporidium prevalence than non-diarrhea cattle (13.0%, 367/2423). The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium in different provinces was various, with the highest (35.6%, 355/1,667) in Heilongjiang province, and the lowest (4.3%, 15/440) in Tianjin province. The univariate meta-regression analyses indicated that the collection year (P = 0.002) and age of cattle (P = 0.001) might be sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review suggests that China is a country where cryptosporidiosis frequently occurs in cattle. Due to the particular relationship between dairy cattle and feeder, further research is required to investigate the links between cattle ownership and Cryptosporidium infection.

Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in different hosts in Nigeria: A meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium is a medical and veterinary significant protozoan parasite that infects all classes of vertebrates. Environmental contamination with infective oocyst increases the risk of transmission to susceptible host. Estimates of Cryptosporidium prevalence in humans and animals are lacking in Nigeria, therefore a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to understand the epidemiology of the disease over a period of 30 years using publications from EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, AJOL and Google Scholar databases. Studies that met the inclusion criteria of Cryptosporidium infections under the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist were analysed. Point estimates prevalence and subgroup analyses based on potential risk factors and diagnostic techniques were evaluated at 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 64 eligible studies published between 1987 and 2017 were selected for meta-analysis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection using quality effects model among human, cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, laboratory animals and birds was estimated as 15.0, 26.1, 16.6, 26.0, 20.1, 9.0 and 7.2%, respectively. The high report of C. parvum subtype family IIc indicates the importance of anthroponotic transmission of Cryptosporidium in Nigeria. Heterogeneity of subgroup (regions, species) and risk factors (HIV status, age, gender, faecal type) analyses were determined. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in different hosts were high and linked with several risk factors such as environmental contamination and animal contact. There is need for increased awareness on the prevalence of the disease to provide strategies that mitigate the disease in humans and animals.

Molecular identification and epidemiological comparison of Cryptosporidium spp. among different pig breeds in Tibet and Henan, China

BackgroundCryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts, and causing moderate to severe diarrhea in humans. Cryptosporidium infections are frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide, but little research has been done on local pig breeds such as Tibetan pigs and Yunan Black pigs and imported pig breeds such as Landrace pigs in China. Therefore, a total of 1089 pig fecal samples from four intensive farms in four areas of China, including Tibetan pigs from Gongbujiangda County (n = 180) and Mainling County (n = 434), Tibet, Yunan Black pigs from Sanmenxia, Henan Province (n = 246), and Landrace pigs from Kaifeng, Henan Province (n = 229), and were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium with microscopy and nested PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA gene.ResultsThe total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in 1089 fecal samples of three different pig breeds was 2.11% (23/1089), and the infection rates of Tibetan pigs, Yunan Black pigs, and Landrace pigs were 0.49% (3/614), 0.41% (1/246), and 8.30% (19/229), respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in weaned piglets (1–2 months) (4.36%, 21/482) than in younger and older age groups (p < 0.01). Sequence analysis of positive samples revealed that there was no mixed infection in our study population, which included 12 cases of C. suis mono-infections (52.17%, 12/23) and 11 cases of C. scrofarum mono-infections (47.83%, 11/23). C. suis was identified in one pre-weaned piglet (< 1 month) and 11 weaned piglets (1–2 months), while C. scrofarum was only detected in 10 weaned piglets (1–2 months) and one finished pig (> 2 months).ConclusionsThis is the first report on the identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in Tibetan pigs, and our findings also elucidate the occurrence and distribution of Cryptosporidium in three different pig breeds in Tibet and Henan, China. More molecular epidemiological studies are required to better clarify the prevalence and public health significance of Cryptosporidium in different pigs.

Seroprevalence of Cryptosporidium and risks of cryptosporidiosis in residents of Sothern Egypt: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To identify the serological epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infections and to follow up on the changes in the infection profile in Southern Egypt in order to establish a suitable scheme for control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. Methods: A total of 1 912 (960 from human and 952 from animals) stool specimens and sera were screened for Cryptosporidium species using modified Ziehl Neelsen technique and a newly-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Environmental risk factors and socioeconomic data were surveyed by questionnaire between September 2016 and December 2017. Results: Totally, 20.83% of the human subjects were positive for Cryptosporidium infection tested by ELISA. The seropositivity was positively correlated with age. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in females was significantly higher than in males (P Conclusions: The study observed that Cryptosporidium infections are common in the study area, with water sanitation, socioeconomic level; eating habits and hygienic status are considered the main risk factors for cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, environmental sanitation and health education will be useful in reducing the prevalence of infection.