Zoonotic Hazards Research Articles

Resource selection by New York City deer reveals the effective interface between wildlife, zoonotic hazards and humans.

Although the role of host movement in shaping infectious disease dynamics is widely acknowledged, methodological separation between animal movement and disease ecology has prevented researchers from leveraging empirical insights from movement data to advance landscape scale understanding of infectious disease risk. To address this knowledge gap, we examine how movement behaviour and resource utilization by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) determines blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) distribution, which depend on deer for dispersal in a highly fragmented New York City borough. Multi-scale hierarchical resource selection analysis and movement modelling provide insight into how deer's movements contribute to the risk landscape for human exposure to the Lyme disease vector-I. scapularis. We find deer select highly vegetated and accessible residential properties which support blacklegged tick survival. We conclude the distribution of tick-borne disease risk results from the individual resource selection by deer across spatial scales in response to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbances.

OH-EpiCap: a semi-quantitative tool for the evaluation of One Health epidemiological surveillance capacities and capabilities.

Although international health agencies encourage the development of One Health (OH) surveillance, many systems remain mostly compartmentalized, with limited collaborations among sectors and disciplines. In the framework of the OH European Joint Programme "MATRIX" project, a generic evaluation tool called OH-EpiCap has been developed to enable individual institutes/governments to characterize, assess and monitor their own OH epidemiological surveillance capacities and capabilities. The tool is organized around three dimensions: organization, operational activities, and impact of the OH surveillance system; each dimension is then divided into four targets, each including four indicators. A semi-quantitative questionnaire enables the scoring of each indicator, with four levels according to the degree of satisfaction in the studied OH surveillance system. The evaluation is conducted by a panel of surveillance representatives (during a half-day workshop or with a back-and-forth process to reach a consensus). An R Shiny-based web application facilitates implementation of the evaluation and visualization of the results, and includes a benchmarking option. The tool was piloted on several foodborne hazards (i.e., Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria), emerging threats (e.g., antimicrobial resistance) and other zoonotic hazards (psittacosis) in multiple European countries in 2022. These case studies showed that the OH-EpiCap tool supports the tracing of strengths and weaknesses in epidemiological capacities and the identification of concrete and direct actions to improve collaborative activities at all steps of surveillance. It appears complementary to the existing EU-LabCap tool, designed to assess the capacity and capability of European microbiology laboratories. In addition, it provides opportunity to reinforce trust between surveillance stakeholders from across the system and to build a good foundation for a professional network for further collaboration.

Identifying Pig- and Pork-Associated Zoonotic and Foodborne Hazards in Eastern and Southern Africa: A Systematised Review

Zoonotic and foodborne diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Pork is a potential source of zoonotic and foodborne diseases, and pork consumption is rapidly increasing in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). Here, studies conducted in ESA describing pig- and pork-associated zoonotic and foodborne hazards were identified to clarify the distribution and prevalence of these hazards and identify research gaps in this region. A systematised literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and Web of Science to identify relevant articles according to pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 140 articles from 14 countries were identified for review. A total of 42 hazards were identified, categorised as bacterial, viral, parasitic, arthropodal, or other, including drug residues. Among all identified hazards, Taenia spp. (n=40) was the most often studied, followed by Salmonella spp. (21), Escherichia coli (17), and Staphylococcus spp. (9). Further research is required to determine baseline data on the epidemiology and health and economic burden associated with pig- and pork-borne hazards and appropriate strategies are needed to mitigate the risk these hazards pose to communities.

Genetic Correlation of Virulent Salmonella Serovars (Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases) Isolated from Broiler Chickens and Human: A Public Health Concern.

This study aimed to detect the virulent Salmonella serovars (including ESBLs producing) isolated from broiler chickens and humans. Three hundred broilers and sixty human fecal samples were bacteriologically examined. Thirty (10%) and fourteen (23.4%) Salmonella isolates were recovered from broiler and human samples, respectively. The most predominant serovar was S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium. All Salmonella isolates were confirmed by conventional PCR-based invA and ompA genes. Multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates were screened for the detection of adrA and csgD biofilm-associated genes, which were found in all isolated serovars except one S. typhimurium and 2 S. infantis of chicken isolates that were devoid of the adrA gene. Moreover, MDR isolates were screened for detection of seven resistance genes including ESBLs and other classes of resistance genes. Chicken isolates harbored blaTEM, int1, blaCTX and qnrS genes as 100, 27.8, 11.1 and 11.1%, respectively, while all human isolates harbored blaTEM, int1 and int3 genes. The genetic correlations between virulent Salmonella serovars (including antimicrobial resistance) avian and human origins were compared. In conclusion, the high prevalence of virulent ESBL producing Salmonella serovars in broilers and humans with genetic correlations between them might be zoonotic and public health hazards.

Drivers of melioidosis endemicity: epidemiological transition, zoonosis, and climate change.

Melioidosis, caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a tropical infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes current insights into melioidosis' endemicity, focusing on epidemiological transitions, zoonosis, and climate change. Estimates of the global burden of melioidosis affirm the significance of hot-spots in Australia and Thailand. However, it also highlights the paucity of systematic data from South Asia, The Americas, and Africa. Globally, the growing incidence of diabetes, chronic renal and (alcoholic) liver diseases further increase the susceptibility of individuals to B. pseudomallei infection. Recent outbreaks in nonendemic regions have further exposed the hazard from the trade of animals and products as potential reservoirs for B. pseudomallei. Lastly, global warming will increase precipitation, severe weather events, soil salinity and anthrosol, all associated with the occurrence of B. pseudomallei. Epidemiological transitions, zoonotic hazards, and climate change are all contributing to the emergence of novel melioidosis-endemic areas. The adoption of the One Health approach involving multidisciplinary collaboration is important in unraveling the real incidence of B. pseudomallei, as well as reducing the spread and associated mortality.

Socio-ecological drivers of multiple zoonotic hazards in highly urbanized cities.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of pathogen spillover from wildlife to human hosts, particularly in densely populated urban centers. Prevention of future zoonotic disease is contingent on informed surveillance for known and novel threats across diverse human-wildlife interfaces. Cities are a key venue for potential spillover events because of the presence of zoonotic pathogens transmitted by hosts and vectors living in close proximity to dense human settlements. Effectively identifying and managing zoonotic hazards requires understanding the socio-ecological processes driving hazard distribution and pathogen prevalence in dynamic and heterogeneous urban landscapes. Despite increasing awareness of the human health impacts of zoonotic hazards, the integration of an eco-epidemiological perspective into public health management plans remains limited. Here we discuss how landscape patterns, abiotic conditions, and biotic interactions influence zoonotic hazards across highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in temperate climates to promote their efficient and effective management by a multi-sectoral coalition of public health stakeholders. We describe how to interpret both direct and indirect ecological processes, incorporate spatial scale, and evaluate networks of connectivity specific to different zoonotic hazards to promote biologically-informed and targeted decision-making. Using New York City, USA as a case study, we identify major zoonotic threats, apply knowledge of relevant ecological factors, and highlight opportunities and challenges for research and intervention. We aim to broaden the toolbox of urban public health stakeholders by providing ecologically-informed, practical guidance for the evaluation and management of zoonotic hazards.

Land-use change and rodent-borne diseases: hazards on the shared socioeconomic pathways.

Land-use change has a direct impact on species survival and reproduction, altering their spatio-temporal distributions. It acts as a selective force that favours the abundance and diversity of reservoir hosts and affects host–pathogen dynamics and prevalence. This has led to land-use change being a significant driver of infectious diseases emergence. Here, we predict the presence of rodent taxa and map the zoonotic hazard (potential sources of harm) from rodent-borne diseases in the short and long term (2025 and 2050). The study considers three different land-use scenarios based on the shared socioeconomic pathways narratives (SSPs): sustainable (SSP1-Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6), fossil-fuelled development (SSP5-RCP 8.5) and deepening inequality (SSP4-RCP 6.0). We found that cropland expansion into forest and pasture may increase zoonotic hazards in areas with high rodent-species diversity. Nevertheless, a future sustainable scenario may not always reduce hazards. All scenarios presented high heterogeneity in zoonotic hazard, with high-income countries having the lowest hazard range. The SSPs narratives suggest that opening borders and reducing cropland expansion are critical to mitigate current and future zoonotic hazards globally, particularly in middle- and low-income economies. Our study advances previous efforts to anticipate the emergence of zoonotic diseases by integrating past, present and future information to guide surveillance and mitigation of zoonotic hazards at the regional and local scale.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Infectious disease macroecology: parasite diversity and dynamics across the globe’.

Direct identification and molecular characterization of zoonotic hazards in raw milk by metagenomics using Brucella as a model pathogen.

Metagenomics is a valuable diagnostic tool for enhancing microbial food safety because (i) it enables the untargeted detection of pathogens, (ii) it is fast since primary isolation of micro-organisms is not required, and (iii) it has high discriminatory power allowing for a detailed molecular characterization of pathogens. For shotgun metagenomics, total nucleic acids (NAs) are isolated from complex samples such as foodstuff. Along with microbial NAs, high amounts of matrix NAs are extracted that might outcompete microbial NAs during next-generation sequencing and compromise sensitivity for the detection of low abundance micro-organisms. Sensitive laboratory methods are indispensable for detecting highly pathogenic foodborne bacteria like Brucella spp., because a low infectious dose is sufficient to cause human disease through the consumption of contaminated dairy or meat products. In our study, we applied shotgun metagenomic sequencing for the identification and characterization of Brucella spp. in artificially and naturally contaminated raw milk from various ruminant species. With the depletion of eukaryotic cells prior to DNA extraction, Brucella was detectable at 10 bacterial cells ml−1, while at the same time microbiological culture and isolation of the fastidious bacteria commonly failed. Moreover, we were able to retrieve the genotype of a Brucella isolate from a metagenomic dataset, indicating the potential of metagenomics for outbreak investigations using SNPs and core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). To improve diagnostic applications, we developed a new bioinformatics approach for strain prediction based on SNPs to identify the correct species and define a certain strain with only low numbers of genus-specific reads per sample. This pipeline turned out to be more sensitive and specific than Mash Screen. In raw milk samples, we simultaneously detected numerous other zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. Our study showed that metagenomics is a highly sensitive tool for biological risk assessment of foodstuffs, particularly when pathogen isolation is hazardous or challenging.

Epidemiological Studies on Physical, Chemical, Zoonotic and Psychological Hazards among Veterinarians

Epidemiological Studies on Physical, Chemical, Zoonotic and Psychological Hazards among Veterinarians

Sero-epidemiological Investigation of the Major Abortive Bacterial Agents in Ewes of M’Sila Governorate, Algeria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence, risk factors and zoonotic threats of the major abortive bacterial agents in sheep of M’Sila Governorate. A total of 184 serum samples were collected from ewes among 16 sheep flocks and tested for Coxiella burnetti, Chlamydia abortus, Brucella spp. and Salmonella abortusovis via ELISA. Simultaneously, a questionnaire was used to collect breeding management data. Seropositive results were as follows : Coxiella burnetti (27.9%), Salmonella abortusovis (15.9%), Chlamydia abortus (10.9%) and Brucella spp. (3.8%).The use of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression showed a highly significant correlation between Coxiella burnetti seropositivity and presence of cats in farms (OR = 5.75; 95% CI = 1.86-19.9; p= 0.001), while promiscuity with newly introduced animals was associated to Chlamydia abortus seropositivity (OR=3.37; 95%CI=1.01-14.9; p= 0.04). Additionally to the economic losses, the dissemination of Coxiella burnetti and Brucella spp. presents uncontrollable zoonotic hazards.

Environmental Contamination by Dog Feces in Touristic Areas of Italy: Parasitological Aspects and Zoonotic Hazards.

Public spaces are common sites of fecal contamination which is concerning considering the prevalence rates of gastrointestinal pathogens carried by pets. Multiple pet-bound parasite species capable of infecting humans have previously been reported in fecal samples collected from urban areas around the globe, including Italy. In addition, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites has recently been shown in pets from the island of Sardinia, a well-known touristic destination. For these reasons, this study aims to evaluate the level of fecal contamination of two of the most important cities on Sardinia. Furthermore, the presence of endoparasites in fecal samples collected was also investigated to assess the parasitological risks associated with such contamination. A grid approach using a geographical information system was applied, followed by transect counting and sampling. A total of 956 and 220 dog feces with an average feces count of 4.7 and 2.6 per 100 linear meters were found for Sassari and Alghero, respectively. In Sassari 15.6% (52/333) and in Alghero 6.8% (6/88) of the samples tested positive for parasitic elements. Hookworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara sp., and Trichuris vulpis were among the parasites most identified. This study showed significant urban contamination of both Sassari and Alghero with dog feces and the parasites within them, including potentially zoonotic species. The general public as well as tourists visiting the island should be aware of the risks associated with this and appropriate measures taken.

Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Diversity and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Escherichia coli from Humans, Retail Chicken and Ground Beef in Egypt.

Contamination of retail foods with foodborne pathogens, particularly the antimicrobial resistant ones, poses a persistent threat to human health. There is a dearth of information about the overlapping Escherichia coli (E. coli) lineages circulating among retail foods and humans in Egypt. This study aimed to determine the clonal diversity of 120 E. coli isolates from diarrheic patients (n = 32), retail chicken carcasses (n = 61) and ground beef (n = 27) from Mansoura, Egypt using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Simpson’s index of diversity was calculated to compare the results of both typing methods. Antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, genotypes and phylogrouping of the isolates were also determined. Higher frequencies of antimicrobial resistance were found among chicken isolates compared to beef and human isolates; regardless of isolate source, the predominant antimicrobial resistances were found against ampicillin (87/120, 72.5%), tetracycline and sulfisoxazole (82/120, 68.3%, each), and streptomycin (79/120, 65.8%). None of the isolates displayed resistance to meropenem. The prevalent genes detected were tetA (64.2%), blaTEM (62.5%), sul1 (56.7%), floR (53.3%), sul2 (50%), strB (48.3%) and strA (47.5%) corresponding with resistance phenotypes. Alarmingly, blaCTX was detected in 63.9% (39/61) of chicken isolates. The majority of E. coli isolates from humans (90.6%), beef (81.5%) and chicken (70.5%) belonged to commensal phylogroups (A, B1, C). Using PFGE analysis, 16 out of 24 clusters (66.7%) contained isolates from different sources at a similarity level ≥75%. MLST results assigned E. coli isolates into 25, 19 and 13 sequence types (STs) from chicken, human and beef isolates, respectively. Six shared STs were identified including ST1011, ST156, ST48, ST224 (chicken and beef), ST10 (human and chicken) and ST226 (human and beef). Simpson’s index of diversity was higher for MLST (0.98) than PFGE (0.94). In conclusion, the existence of common genetic determinants among isolates from retail foods and humans in Egypt as well as the circulation of shared STs indicates a possible epidemiological link with potential zoonotic hazards.

Biological Hazards in the Pork Chain Continuum: Risk Mitigation Strategy

The volume of pork meat production is continuously growing in the EU over previous years due to lower food prices, higher number of reproduction sows and increased volume of pork exports to China. Consumer choices toward pork meat depend on culture, place of residence and social opportunities, as well as their perception regarding safety and quality of pork meat/meat products. The main biological hazards associated with pork meat/meat products important from the public health perspective are zoonotic food borne pathogens, bacteria and/or parasites, e.g. Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC), by decreasing order, including associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pathways of infection and contamination of pork meat differ, taking into consideration the multiple entry routes for zoonotic biological hazards along the pork meat chain, from farm to the final product. Therefore, the defined level of safety of pork meat/meat products should be achieved by synergistic action of control measures effectively applied at different points along the pork meat chain and supported by the integrated risk-based food (meat) safety management system in major modules of the meat chain: pre-harvest (farm), harvest (slaughterhouse), post-harvest (meat processing, distribution, retail, consumers), as well as identification and traceability. The integrated meat safety management system should be based on good hygienic practices (GHP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) encompassing the science based hazard analysis and risk characterization, as well as identifying the most effective control options and risk mitigation strategies in the pork meat chain continuum.

The synergistic effect of organic acids, phytochemicals and a permeabilizing complex reduces Salmonella Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i-shedding in pigs.

Salmonella Typhimurium (including S.Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i-) and other enteric pathogens cause acute infection in pigs during the weaning stage, often evolving into chronic infections responsible for the introduction of zoonotic bacteria into the slaughterhouse and thus determining carcass contamination. In addition to being zoonotic hazards, these pathogens are responsible for economic losses in affected farms. Traditionally, antibiotic treatments have been largely administered in order to reduce the infection burden but it favored, as a direct consequence, an increase in the number of multi-drug resistance strains. In order to overcome antibiotic-resistance concerns, new alternative control strategies should be developed. In this context, a blend of organic acids, phytochemicals and a permeabilizing complex, administered in feed (Group A - 459 piglets) or water (Group B - 458 piglets), was tested in field conditions for its capability of reducing Salmonella-infection in weaned piglets of an endemic farm. Data recorded were compared to results of a control group (Group C - 456 piglets). Zootechnical parameters were recorded in all animals, while microbiological, serological and PCR analyses were conducted in 15 piglets for each group. Results demonstrated that additive administered in feed improved animal weight gain (better average daily gain [A.D.G.] and increment), and rapidly reduced Salmonella-shedding in feces. Administration of additive in feed gave better results than in water.

Where literature is scarce: observations and lessons learnt from four systematic reviews of zoonoses in African countries.

The success of a systematic review depends on the availability, accessibility and quality of literature related to the review question. This paper presents the literature found in four systematic reviews conducted for a selection of zoonotic hazards in four livestock value chains in Africa, as well as setting out the challenges in conducting the reviews. The protocol was designed following international standards, and addressed four questions around prevalence, risk factors, control options and impact of various hazards and populations. Searches were conducted in four online databases. Articles were screened for relevance, and quality was assessed before data extraction. Literature on zoonotic hazards was in general scarce and access to full articles was limited. Overall, 25-40% of papers were considered poor quality. The diversity of approaches and designs in the studies compromised the ability to generate summarized estimates. We found that the emphasis of veterinary research has been on livestock problems rather than public health issues, although this seems to be shifting in the last decade; we also found there are limited studies on impact and control. While increasing literature is being published around zoonoses in Africa, this is still inadequate to appropriately inform policy and guide research efforts.

Prevalence of tuberculosis, brucellosis and trypanosomiasis in cattle in Tanzania: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was performed to derive prevalence estimates for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in cattle in Tanzania using data derived from a systematic review of zoonotic hazards in cattle production systems. Articles published before 2012 reporting prevalence and considered at least moderate in quality were included in the analysis. Results showed high heterogeneity between studies, with wide ranges in the reported prevalence: Brucella (0.3-60.8%), Mycobacterium (0.1-13.2%) and Trypanosoma (0.82-33.3%). Overall meta-analytic mean prevalence estimates were 8.2% (95% CI 6.5-10.2), 1.28% (95% CI 0.35-4.58) and 10.3% (95% CI 6.20-16.70) respectively, for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Time and region were predictors of variability of Brucella spp. prevalence, while diagnostic test was a strong predictor of Mycobacterium spp. prevalence, with higher prevalence estimates given by skin tests compared with post-mortem inspection. None of the studied factors were associated with prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. The small sample sizes, range of study locations, study designs and diagnostics used, contributed to high variability among prevalence estimates. Larger and more robust prevalence studies are needed to adequately support risk assessment and management of animal and public health threats.

English

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most important foodborne gastroenteric zoonosis. Most strains of C. jejuni produce a toxin (cytolethal distending toxin) that hinders the cells from dividing and produces diffuse bloody edematous exudative enteritis. The common routes of transmission are fecal-oral, person-to-person and the eating of raw or undercooked chickens or meat. This study recognizes the incidence of zoonotic C. jejuni in under cooked chickens and meat meals along with persons in contact. We examined 640 grilled chickens and 733 fast meat meals, plus 93 of symptomatic consumers and handlers were collected from five Egyptian governorates (Fayuom, Cairo, Qaluobia, Bin-suef and Assuit) from different restaurants through culture-based methods for detection of Campylobacter motility. Also, molecular tools were used for genetic amplification by PCR using specific primers of hipO gene. Contamination with C. jejuni was recorded in 21.5% in chickens (16.6% in grill tissues and 26.2% in raw visceral organs) and 16% in fast meat meals (18.2% Offal, 15.2% Sausages, 20.4% Hamburger, 13.2% Kofta and 14.5% Shawarma), plus 19.4% in Egyptian personnel's (25.8% in handlers and 19.4% in symptomatic consumers). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed identical fingerprints of Campylobacter parvum at 344 bp, signifying the high possibilities of zoonotic hazards. Dissimilar incidence of chickens, meat and humans were verified with reference to different governorates, but Assuit recorded higher percentages sequence to hot weather. The collected documents in this study can offer a base for the progress of public health requisites for advances in food safety measures. Key words: Campylobacter jejuni, chickens, fast meat meals, consumers, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Egypt.

Occupational Health of Agriculturists of Satara District

The present study shows the occupational health status of the agriculturists in Jawali taluka of Satara district. The main objective of the study was to assess the health status of agriculturists using traditional and advanced methods and equipment in their day-today activity. The prevalence of zoonotic diseases, toxic hazards and physical hazards were assessed in the present study. The body mass index of agriculturists was also studied using anthropometric measurements. The present study was conducted among three villages of Jawali taluka, namely, Dund Mura, Dund and Malchundi. The total sample size was 120 agriculturists belonging to all three villages. The data collection included anthropometry, interviewers administer questionnaire and interviews. The study states that agriculturists belonging to these villages carry out most of the agricultural activities manually. Hence, prevalence of physical pain was more among the agriculturists of all three villages. Agriculturists do suffer from biological and chemical hazards. The prevalence of the diseases varies as per villages in small extent as these three villages are settled in different geographical sites.

Molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis assemblage E from goat kids in Bangladesh

ObjectiveTo molecularly characterize Giardia in goat kids to elucidate the possible zoonotic hazards in Bangladesh and find out the role of Giardia protozoan parasite as a source of human infection. MethodsFecal samples of 100 goat kids were genotyped by nested PCR amplification of β-giardin gene fragment followed by sequencing and analysis. ResultsThe total prevalence of Giardia in goat kids was 3% (3/100) and the infection is more widespread in younger (P = 0.36), Black Bengal breed (P = 0.81) and female goat kids (P = 0.58). Further analysis of β-giardin gene locus has shown that the gene clustered in assemblage E rather than assemblages A and B. ConclusionsThe present study suggests the low zoonotic transmission frequency from the goat kids and and giardiasis has least epidemiological significance to humans. Further study on this field is prerequisite in terms of broad geographical areas, age groups, sex and evaluation of zoonotic significance along with genetic diversity in other host species as well.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium xiaoi in goat kids in Bangladesh by nested PCR amplification of 18S rRNA gene

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in goat kids in selected areas of Bangladesh and to elucidate the potential zoonotic hazards. Methods In the present study, we have used Ziehl-Neelsen staining and nested PCR approach to identify and characterize the Cryptosporidium sp. from diarrhoeic feces of goat kids. A total of 100 diarrhoeic feces samples were collected from Chittagong region in Southern Bangladesh. For nested PCR analysis, specific primers for amplification of 581 base pair fragments of 18S rRNA gene were used. Results A total of 15% and 3% samples were found positive in microscopic study and in nested PCR analysis respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data showed similarity with that of Cryptosporidium xiaoi recorded from sheep and goat. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium xiaoi responsible for diarrhoea in goat kids in Bangladesh. Further study can highlight their zoonotic significance along with genetic diversity in other host species inside the country.