Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium in Calves and Children from Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can affect both humans and animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves and children in Jimma, southwestern Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to July 2020 to assess the prevalence and risk factors of the infection among calves younger than 1 year and children younger than 5 years. Materials and methods: Fecal samples were collected from 384 calves and 147 children and examined by the Modified Ziehl-Neelson staining method. Results: The overall prevalence was 8.1% in calves and 7.5% in children. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of Cryptosporidiosis was significantly higher in younger calves < 3 months followed by river water users and calves kept in dirty pens. Moreover, the analysis of children data indicated that the risk of Cryptosporidiosis was significantly higher in children >1 year, followed by children settled around the rural area, children whose families had a poor habit of handwashing after attending cattle, children whose their family had a high level of contact with calves, and children who were drinking river water. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the high prevalence of cryptosporidiosis may be due to poor hygienic status, unclean sources of water, attending farms, and contact with calves or their feces. Generally, poor personal and dairy farm hygiene and drinking river water source were the factors contributing to the disease.