Prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Chiquinquirá (Colombia)

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease characterized by episodes of diarrhea in cattle worldwide, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium spp. of the phylum Apicomplexa and Family Cryptosporiidae. It is responsible for important economic losses, and, in addition to this, it generates an impact on human health, as it can parasitize humans. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle in Chiquinquirá (Colombia). A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out, with a sample size of 1,044 head of cattle, including males and females of different breeds and age groups, using the WinEpi statistical software. Fecal samples were taken directly from the rectum and processed with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) technique for the identification of parasite oocysts using a 100X objective. The data were processed with the Epi Info® statistical software. An overall prevalence of 7.3 % (73/1000) was found; females, 2 to 4-yr-old bovines, and crossbred cattle were the most prevalent. No significant statistical association was found between breed, age, and sex of the individuals evaluated, and protozoan positivity (P≥0.05). The purchase of animals and larger productions were considered risk factors for parasitosis. Protozoan prevention and control plans should be designed and implemented based on sanitary practices to prevent the dissemination of oocysts found in fecal matter.