Journal of Veterinary Medical Research (Dec 2005)
Epidemiological aspects of cryptosporidiosis in Beni-Suef Governorate
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in Beni-Suef Governorate. For this purpose, 305 fecal samples from animals (75 calves, 74 dairy cattle, 86 lambs and 70 sheep) and 177 human stool samples were collected from inhabitants and out patients of the university hospital in Beni-Suef who suffering from gastroenteritis mainly diarrhea. The samples were examined using Modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. An over all of animal cryptosporidiosis was 6.8%. Cryptosporidium oocysts could be detected in calves, dairy cattle, lambs and adult sheep at a rate of 12%, 2.75%, 6.97% and 0% respectively. Concerning humans Cryptosporidium oocysts could be detected at a rate of 14.56% and 2.7% in diarrheic individuals and apparently healthy ones. Infection rate in females (14.28%) was higher than in males (6%) and the children (1-10 years old) were highly susceptible to cryptosporidiosis than adults. Eighty-nine selected diarrheic feacal samples (79 from humans and 10 from calves) were selected and examined by cryptosporidium antigen capture ELISA beside their examination by Modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. No significant differences were found between the two techniques in terms of epidemiological study.
