Prevalence and associated risk factors of cryptosporidiosis among cattle in the region of eastern Algeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and assess the potential risk factors for Cryptosporidium spp infection among the calves in and around Annaba town, eastern Algeria in both traditional breeding farms and smallholders, and in cross and local calves breed. Three hundred and forty fecal samples were collected from the calves younger than four months, and screened for Cryptosporidium spp oocysts by microscopy. The overall prevalence rate was 24.11%. Associations between each independent variable including age, type of rearing room, hygienic condition of the calves and cryptosporidiosis infection were statistically significant (p<0.05) in both univariate analysis and logistic regression. The cryptosporidiosis prevalence was significantly higher in diarrheic feces calves (30.20 %) comparing to the calves without diarrhea (16.21 %). Coprological evidence of Cryptosporidium spp. was revealed in the calves with associated risk factors such as diarrhea and hygienic conditions. A further molecular investigation, monitoring, and reporting of outbreaks in the region are necessary to devise control strategies and limit transmission to humans. Keywords: Algeria, calves, Cryptosporidium spp, prevalence, risk factors