Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in lactating calves from cattle ranches in the temperate zone of Central Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen

Objective: to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a population of lactating calves from one to 60 days of age.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: this was an under convenience cross-sectional epidemiological study in cattle ranches located in five municipalities in the temperate zone of Veracruz, Mexico. The complete sample size was 500 animals (Win Episcope^© 2.0), 100 per municipality. A stool sample was taken directly from the rectum with a latex glove and transported in refrigeration (4°C) to the laboratory for analysis. The samples were analyzed using modified the Faust centrifugation method, and the Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Statistical analyses were performed in STATA^® 14.0. at a 95% confidence interval.

Results: all municipalities presented Cryptosporidium spp. An overall prevalence of 62.6% was found, within a range of 49% to 83% according to the municipality. In regard to sex, a prevalence of 78.4% (_95%CI 69.9–85.0) of Cryptosporidium spp. was found in males. Regarding age, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. 75.6% in living tissue was found in calves 1–15 days old (_95%CI 69.8–80.7). The highest prevalence 78.7% was found in liquid feces (_95%CI 71.6–84.6), which proves that diarrhea sometimes fetid, is the main sign of Cryptosporidium spp. presence in calves.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: the study did not consider other pathogens that also can cause diarrhea in lactating calves.

Findings/ Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. is present in lactating cattle in the temperate zone of central Veracruz, Mexico. The highest prevalence was found in lactating calves 1–15 days old, in males, and in those with liquid stools.