Prevalence and age-related variation of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in goats in Terengganu

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis, resulting from infection of obligate intracellular protozoan parasite known as Cryptosporidium spp. is a major causative of diarrhoeal diseases in small ruminants. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in relation to age groups and to access the first distribution and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. using molecular tools in Malaysian goats from four commercial farms in Terengganu. A total of 454 faecal samples from three age groups (kid, yearling and adult) were collected from selected farms located in Besut, Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Setiu, Malaysia. The samples were subjected to qualitative examination using combination of modified formalin-ether concentration technique (M-FECT) and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining. Cryptosporidium spp. positive samples were withheld for molecular characterization using nested PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Of the representative samples, overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the present study was 48.7% (221/454). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among age groups, with the goat kids having the highest infection rate (54.6%, 77/141) followed by adult goats (50.2%, 101/201) and yearlings (38.4%, 43/112). The 18S rRNA-based PCR successfully identified the zoonotic species of C. parvum among all age groups. The prevalence study indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. infections are highly distributed among goats in four farms in Terengganu. The genotyping study signified that goats should be considered as one of the most important reservoirs for C. parvum in the studied farms. It is suggested that there is the possibility of zoonotic transmissions of cryptosporidiosis among the goats and animal handlers. In all, the current molecular epidemiological status of cryptosporidiosis in these farms can pose a great economic impact and constraint to the goat industry in Terengganu in achieving better and sustainable productions. Therefore, the need of further molecular subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes together with well-coordinated and extensive sanitary monitoring by animal handlers and field veterinarians are greatly recommended to minimize the occurrence of infections.