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Prevalence and molecular characterization of bovine Cryptosporidium isolates in India

S Paul1, D Chandra, D D Ray

  • 1Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, U.P., India.

Veterinary Parasitology
|March 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium parvum infection affects 30.2% of Indian neonatal calves. This bovine cryptosporidiosis is more common in young calves, during monsoon season, and in northern regions.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bovine Health

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium spp. are significant enteric pathogens in neonatal calves, causing substantial economic losses.
  • Bovine cryptosporidiosis impacts calf health and productivity globally.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium in Indian cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and identify the species of Cryptosporidium in neonatal bovine calves in India.
  • To investigate epidemiological factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in calves.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of 457 fecal samples from neonatal bovine calves across three Indian regions.
  • Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene.
  • Species identification using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Main Results:

  • A prevalence of 30.2% for Cryptosporidium spp. infection was detected.
  • PCR-RFLP analysis confirmed all positive cases as Cryptosporidium parvum.
  • Higher prevalence observed in calves under 15 days old (45.1%), during monsoon months (37.3%), and in calves with acute diarrhea (32.3%).
  • Infection rates varied geographically, with higher prevalence in northern India (35.4%).

Conclusions:

  • Cryptosporidium parvum is the predominant species infecting neonatal bovine calves in the studied regions of India.
  • Age, season, and clinical signs are significant factors influencing C. parvum prevalence in calves.
  • Findings highlight the need for targeted control strategies for bovine cryptosporidiosis in India.

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