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Infection with Cryptosporidium spp. in humans and cattle in Manitoba
Abstract:
Between October 1, 1983 and October 31, 1984, fecal specimens from 3656 persons with enteritis and 182 calves, representing 148 herds having a neonatal diarrhea problem, were examined for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Oocysts were found in 1% of human and 25% of bovine specimens. All infected persons were immunocompetent. Children under five years of age had an infection rate of 25/100,000 compared to 1.4/100,000 in older people (p less than 0.005). Rates in northern communities were four to seven times as high as those in southern Manitoba. Human infections occurred most commonly in late summer and fall. In beef calves infection occurred in winter and spring, the calving season in Manitoba. Epidemiological association between the infection in people and in cattle could not be established.
Insights
Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 1% of humans and 25% of calves with diarrhea. Human infections were more common in young children and in northern Manitoba, but no link to cattle was found.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium spp. are significant causes of enteritis in humans and animals.
- Neonatal diarrhea in calves is a common herd problem.
- Understanding the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium is crucial for public health and animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in humans with enteritis and in calves with neonatal diarrhea.
- To investigate risk factors and seasonal patterns of Cryptosporidium infections in humans and cattle.
- To explore potential epidemiological links between human and bovine Cryptosporidium infections.
Main Methods:
- Fecal specimens were collected from 3656 humans with enteritis and 182 calves from 148 herds over a 13-month period.
- Specimens were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
- Infection rates, demographic data, geographic distribution, and seasonality were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Oocysts were detected in 1% of human and 25% of bovine fecal specimens.
- All infected humans were immunocompetent.
- Children under five had significantly higher infection rates (25/100,000) than older individuals (1.4/100,000).
- Higher infection rates were observed in northern Manitoba communities.
- Human infections peaked in late summer and fall, while bovine infections occurred in winter and spring.
- No epidemiological association between human and cattle infections was established.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is present in both human and bovine populations in Manitoba.
- Young children and residents of northern communities are at higher risk for cryptosporidiosis.
- The distinct seasonal patterns suggest different transmission dynamics for human and bovine infections.
- Further research is needed to elucidate transmission routes and control strategies.