Prevalence and potential risk factors for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in horses from Egypt

Cryptosporidium is an intestinal protozoan that cause diarrhea in livestock all over the world and have zoonotic importance. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses in Egypt and evaluate the associated risk factors. A total of 420 fecal samples were collected from three governorates (Giza, Kafr ElSheikh and Qalyubia) and examined microscopically using Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 29% and Kafr ElSheikh governorate had the highest rate in comparison to other areas. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in examined horses had significant association with sex, age, type of management, absence of bedding and presence of dogs. The higher prevalence rate was observed in females (32.2%), age group less than two years (43.2%), mixed (grazing and stable) horses (36.1%), animals had history of diarrhea (33%), absence of bedding (35.1%) and contact with dogs (35.7%). These findings give baseline data for further research. It is necessary to establish control strategy for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in order to lower the risk of infection in animals and human.