Cryptosporidiosis in Calves: Clinical Implications, Virulence Factors, and Future Prospectives with Special Reference to Egypt Situation

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis, an enteric disease of cattle particularly in young calves is becoming increasingly important. It is a common and significant zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite and a highly infectious disease and infection can occur by few numbers of oocysts. Signs are typically characterized by copious watery diarrhea with weight loss as well as abdominal discomfort, dehydration is very dangerous sign may cause mortalities, fatigue, cramp, vomiting. In addition, asymptomatic infection can occur according to immune state and age of animals. As an emergent pathogen, it developed many virulence factors to escape from the host immune response and resist many antiprotozoal compounds, which in turn is responsible for huge economic losses in the form of calf mortalities, decrease milk productions, meat production. In the current study, we discussed animals and humans’ clinical implications, virulence factors, host pathogen interactions, recent trends in prevention and control and recent developed drugs and treatment. Finally, this comprehensive review has presented an updated view of the status and future perspectives in the field of cryptosporidiosis, which will help in controlling it worldwide.