Prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of Cryptosporidium spp. infection among calves in the Far-North Region of Cameroon.

Abstract

Importance: Cryptosporidiosis is a ubiquitous gastrointestinal zoonotic disease of young calves and children under 5 years of age, but it is relatively unknown in Cameroon.

Objective: This study examined the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis in calves of the Far North Region of Cameroon.

Methods: Fecal samples were collected and examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts.

Results: A total of 261/629 calves tested positive for infection, giving an overall 41.5% prevalence. The prevalence was significantly higher in calves younger than 3 months (59.68%) (p < 0.000), with a body condition score (BCS) 2 (69.56%) (p<0.000), with diarrheic stools (74.72%), during the rainy season (74.72%) (p < 0.000), and in large herds (48.16%) (p = 0.046). This disease was distributed widely in all divisions and localities of the study. The risk of infection was higher in calves aged < 3 months (p < 0.000), with diarrheic stools (p < 0.000), BCS 2 (p < 0.000), during the rainy season (p < 0.000), and in large herds (p < 0.000). The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was distributed widely in diarrhoeic calves (p < 0.000).

Conclusions and relevance: This study provides the first evidence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection of calves in the Far North region of Cameroon with the associated risk factors such as age, BCS, season, herd size, diarrheal status, feed source, barn hygiene, and water sources. Further molecular investigation in this region will be needed to implement control strategies to limit zoonotic transmission to humans.