Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species among herds in selected Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidiosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium antigen and species of the parasite in livestock and dogs in sedentary Fulani herds in the selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty faecal samples (240, 180, 240 and 90 from cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively) were collected. Faecal samples were screened with a commercial Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and those positive for Cryptosporidium, were subjected to nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR). Direct sequencing of the nPCR products were carried out to identify the species. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium antigen in faeces was 4.2% (10/240), 1.7% (3/180), 1.1% (1/90) and 0.4% (1/240) for cattle, sheep, dogs and goats respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium species antigen (p = 0.02) was observed in sheep ≤ 6 months of age than those above 6 months age. Dogs passing out loose/watery faeces had significantly higher prevalence of the infection (p=0.05) than those with firmly formed faeces. Among the species detected in this study, Cryptosporidium andersoni (42.9%) was most prevalent, followed by C. muris (21.4%) and C. parvum (21.4%), and the least was C. hominis (14.3%). Cryptosporidium parvum, C. hominis, C. andersoni and C. muris were detected in cattle, C. andersoni from sheep and goats, and C. muris from dog faeces. The presence of C. parvum and C. hominis in cattle in this study suggests that the dairy cattle in these LGAs have high potential for the transmission of Cryptosporidium to humans. Therefore, inhabitants of these LGAs should be informed and educated on the need for improved sanitary measures during milking these animals and the need for adequate pasteurization of milk before consumption.