Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum Infection in Lahore (Pakistan) and its Association with Diarrhea in Dairy Calves

Abstract

The current study was contemplated to find out the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in Lahore, Pakistan and its association with diarrhea in dairy calves. For this purpose, 500 faecal samples (n=250 cow calves, n=250 buffalo calves) from different dairy farms and home-bred dairy calves were collected and analyzed by using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Overall, 25.6% calves were shedding C. parvum with prevalence 27.2% and 24% in cow and buffalo calves, respectively. The pattern of oocyst shedding was negatively correlated with increase in age, highest in the 1-30 days age group and lowest in the age group ranging from 9 months to 1 year and above. It was observed that both shedding and intensity of shedding were significantly higher (P<0.05) in diarrheic than in non-diarrheic calves. The findings of this study indicate that C. parvum is commonly found among 1-30 days calves and it has strong association with diarrhea in dairy calves in Lahore.