ARS | Publication request: Occurrence of Cryptosporidium andersoni in Brazilian cattle

Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: April 28, 2011
Publication Date: October 1, 2011
Citation: Fiuza, V., Almeida, A., Frazao-Teixeira, Santin, M., Fayer, R., Oliveira, F. 2011. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium andersoni in Brazilian cattle. Journal of Parasitology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/GE-2726.1.

Interpretive Summary: Four species of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium are known to infect cattle. They appear generally age dependent with C. parvum typically found in newborn and preweaned calves, C. ryanae and C. bovis in postweaned calves, and C. andersoni predominantly in yearlings and adults. Although microscopic studies have been conducted on cryptosporidiosis in cattle in Brazil, species could not be identified definitively. The present study utilized molecular methods to identify species. Feces were collected from 68 cattle, 1 to 12 mo of age, on 12 farms in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Four samples were identified as Cryptosporidium andersoni, a species that can affect milk production and weight gain and has been found on rare occasions to infect humans.

Technical Abstract: Feces were collected from 68 cattle, 1 to 12 mo of age, on 12 farms in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. All samples were subjected to molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) of the 18S rRNA. Four positive samples (4.54%) were sequenced and identified as Cryptosporidium andersoni. This species represents a risk for Brazilian cattle because infection can affect cattle productivity. Moreover, C. andersoni is considered as a zoonotic species.