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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #122354
Title: CRYPTOSPORIDIUM, GIARDIA, AND MICROSPORIDIA IN BEEF CATTLE IN MARYLAND

Author
item Trout, James
item Fayer, Ronald
item LI, XUNDE - ARS VISITING SCIENTIST
item XIAO, L. - CDC
item Higgins, James
item LAL, A. - CDC

Submitted to: American Society of Parasitology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2001
Publication Date: 6/30/2001
Citation: Trout, J.M., Fayer, R., Li, X., Xiao, L., Higgins, J.A., Lal, A.A. 2001. Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Microsporidia in Beef Cattle in Maryland. [Meeting Abstract]. American Society of Parasitology.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Feces from 5-8-month-old, pure-bred Angus beef calves on a Maryland farm were collected in 1998 and 2000 and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Calves were also examined for microsporidia the second year. Ten gm of feces from each of 120-130 calves were cleaned of fecal debris by sieving followed by density gradient centrifugation using cesium chloride. Aqueous suspensions were divided, a portion was mixed with Merifluor reagents (containing antibody to Cryptosporidium and Giardia), placed onto a glass well slide and examined immediately by fluorescent microscopy. A second portion was dried onto a glass well slide, stained with Calcofluor White and examined for microsporidia by fluorescent microscopy. Specimens found positive for Cryptosporidium by microscopy underwent genotypic analysis of the 18s rRNA gene. During the first year, 29% and 37% of calves were found positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia respectively. During the second year, 31% and 54% were positive, respectively, and 21% were presumptively positive for microsporidia. Genetic analysis indicated that Cryptosporidium from calves in year two consisted of 2 genotypes, C. parvum bovine genotype and another type not previously reported but quite similar to an isolate obtained from white tail deer. PCR testing to confirm the presence and genotype of microsporidia is underway. The present findings indicate that a large beef calves can serve as sources of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, possibly contributing and acquiring organisms to and from deer that share the same grazing areas.