Prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium species among domestic animals in rural communities in Northern South Africa

To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for the transmission of Cryptosporidium species among animals in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of 314 stool samples from 64 households were collected from animals in three villages situated in the Vhembe and Mopani Districts, South Africa and examined for Cryptosporidium, using the modified Ziehl Neelsen technique and confirmed by the real time PCR method. A questionnaire was developed to capture demographic data as well as other household information from the owners of the animals. Positive samples were further sequenced for the identification of the species present in the samples. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium among the animals was 31.2%. Of all the animal types tested goats (47.7%) appeared to be the most infected followed by cattle (26.8%) and chicken (7.4%). From the 64 households surveyed 43 (67.2%) had at least one or more infected animals. Adult animals were more infected (32%) compared to young animals (29%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.793). The gender of the animal as well as the consistency of the stool did not affect the occurrence of Cryptosporidium; however, the level of education as well as the gender of the owners significantly affected the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among the animals they kept. C. parvum was the most commonly isolated organism while C. andersoni was identified in our region for the first time as well and occurred in both goats and cattle. This study showed a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals, which could constitute a health threat to both animals and humans in the region. The gender of the head of the Household and level of education were very significant factors in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among the animals. Community education will be useful in helping reduce the impact of these infections.