PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. INFECTION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH DIARRHEA IN BUFFALO CALVES IN KHUZESTAN, A SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE OF IRAN

Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous zoonotic protozoan parasite which is associated with diarrhea in humans and animals. Despite the importance of buffalo farming in Iran, little is known in this country about the abundance and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in the animal species. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in river buffalo calves of Khuzestan province, in the southwest of Iran. Rectal fecal specimens from 90 calves in different age groups were screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Among all animals sampled, 41 calves were positive (45.5%). Rates and intensity of the infection were significantly higher in calves less than 2 months of age (66.6%) compared to other age groups. There was also no significant difference between the prevalence rate of infection in males and females. Cryptosporidium infection was associated with the occurrence of diarrhea in these calves. Considering the pervasive occurrence and negative effects of the infection on the health condition and the growth performance of buffalo calves, infections should receive increased attention by both farmers and veterinarians.