Observations on the epidemiology of bovine cryptosporidiosis in India

The significance of Cryptosporidium as a causative agent of diarrhea has been assessed in bovine for a period of 2 years. A total of 940 faecal samples (470 samples in each year) both from diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic bovine (0-12 months age) were examined during three different seasons (rainy season, summer and winter). Overall Cryptosporidium was detected in 17.46% and 18.04% cases in first and second year, respectively. Out of 50.21% diarrhoeic and 49.79% non-diarrhoeic cases Cryptosporidium was detected in 26.79% and 8.13% in first year and 27.49% and 8.59% in second year. Year did not have any significant effect on the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis in bovine during this study period. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis, both in diarrhoeic (61.64%) and non-diarrhoeic (47.22%) cases was highest in 0-1-month age group (P<0.01). Such a high percentage of cryptosporidiosis in clinically asymptomatic animals indicated that the particular age group of animals might be reservoir for the parasite. During this study period highest prevalence was recorded in rainy season (27.55%) followed by summer (16.99%) and winter (8.71%) (P<0.01). A total of 166 positive cases were genotyped. Molecular characterization of bovine cryptosporidiosis has been carried out by PCR-RFLP analysis of SSU rRNA gene and results indicated that Cryptosporidium parvum mainly responsible for diarrhea in bovine in India.