Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection among Domestic Animals in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran (2023)

Hassan, Imam Saleh; Karimi, Kambiz; Mousivand, Asma; Khosrow Panah, Hossein; Motazedian, Mohammad Hossein

year 19, Issue 2 (March - April 2025) Iran J Med Microbiol 2025, 19(2): 140-146 | Back to browse issues page

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Hassan I S, Karimi K, Mousivand A, Khosrow Panah H, Motazedian M H. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection among Domestic Animals in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran (2023). Iran J Med Microbiol 2025; 19 (2) :140-146
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2655-en.html

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection among Domestic Animals in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran (2023)

Imam Saleh Hassan¹

, Kambiz Karimi¹

, Asma Mousivand²

, Hossein Khosrow Panah¹

, Mohammad Hossein Motazedian³

1- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
3- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , motazedm@sums.ac.ir

Abstract: (145 Views)

Background and Aim: Cryptosporidium spp are parasitic protozoa that can cause cryptosporidiosis, leading to diarrhea, particularly in developing countries. While healthy individuals may have mild or asymptomatic infections, those with weakened immune systems can experience severe illness. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic animals, including cattle, sheep, and horses, in Shiraz County, Fars province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: The fecal samples (n=189) were collected from cattle, sheep, and horses in Shiraz County focusing on both diarrheal and non-diarrheal animals during 2023. Microscopic methods were employed to assess the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in samples. SPSS version 21 was used for the statistical analysis, applying Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association between diarrhea and Cryptosporidium infection (P<0.05).
Results and onclusion: The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in 189 fecal samples was found to be 22.7%. Cattle had the highest rate at 30.16%, while sheep and horses had lower rates of 20.63% and 17.46%, respectively. This study highlights the significant prevalence of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals in Shiraz County, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and management to mitigate zoonotic transmission risks in Animal Husbandry settings.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium spp, Domestic Animals, Microscopic Methods, Shiraz

Full-Text [PDF 592 kb] (24 Downloads)

Type of Study: Brief Original Article | Subject: Medical Parasitology
Received: 2025/04/8 | Accepted: 2025/06/1 | ePublished: 2025/06/6

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