Cryptosporidium species and cattle: Implication for public health and water - Short Communication

Abstract

This paper presents a brief summary of the ecology of Cryptosporidium species in Calves and humans and the existing scientific evidence that addresses the claim that calves put humans at significant risk for water–borne infection of Cryptosporidium species. Cryptosporidium species is a tiny protozoon that can cause gastrointestinal illness in a variety of mammals, including humans, Cattle, Sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. The infection in Calves and humans is primarily transmitted by fecal-oral route. The evidence supporting the claim that Cattle are a significant source of C. parvum for surface water and human infection is incomplete and contradictory in some cases. It would be premature at this time to claim that Cattle production is the leading source of C. parvum in surface waters. It is necessary therefore to identify in addition to Cattle, the primary quantitative source(s) of this parasite in the environment, be it companion animals, human associated sewage effluent, livestock, or humans.

Key words: Cryptosporidium, gastrointestinal illness, contamination, oocysts, shedding, cattle, humans