CRYPTOSPORIDIAL INFECTION IN MAN AND FARM ANIMALS IN ISMAILIA GOVERNORATE

In a survey for cryptosporidial infection among farm animals in Ismailia Governorate, Cryptosporidum sp. oocysts were found in 94 (11.2%) out of 836 fecal samples of different farm animal species. The cryptosporidial infection was more prevalent in young farm animals (Age = 1 month); 13.3% of buffalo-calves, 24% of lambs, 21.3% of kids and 25% of calf-camels. It was significantly higher in young farm animals had diarrhea than non-diarrheic ones. In adult farm animals (dams), low cryptosporidial infection rate was found in ewes (2.4%) and goats (3.3%). Cryptosponidial sp. oocysts were not observed in fecal samples taken from buffalo-cows, and clinically normal horses and she-camels. On the other hand, Cryptosporidium sp. Oocysts were found in 3 (5.4%) out of 56 persons who had a history of contact with farm animals. The percentage of cryptopsoridium positive cases was significantly higher among persons who were in contact with calves than those in close contact with other farm animals. This provides epidemiological support for the confirmation that cryptosporidiosis a zoonosis.