Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection and its relation to other enteric pathogens (Escherichia coli K 99 and rotavirus) in cattle in Ankara, Turkey

Authors: Zisan EMRE, B. Metin ALABAY, Hatice FİDANCI, Ali DÜZGÜN, Harun ÇERÇİ

Abstract: Faecal samples of 172 diarrhoeic and 130 non-diarrhoeic cattle were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The prevalence of infection in diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic cattle was 63.3% and 69.2%, respectively. The infection was prevalent in cattle over three years old, in both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic animals. In both groups, oocyst sheeding level of (+) was the most common. Cryptosporidium-positive faecal specimens were examined for the presence of Escherichia coli K 99 and rotavirus. E. coli K 99 was isolated from the faeces of 35 (32.1%) diarrhoeic and 23 (25.5%) non-diarrhoeic animals. Rotavirus was not detected in any of the faecal samples.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium, prevalence, cattle, E. coli K 99 and rotavirus

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