Prevalence and Associated Factors for Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves and Environment in Asembo Rarieda, Siaya County-Kenya

Abstract

Cryptosporidium species can infect a wide range of animals including birds, reptiles, fish, cattle and man. These zoonotic enteric coccidian parasites are among the leading causes of diarrhea in calves (less than six months old) and children (less than five years old). These parasites contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in both cattle and young children in resource-poor countries. About 20% of diarrhea in under-fives worldwide can be attributed to cryptosporidiosis. The disease is routinely diagnosed using microscopy by recognition of acid-fast oocysts in stool. Infective oocysts can survive for long periods in the environment because they are resistant to common household disinfectants and there is no specific treatment against cryptosporidiosis in man and animals. In Kenya, there is very little information on cryptosporidiosis since few studies have been conducted on this organism. In Rarieda Sub County, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection both in the environmental slurry and calves is not known yet there is a high prevalence of HIV and Cryptosporidiosis is one of the main opportunistic infections. A study conducted among children in the same area reported high prevalence of Cryptosporidium hence the need to find out the level of prevalence in animals and environment. The aim of this investigation was to determine the level of oocyst contamination in the environment, the prevalence in calves aged six months and below and also to find out the factors associated with infection in calves. This was a cross-sectional study wherein 350 calves aged six months and below were randomly selected using simple random sampling technique and 187 samples were collected randomly from heaped manure in these households. Diagnosis was done using the modified Ziehl Nelseen staining technique. Data on potential associated factors was collected by use of a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The study detected a prevalence of 8.3% (95% CI: 5.7-11.8) in the calves and 7.5% (95% CI: 4.2-12.2) in the environmental samples collected. Among the calves, a higher prevalence rate was reported during the rainy season than the dry season at 12.5% and 6.09% respectively (OR=2.198, 95% C.I 1.011- 4.801, p= 0.043). Odds of infection were also higher in diarrheic calves compared to those with normal stool (AOR=6.1, 95% C.I 2.2-16.9, p<0.05), calves aged ≤2 months old compared to older calves (AOR=12.7, 95% C.I: 4.5- 35.8) and calves raised in poor sanitation compared to calves in good hygienic conditions (AOR=9.9, 95% C.I: 3.1-30.7) . Of all the people interviewed, 70% were not aware of any zoonotic disease transmissible to them through contact with animal feces/manure. Of the 350 households, 83.71% have their water sources not restricted from animal access and 68.00% have children less than five years of age. In terms of frequency of contact with animals and children, 50.21% of the children had frequent close contact with the cattle. For housing of calves, 32% are housed in the kitchen at night, 29.43% have calf pens, and 23.14% sleep in cow sheds while 15.43% sleep in the open. The overall prevalence and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. infection was associated with presence of diarrhea in calves. Calves sleeping in the kitchens, accessing water used by humans and improper handling of manure pose higher risk for human infection. In resource-poor settings, environmental sampling can be used as a proxy indicator to assess prevalence of Cryptosporidium Spp. in calves and prevention interventions should be targeted at younger calves since they are at higher risk of infection. Public education on importance of maintaining high hygiene standards when handling manure remain the most effective preventive measure.