Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Cattle in China: a Review

Overview

Journal Parasite

Specialty Parasitology

Date 2017 Jan 19

PMID 28098070

Citations 31

Authors

Chao Gong

Xue-Feng Cao

Lei Deng

Wei Li

Xiang-Ming Huang

Jing-Chao Lan

Qi-Cheng Xiao

Zhi-Jun Zhong

Fan Feng

Yue Zhang

Wen-Bo Wang

Ping Guo

Kong-Ju Wu

Guang-Neng Peng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The present review discusses the findings of cryptosporidiosis research conducted in cattle in China and highlights the currently available information on Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and distribution in China, which is critical to understanding the economic and public health importance of cryptosporidiosis transmission in cattle. To date, 10 Cryptosporidium species have been detected in cattle in China, with an overall infection rate of 11.9%. The highest rate of infection (19.5%) was observed in preweaned calves, followed by that in juveniles (10.69%), postweaned juveniles (9.0%), and adult cattle (4.94%). The dominant species were C. parvum in preweaned calves and C. andersoni in postweaned, juvenile, and adult cattle. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. hominis) were found in cattle, indicating the possibility of transmission between humans and cattle. Different cattle breeds had significant differences in the prevalence rate and species of Cryptosporidium. This review demonstrates an age-associated, breed-associated, and geographic-related occurrence of Cryptosporidium and provides references for further understanding of the epidemiological characteristics, and for preventing and controlling the disease.

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