A preliminary study on cryptosporidiosis in dromedary camels at Shalatin area, Egypt [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by Cryptosporidium species that infect the microvillus border of the gastrointestinal epithelium of a wide range of vertebrates with a sparked great public health interest in humans. There are no available reports on cryptosporidiosis in dromedary camels. This work aimed to identify the cryptosporidial oocyst and its prevalence in dromedary camels and to estimate some serum biochemical characteristics in infected camels as an index of the risk arisen from the infection on the health of dromedaries. Microscopic survey on faecal samples from 1097 dromedary camels (aged from <6 months up to >8 years) revealed that 37 (3.37%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts by using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Linear regression analysis was positive between incidence of cryptosporidial infection and age. Microscopic examination of the acidfast stained faecal smears revealed ovoid oocysts with single layer wall stained red or pink with a granular appearance. The average size (±SE) of the oocysts was 8.3±1.22 x 6.1±0.88 μm. These morphological characters fit the description of C. muris. So, these oocysts could be primarily called Cryptosporidium muris like oocysts. Serum biochemical analysis of 8 infected and 8 age-matched apparently healthy camels (3-7 years, free from other parasites) revealed significant reduction in the mean concentrations (±SE) of serum albumin (2.89±0.104 vs 3.19±0.091 g/dl, P=0.049) and a-Tocopherol (1.35±0.093 vs 1.66±0.082 μg/ml, P=0.009), whereas serum pepsinogin was doubled (866.5±46.42 vs 406.2±32.61 mD, P=0.003) in infected camels in comparison with controls. On the other hand, there were non-significant variations in the mean values of blood serum total protein, globulin, sodium, potassium and chloride of infected camels in comparison with controls. In conclusion, dromedary camels are susceptible to cryptosporidial infection with significant risk on their health. The present study should be regarded as a first step towards recognition of C. muris as a possible cause of gastritis in dromedary herds. More studies are needed for more identification ofthe parasite and to clarify its pathogenicity

Summary in Arabic.