Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic pathogen transmitted primarily through water. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in wild water buffalo and domestic buffalo in relation to the river water in the river basins of SaptaKoshi. This cross sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to October 2013. A total of 200 dung samples (100 wild water buffalo and 100 domestic buffalo living near the river basins of Sapta Koshi) were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium by Ziehl-Neelsen Staining technique after Modified Sheather concentration method with centrifugation. A comparative study has been conducted between pre monsoon study and post monsoon study. Overall 6% were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts, wild water buffalo having higher chances of being infected than domestic buffalo (P < 0.05). The prevalence was higher in post monsoon than pre monsoon (P<0.05). Cryptosporidium has been identified in wild water buffalo and domestic buffalo residing in the periphery of SaptaKoshi river basin establishing river as an epidemiological factor for transmission. Cryptosporidiosis is reported for the first time in wild water buffalo in Nepal. Thus, the study suggests further research for the conservation of endangered wild water buffalo.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Classification
1.1.2 Pathogenesis
1.1.3 Epidemiology
1.1.4 Transmission pattern
1.2 Justification of the study
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.3.1 General objective
1.3.2 Specific objectives
1.4 Limitations of the study
2. Literature review
3. Materials and methods
3.1 Study area
3.2 Methods of sampling
3.3 Sample Size
3.4 Sample collection
3.5 Sample Processing/Methodology
3.5.1 Materials
3.5.2 Preparation of smear
3.5.3 Staining of smear slide by modified Ziehl Neelsen stain method
3.5.4 Data analysis
4. Results
4.1 Overall prevalence
4.2 Season wise prevalence
4.2.1 Pre-monsoon
4.2.2 Post-monsoon
4.3 Species wise prevalence
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion and Recommendation
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Recommendation
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The study aims to determine and compare the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in wild water buffaloes and domestic buffaloes residing in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, while assessing the influence of seasonal variations on infection rates to support conservation and management efforts.
- Comparative prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wild vs. domestic buffalo populations.
- Impact of seasonal change (pre-monsoon vs. post-monsoon) on pathogen transmission.
- Epidemiological assessment of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve environment.
- Identification of potential zoonotic risks and transmission patterns within the study area.
- Development of recommendations for managing wildlife-livestock disease transmission.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background
Cryptosporidium species are coccidian, oocysts forming apicomplexan protozoa. They complete their life cycle both in humans and animals, through zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission resulting in disease state called as Cryptosporidiosis. They are frequent agents of gastrointestinal infection in humans, domestic animals, and other vertebrates. Three species of Cryptosporidium have been associated with infection in cattle. Two small-type oocysts, C. parvum and C. bovis (Fayer et al., 2005), infect the small intestine. However, the larger type, Cryptosporidium andersoni that infects the abomasum has been implicated as a cause of reduced milk production in dairy cattle (Lindsay et al., 2000).
Cryptosporidium parvum is the most frequently detected pathogen in calves less than 3 weeks age (Moore and Zeman, 1991; Fuente et al., 1999), where it considered being one of the main common causes of diarrhea at this age (Koudela and Bokova 1997).
However, Cryptosporidiosis should not only be considered from the perspective of animal health and production; its zoonotic character and the possibility that animals may act as a source of infection to humans, via foodstuff and water, should also be considered. Although the infection leads to few deaths, serious economic losses can occur due to costs involved in the treatment (Graaf et al., 1999). Single infection with C. parvum is usually present in diarrheic calves; however, mixed infection with other pathogens exaggerates the problem (Vanopdenbosch et al., 1979).
Cryptosporidiosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) received great interest in different localities of the world (Galiero et al., 1994; Dubey et al., 1992). The prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis was also mentioned in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) among wildlife animals in Tanzania (Mtambo et al., 1997). However, the risk factors concerned with Cryptosporidiosis in buffalo calves have not been described.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces Cryptosporidium as a globally significant protozoan parasite affecting both humans and animals, establishing the research background, classification, and study justification in the context of Nepalese buffalo populations.
2. Literature review: This section compiles existing scientific data regarding the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in various animal species, specifically focusing on diagnostic methods and regional studies in India and Nepal.
3. Materials and methods: This chapter details the study site at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, the random sampling techniques employed, and the laboratory procedures including the modified Ziehl Neelsen staining method.
4. Results: This chapter presents the statistical findings of the study, indicating an overall 6% prevalence of Cryptosporidium and highlighting significant differences in infection rates between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
5. Discussion: This section interprets the study findings, comparing them with international research, and emphasizes the role of environmental and seasonal factors in the transmission of the parasite within the study area.
6. Conclusion and Recommendation: The final chapter concludes that there is an epidemiological link between wild and domestic buffalo in the region and provides management recommendations, such as the implementation of physical barriers to mitigate disease transmission.
Keywords
Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Wild water buffalo, Domestic buffalo, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, Zoonotic transmission, Epidemiology, Pre-monsoon, Post-monsoon, Protozoa, Ziehl Neelsen staining, Pathogenesis, Oocysts, Cattle health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on investigating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in wild and domestic buffalo populations located in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal.
What are the central themes of the work?
The study covers the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium, transmission patterns, seasonal variations in infection, and the risks associated with the interaction between wild and domestic animals.
What is the main objective of the study?
The main objective is to conduct a comparative prevalence study and to bridge the knowledge gap regarding Cryptosporidiosis in wild water buffaloes within the Nepalese context.
Which scientific methods were used for diagnosis?
The study employed the Modified Sheather concentration technique followed by the Ziehl Neelsen staining method for microscopic identification of oocysts.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body provides an extensive literature review, detailed laboratory methodologies, presentation of seasonal and species-wise statistical results, and a critical discussion of the environmental factors influencing infection.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, epidemiology, zoonotic transmission, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and buffalo health.
How does the season influence the infection rate in the study?
The results demonstrate a significantly higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium during the post-monsoon season compared to the pre-monsoon season, likely due to humid conditions favoring the parasite's life cycle.
Are there observed differences between wild and domestic buffaloes?
Yes, the study observed a slightly higher prevalence in wild buffaloes compared to domestic buffaloes, although this difference was found to be statistically insignificant.
What recommendations does the author make for disease control?
The author recommends further research in national parks, the appointment of specialized wildlife and veterinary staff, and the use of physical barriers like solar fencing to minimize contact between wild and domestic animals.
Why is this study considered a "first" for Nepal?
This is the first reported study documenting Cryptosporidium infection in both wild and domestic buffaloes within the specific environment of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal.
- Quote paper
- Pramesh Chalise (Author), 2013, Comparative Study of Cryptosporidium Infestation in Wild Water Buffaloes (Bubalus arnee) and Domestic Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/271150
