Prevalence of Cryptosporidium isolated from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Qeshm Island, Southern Iran

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) on Qeshm Island, southern Iran. Sixty-five faecal samples were obtained from camels (age range 2–12 years) housed in ten privately owned herds from three equal-length areas (west, east and central) on Qeshm Island, southern Iran. All samples were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopic examination of smears stained by modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. The parasite was detected in 11 camels (16.9%). The genus identity of the oocysts was confirmed by morphology and was similar to Cryptosporidium parvum. The mean (±SD) size of 225 oocysts was 5.1 (0.42) × 4.38 (0.27) µm (range 4.2–5.3 × 3.8–4.5 µm) with a shape index (length/width) of 1.17 (0.03; range 1.11–1.18). Data analyses indicated significant difference in prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in western and central areas compared with the eastern area. Numerous reports indicate that water is a major vehicle for transmission of cryptosporidiosis. Geographical studies in western and eastern areas show that areas of vegetation, lagoons and seasonal rivers in these two regions are more frequent than the eastern part. Possible source of contamination of these waters by Cryptosporidium may be related to sewage from human and faeces of domesticated and wild animals. Therefore, it is possible that water may be a predisposing factor for transmission of cryptosporidiosis in these areas.