Investigation of the Presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Sheep in the Surrounding Areas of İzmir Province
Project no. 29688 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2023
Summary
<p>Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic parasite that is widespread throughout the world. The pathogen causes a variety of symptoms in humans and animals, primarily gastrointestinal. C. parvum is a zoonotic and highly pathogenic species that infects many animals and humans. In sheep, infections are caused by C. hominis, C. andersoni, C. ubiquitum, C.xiaoi, C. fayeri, and C.suis, in addition to C. parvum. However, species other than C. parvum generally do not cause clinical signs.</p><p>Cryptosporidium spp. is transmitted to sheep and other animals through the oral ingestion of water and food contaminated with sporulated oocysts present in faeces. The morbidity of the disease is quite high, with prevalence in sheep reaching up to 99%.</p><p>C. parvum is one of the most important causes of diarrhoea in newborn lambs. The disease causes acute diarrhoea 5-20 days after birth. In addition to the deaths resulting from acute diarrhoea, it causes significant economic losses due to weight loss, reduced feed efficiency and decreased productivity.</p><p>In this study, faecal samples will be collected from diarrhoeic/healthy lambs and sheep in and around Izmir province, and the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. will be investigated using microscopic and molecular methods. Species identification will be performed on Cryptosporidium-positive samples using nested PCR, RFLP, and sequencing methods. In addition, subtyping will be performed on C. parvum positive samples.</p><p>As a result of the study, the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., a significant economic loss factor in sheep in Izmir province and its surroundings, will be revealed and will contribute to the protection of public health by determining the zoonotic risk.</p>