HUMAN AND CAPRINE CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS AMONG SMALLHOLD FARMS IN AURORA PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Philipp J Vet Anim Sci 2012, 38 (1): 53-62

This cross sectional study determined the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among backyard animal raisers and goats in Baler, San Luis and Maria Aurora municipalities of Aurora province in the Philippines and determined risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection among animal raisers and their goats. Systematic random sampling was used in selecting the animal raisers (n=678) and goats (n=168) from each barangay by municipality. The animal raisers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire containing all probable risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis transmission. Animal raisers age 37-47 years had the highest cases of PCR positive reactors for C. parvum DNA. The general prevalence of human cryptosporidiosis was 21% regardless of age and sex of animal raisers.The prevalence of caprine cryptosporidiosis was 18% (30/168). All 30 goat fecal samples were positive reactors for the C. parvum DNA. Out of these 30 goats, 40% (12/30) were raised by infected goat raisers positive for C. parvum. After controlling all confounders, the potential risks significantly associated with human cryptosporidiosis were exposure to infected goats, herd size, garbage disposal and presence of scavengers. Interactions between length of experience in goat raising and hand washing and length of experience and herd size were also significantly associated. The only potential risk associated with caprine cryptosporidiosis was long standing diarrhea in the farm.