Prevalence of Cryptosporidium genotypes in pre and post-weaned pigs in Australia

Exp Parasitol. 2008 Jul;119(3):418-21. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.04.009. Epub 2008 Apr 14.

Abstract

A total of 289 pig faecal samples were collected from pre-weaned and post-weaned piglets and sows from 1 indoor and 3 outdoor piggeries located in the south-west region of Western Australia and screened at the 18S rRNA locus for the presence of Cryptosporidium. An overall prevalence of 22.1% (64/289) was identified. Cryptosporidium was more prevalent in post-weaned animals (p<0.05); 32.7% (51/156) versus 10.6% (13/123) for pre-weaned animals. Sequence analysis identified Cryptosporidium suis in all pre-weaned isolates genotyped (7/13). In post-weaned pigs that were genotyped (n=38), the non-zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, pig genotype II was identified in 32 samples and C. suis in 6 samples. The zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum was not detected, suggesting that domestic pigs do not pose a significant public health risk. Pig genotype II was significantly (p<0.05) associated with 'normal' stools, indicating an asymptomatic nature in the porcine host.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animals
  • Animals, Suckling
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / veterinary*
  • Cryptosporidium / classification
  • Cryptosporidium / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification*
  • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • DNA, Ribosomal / chemistry
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Housing, Animal
  • Prevalence
  • RNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Swine Diseases / parasitology
  • Weaning
  • Western Australia / epidemiology

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Protozoan
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S