Diagnosis Of Cryptosporidium Parvum in Human and Calves in Tikrit City and Its Surroundings

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium  parvum is a coccidian parasite capable of infecting several mammals, including humans. This parasite significantly contributes to newborn diarrhea and morbidity in calves, resulting in considerable economic losses in the livestock industry. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of C.parvum in both humans and calves using three diagnostic methods: flotation, cold and hot  Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. A total of 200 stool samples from humans and 200 fecal samples from calves were collected. The sample collection was carried out between September 26, 2024, and June 2, 2025m by using flotation, cold and hot  Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. The results revealed that the number of oocysts detected in calves was comparable to that found in humans, with prevalence rates of 3.5% and 6% respectively, using the flotation method. In humans and calves, diagnosis using Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, both hot and cold methods, demonstrated slightly varying results. The cold MZN technique showed a higher detection rate (8.5% and 5%) compared to the hot method (8% and 3%) respectively, indicating a potential sensitivity difference between the two techniques.  Regarding demographic distribution, C. parvum infection in both human and calves was recorded in both males and females at similar rates, with males showing a slightly higher infection rate (5.5% and 3%)respectively, compared to females (3.5% and 2%) respectively. Age-based analysis indicated that children aged 1–6 years had the highest infection rate (4.5%), whereas the lowest was observed in the 4–6 year age group (0.5%). In calves, the infection was detected across all age groups with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05).