Epidemiological studies on some zoonotic enteric protozoa in different araes of nile delta

Abstract EN

Background / Aim : this study aimed to investigate some epidemiological aspects related to the occurrence of some zoonotic enteric protozoa in different areas of Nile Delta.

Materials and methods : A total of 807 stool and fecal samples (251 stool samples from diarrheic children under six years old, 254, and 250 fecal samples from diarrheic and apparently healthy pre-weaned calves and lambs, respectively in addition to 52 fecal samples from dogs) were collected from different localities in Behera and Menoufia Governorates for detection of Cryptosporidium spp.

Giardia spp.

and Endameba histolytic Results : cryptosporidium spp.

has been detected by using modified Ziel-Nelssen Stain (MZN) in {30 (11.95 %) ; 26 (10.24 %) ; 31 (12.4 %)and 2 (3.84 %)} of the examined stool and fecal samples from children, calves, lambs and dogs, respectively in both Governorates.

There were significant relationships between infection of the examined calves to their age and healthy status.

The same relation was noticed in concern with the examined children.

Results of MZN were confirmed by using ELISA which was found to be sensitive (overall sensitivity 96.6 %).

By using direct smear and formal ether method, Giardia intestinal has been detected in {27(10.76 %) ; 51(20.08 %) ; 63(252 %) and 5 (9.62%)} of stool and fecal samples from the examined children, calves, lambs and dogs, respectively from both Governorates.

Conclusions : in spite of the higher sensitivity of PCR than MZN for detection of C.

partum in fecal specimens especially when oocytes are scanty, the high cost of reagents and lack of expensive instruments which are not available in all clinical laboratories render MZN staining technique acceptable and reliable.

It can be concluded that cattle, sheep and dogs are important reservoirs for cryptosporidium to man.

Calves, lambs and dogs seem to be important sources for Giardia intestinal is to ma Endameba histolytic has been detected in {19(7.56 %) ; 0 (0) and 2 (3.84 %) of stool and fecal samples of the examined children, calves, lambs and dogs, respectively in both governorates.

Dogs are regarded as an important source of Endameba histolytic to man.