Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia

Veterinary World

关键词: Ascaris spp.;    Cryptosporidium spp.;    Ethiopia;    extensive pig management;    gastrointestinal parasites;    Mekelle;    Tigray Region;   

DOI  :  10.5455/vetworld.2013.433-439

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia during June - September, 2012. Material and methods: Seven hundred fourteen pigs of different ages and sexes were selected for fecal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of pigs with strict sanitation. A total of 25 soil samples were also collected from backyards of pig pens using clean zipped plastic bags. Both fecal and soil samples were examined for eggs and cysts of GIT parasites by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl – Neelsen technique was used to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium species from 276 randomly selected fecal samples. Results: Out of 714 pigs examined through flotation and sedimentation, 27.3% were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Ascaris suum (25.9%) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Fasciola hepatica (1.8%), Eimeria spp. (1.7%) and Trichuris suis (0.3%). There was no significant association between sex and prevalence of parasites ÷2[df 1] = 1.921; P=0.166). Contrary to this, age of pigs had effect on prevalence of parasites ÷2[df 2] = 8.376; P=0.015). About 7% of pigs examined were positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Moreover, 72% of the soil samples found to be contaminated with eggs of Ascaris spp. in the study area. Apart from causing morbidity in the infected pigs, the potential of Ascaris of pigs to infect man and vice versa together with poor environmental hygiene, may complicate the epidemiology and control of Ascariasis in the study areas. Extensively managed pigs may also act as potential reservoirs for zoonoses of Cryptosporidium species. Conclusion: It is concluded that further investigations are crucial on molecular characterization of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium isolates of extensively managed pigs to determine the parasites upto species level so as to suggest proper control strategies. [Vet World 2013; 6(7.000): 433-439]

【 授权许可】

Unknown