Criptosporidiose em ruminantes e sua importância em saúde pública

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is an important disease in cattle breeding, calves up to 30 days of age being the most susceptible category. The etiological agents are protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium, which complete their cycle in respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal epithelial cells of birds, reptiles and mammals including man. The route of infection is fecal-oral. The infection occurs after ingestion of food and water contaminated with sporulated oocysts, which contain sporozoites inside. Production animals mainly calves are the main sources of environmental contamination and therefore an important risk factor for other animals and man. The clinical manifestation of the disease is due to the lesions in the gastrointestinal tract that occur through the rupture of enterocytes with persistent and watery diarrhea. Diarrhea is the main cause of death in calves up to 30 days old, being one of the main agents Criptosporidium sp. Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution, with children between the ages of 1 and 5 years, adults being transplanted and immunocompromised individuals, high risk groups, where this enteroparasite can cause severe enteritis and may lead to death. However, immunocompetent adults may present with diarrheal episodes. Diarrhea is the main cause of death in calves up to 30 days old, being one of the main agents Criptosporidium sp. Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution, being children from 1 to 5 years of age, transplanted adults and immunocompromised individuals, high risk groups, in which this enteroparasite can cause serious enteritis and may lead to death. However, immunocompetent adults may present with diarrheal episodes. Risk factors include contact with sick animals or carriers, together with lack of adequate hygiene habits and basic sanitation. Prophylaxis consists of vaccination of pregnant cows, the use of some drugs that help prevent diarrhea, as well as reduce the amount of oocysts removed in the faeces, correct administration of colostrum and, in cases of sick animals, supportive therapy for the reestablishment of the hydroeletrilic balance and basic acid. Other factors such as parasite resistance in the environment and disinfectants, lack of knowledge by health professionals about epidemiology and diagnostic methods, and ineffective treatment make it a major public health problem in the world.