Intestinal contents were collected from eight impala at three different localities during the winter hunting season (2005–2009), as well as from another 24 animals from a one-year trial at a game farm called Ditholo (2003–2004). Gas production, protozoa counts and several other physiological parameters were measured from both rumen and caecum or colon contents. Only higher ophryoscolecid and Isotrichidae species of protozoa were counted and identified. Ostracodinium gracile was present in all 32 impala. Eudiplodinium maggii was present in 31 animals and Eudiplodinium impalae and Epidinium (either ecaudatum or caudatum) in 30 animals. Dasytricha ruminantium was present in only 11 of the impala. Concentrations of protozoa were correlated with the season of sample collection and highly correlated with the animals living on the game farm. Gas production (mL/g of wet rumen ingesta) was weakly correlated with protozoa concentration but not with the season of collection.

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 50 fecal samples from dogs) were collected from different localities in Behera and Menoufia Governorates for detection of Cryptospridium spp., Giardia spp. and Entamoeba histolytica). 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 with Cryptospordium parvum and 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 sensitive (overall sensitivity 96.6%). In spite of the higher sensitivity of PCR than MZN for detection of C. parvum in fecal specimens especially when oocysts 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. By using direct smear and formal ether method, Giardia intestinals has been detected in {27(10.75%); 51(20.08%); 63(29.2%) and 5 (9.61%)} of stool and fecal samples from the examined children, calves, lambs and dogs, respectively from both Governorates. Calves, lambs and dogs seem to be important sources for Giardia intestinalis to man. Entamoeba histolytica has been detected in {19(7.56%); 0 (0),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 Entamoeba histolytica to man.