Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in stray cats in Al-Qadisiyah governorate, Iraq
2023
Nujood A. Alali | Mansoor J. Alkhaled
<em>Cryptosporidiosis</em> is an opportunistic zoonotic disease considered a global public health concern. Cats are a potential host for transmitting zoonotic diseases to humans as <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. infection. The present study aimed to determine the <em>Cryptosporidium </em>spp in stray cats using molecular methods in Al-Qadisiyah governorate, Iraq, from September 2021 to February 2022. A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from different geographical areas. All the samples were investigated using Nested-PCR and sequencing methods to identify and characterize <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in stray cats. The results of the molecular examination showed that 35% of the fecal samples were infected with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. Two species have been identified, <em>C. parvum</em> and <em>C. canis</em>. In conclusion, the results showed that cats are a reservoir host for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp for human infection. For the prevention and control of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. Cat infection should get more attention from health officials, especially when the prevalence rate is high.
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