Cryptosporidiosis in Calves: Clinical Implications, Virulence Factors, and Future Prospectives with Special Reference to Egypt Situation

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis, an enteric disease of cattle particularly in young calves is becomingincreasingly important. It is a common and significant zoonotic gastrointestinal parasiteand a highly infectious disease and infection can occur by few numbers of oocysts. Signsare typically characterized by copious watery diarrhea with weight loss as well asabdominal discomfort, dehydration is very dangerous sign may cause mortalities, fatigue,cramp, vomiting. In addition, asymptomatic infection can occur according to immunestate and age of animals. As an emergent pathogen, it developed many virulence factorsto escape from the host immune response and resist many antiprotozoal compounds,which in turn is responsible for huge economic losses in the form of calf mortalities,decrease milk productions, meat production. In the current study, we discussed animalsand humans’ clinical implications, virulence factors, host pathogen interactions, recenttrends in prevention and control and recent developed drugs and treatment. Finally, thiscomprehensive review has presented an updated view of the status and futureperspectives in the field of cryptosporidiosis, which will help in controlling it worldwide.