Cryptosporidium in beef cattle herds - transmissable to humans?

The protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium are clinically important pathogens causing gastrointestinal disease and diarrhea in a variety of species including humans and cattle. Some species can be transmitted from cattle to man and are thus zoonotic. The parasites are recognized to cause waterborne disease.

The aim of this study is to clarify how common Cryptosporidium infection is in Swedish beef cattle herds. We will apply molecular techniques to explore which species and subtypes that occur. The results will give a good indication of the proportion of herds that are infected and which species and subtypes that is present. The results will aid our understanding of the role of grazing beef cattle as vectors and disseminators of cryptosporidium infection, and to which extent they may contribute to waterborne transmission to humans.

Financier: Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning
Co-applicant: Charlotte Silverlås, SLU och SVA Karin Troell, SVA
Collaborator: SVA