Prevalencia de Cryptosporidium spp. en becerros doble propósito de la zona centro de Veracruz, México

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dual-purpose calves on cattle ranches in Veracruz, Mexico, by the use of the direct immunofluorescence test (DIT). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in five municipalities of Veracruz. The animals included in the study were calves between 1 and 60 days old. Stool samples were taken directly from the rectum. The modified Faust centrifugation technique was used to concentrate oocysts and DIT for their detection. In each ranch surveys were applied to know the characteristics of the animals and their management. General and specific prevalence was estimated. Variables were analyzed using the univariate Chi-square test to determine possible epidemiological associations. Results. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 69.9%, and the municipality with the highest prevalence was Tlalixcoyan (96.6%). No significant difference was found between the age, sex, breed and consistency of the feces of the calves. The ranch (R9) was the only factor associated with Cryptosporidium spp. in the calves studied. Conclusions. There is a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dual purpose calves from Veracruz, Mexico. For a better understanding of the transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential of this protozoan, it is necessary to determine the predominant species and genotypes in the region. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de Cryptosporidium spp. en becerros de doble propósito en ranchos ganaderos de Veracruz, México, mediate la prueba de inmunoflourescencia directa (IFD). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico transversal en cinco municipios de Veracruz. Los animales incluidos en el estudio fueron becerros de entre 1 y 60 días de nacidos. Se tomaron muestras de heces directamente del recto. Se utilizó la técnica de centrifugación de Faust modificada para concentrar ooquistes y la IFD para la detección de los mismos. En cada rancho se aplicaron encuestas para conocer las características de los animales y el manejo. Se estimó la prevalencia general y específica. Las variables se analizaron mediante la prueba univariada de Chi cuadrada para determinar posibles asociaciones epidemiológicas. Resultados. La prevalencia general de Cryptosporidium spp. fue de 69.9%, y el municipio con mayor prevalencia fue Tlalixcoyan (96.6%). No se encontró diferencia significativa entre la edad, sexo, raza y consistencia de las heces de los becerros. El