Cryptosporidium parvum and other enteric pathogens in scouring neonatal dairy calves from the Al Ain region, United Arab Emirates

Khaja Mohteshamuddin, Layaly Hamdan, Abdulla B. AlKaabi, Robert Barigye

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Faecal specimens from 36 scouring neonatal calves from two dairy farms located in the Al Ain region of the UAE were screened with pathogen-specific antigen ELISA for Cryptosporidium parvum, Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus, and coronavirus. Additionally, faecal smears were stained with modified-acid-fast for Cryptosporidium oocysts, and the VITEK 2 system plus Gram's stain used to identify bacteria isolated from the faecal samples. Farm management practices were also evaluated during a farm visit. Of the 36 calves, 29, 13, 5, and 6 were positive for C. parvum, E. coli K99, bovine coronavirus, and rotavirus antigens respectively, while 27 were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. In various combinations, mixed infections were detected in 20/36 calves. This is the first report of C. parvum, E. coli K99, Salmonella spp., rotavirus, and coronavirus in ≤14-days-old scouring neonatal dairy calves from the UAE. Molecular characterization of these pathogens and nationwide epidemiological calf scour studies are recommended.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100435
JournalVeterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Volume21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2020

Keywords

  • Calf scours
  • Cattle
  • Cryptosporidium parvum
  • United Arab Emirates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • General Veterinary

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