Molecular and Epidemiological Investigation of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> Infection in Goat Population from Bouira Province, Algeria.

ABSTRACT: Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease affecting terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates worldwide. This study investigated molecularly and microscopically the prevalence and the diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in goats across the Bouira communes, Algeria. A total of 559 fecal samples were collected from 70 farms, representing 16.6% of the regional goat population. Samples were analyzed using microscopy (modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining) and molecular methods (i.e., qPCR and nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing). Microscopy detected Cryptosporidium in 6.1% of samples, while qPCR revealed a significantly higher prevalence of 13.6% (p < 0.00001), confirming the superior sensitivity of molecular diagnostics. Spatial analysis identified sign

SUBMITTER: Bedjaoui S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12196339 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature