Integrated epidemiological and molecular analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolates in dairy calves from Terceira Island, Azores.

ABSTRACT: Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are major enteric pathogens in neonatal calves, contributing to gastrointestinal disease and raising concerns due to their zoonotic potential. Despite their global distribution, little is known about their occurrence and genetic diversity in insular regions such as the Azores archipelago (Portugal). This study investigated the prevalence, distribution, genetic diversity, and farm-level risk factors associated with these parasites in dairy calves from Terceira Island. Fecal samples (n = 142) from 28 farms were examined by microscopy, direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA), and PCR targeting multiple loci (SSU rRNA, gp60, LSU rRNA for Cryptosporidium spp.; gdh, bg, tpi for G. duodenalis). Sequencing enabled molecular identification of species, genot

SUBMITTER: Louro M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12680760 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature