Domesticated Animal Reservoirs of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Agricultural Farms in Laguna and Quezon Province, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Cryptosporidium and Giardia are recognized as significant etiological agents of diarrheal outbreaks in humans as these parasites may be transmitted through the ingestion of water and food contaminated with feces of human or animal origin. However, surveillance studies on the role of animal reservoirs in the transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia are deemed insufficient and the complete dimension of the problem contributing to contamination in an agricultural setting is unknown. This study aimed to assess the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in domesticated animals from selected farms in the agricultural provinces of Laguna and Quezon in Southern Luzon, Philippines. Using immunofluorescence assay, an overall 85.7% prevalence of protozoan infection was recorded among the animals (N = 161). Of these, 77.0% and 73.9% were positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively. Highest prevalence (95.83%) of Cryptosporidium was documented in swine and the highest prevalence (89.47%) of Giardia was observed in ruminants. Analyses revealed significant differences in the prevalence of the protozoan parasites among animals with different containment status, water source, age group, and sex. On the other hand, farm workers’ knowledge on parasite transmission was negatively correlated (p = 0.001) to parasite prevalence. With the scarcity of data about Cryptosporidium and Giardia in farm-raised animals in the Philippines, the information obtained from this study will be vital for protozoan source tracking and further control interventions against Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections.