One health approach to tackle cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the Pampa Region of Argentina

TOUZ, MC; RIVERO, MR; LOMBARDELLI, J; SALAS, M; TIRANTI, K; CURLETTO, L; LAIOLO, JERÓNIMO; FELIZIANI, C; RÓPOLO, AS

Congreso; XXXVIII Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society of Protozoology; 2023

Brazilian Society of Protozoology

Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are emerging enteritis diseases with zoonotic risks globally. Giardia and Cryptosporidium primarily impact young individuals, leading to malnutrition and significant economic losses in livestock. In this work, we aimed to assess Cryptosporidium and Giardia presence and to identify circulating subgenotypes and risk-associated factors in Córdoba, Argentina. Our study evaluated the copro-parasitological status of 150 asymptomatic children under 15. We collected 374 soil samples, and 493 dog fecal samples, and processed fecal samples from 140 calves under 60 days of age from two dairy farms in the study area. We also assessed nutrition, demographics, and anthropometric data using questionnaires and census information. Dog variables included characteristics, health status, environment, anthelmintic use, veterinary management, and owners´ commitment. Data were analyzed using multi-level models, AIC comparison, and generalized linear mixed-effects models in R. Geographic information systems helped create predictive maps for parasitic exposure, malnutrition, animal infections, and combined conditions. In children, five genera of parasites were detected, with G. duodenalis being the most common pathogen. Individual and household factors influenced the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, while neighborhood-level environmental factors also played a role in co-infection. Calves predominantly showed G. duodenalis genotype E, and several subgenotypes of C. parvum were identified, including a novel subgenotype. The most frequent subgenotype in calves with diarrhea was IIaA20G1R1, followed by IIaA18G1R1. These subgenotypes were also found in humans, indicating a potential for zoonotic transmission. The study´s findings are significant for understanding the zoonotic potential of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites and their impact on public health in the Córdoba province, highlighting the importance of One Health approaches.