Diagnóstico de apicomplexas (Eimeria spp., Neospora caninum, Cryptosporidium spp.) en caprinos del cantón Zapotillo, mediante técnicas parasitológicas, serológicas e inmunocromatografía: análisis de factores de riesgo

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Apicomplexa protozoa in goats in Zapotillo. The prevalence and risk factors associated with the parasites under study were determined. A total of 391 and 388 fecal and blood samples were collected, respectively, from 24 farms. Ziehl-Neelsen and immunochromatography techniques were used for Cryptosporidium spp. diagnosis; hypersaturated solution flotation for Eimeria spp. and ELISA for anti-Neospora caninum antibody diagnosis. Risk factors were determined using variables obtained from a questionnaire and a multinomial logistic regression model. The prevalences of Eimeria species, Cryptosporidium and N. caninum were 89.4%, 10.2% and 12.1%, respectively. Risk factors for Eimeria spp. were age group < six months, on-farm abortions > 10%, cultivated pastures and absence of cattle; age group < six months and regular body condition for Cryptosporidium spp. were established as risk factors; vitamin supply, diarrhea 30 days post birth, regular deworming and a known grazing area were risk variables for N. caninum. This work constitutes the first report of apicomplexan parasites in Ecuador.