[Semi-aquatic animals as a source of water contamination with Cryptosporidium and Giardia].
Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. are parasitic protozoa localized in the alimentary tract of many animal species and humans. Each of these parasite species produces very resistant invasive forms (cysts and oocysts) excreted to the environment with feces of infected hosts. Water contaminated with cysts/oocysts constitutes one of the main transmission routes and is responsible for the majority of infections in humans. Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. were found in many different species of animals, including livestock, pets and free living animals. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of these protozoa in selected species of semi-aquatic mammals and to estimate their role in water contamination. In years 1996-98 the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections was high in muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) (58 and 87%, respectively). The origin of animals (farmed or free living) affected the prevalence of both parasites in European beavers (Castor fiber). The prevalence of infection increased in second period of study and was 4 and 19% for Cryptosporidium and 0 and 8% for Giardia spp. in the two studied periods, respectively. Both parasite species were also identified in water vole (Arvicola terrestris) and rat (Rattus norvegicus).
Bajer
Anna
A
Zakład Parazytologii, Instytut Zoologii, Wydział Biologii, Uniwersytet Warszawski, ul. Miecznikowal, 02-096 Warszawa. anabena@biol.uw.edu.pl
Bednarska
Małgorzata
M
Paziewska
Anna
A
Romanowski
Jerzy
J
Siński
Edward
E