title: Cryptosporidiosis in Iranian Farm Workers and Their Household Members: A Hypothesis about Possible Zoonotic Transmission.
abstract: Objectives. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium and the risk factors of zoonotic transmission in Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran dairy farms were examined. Methods. One fecal sample was collected from all calves less than 6 months old in eight dairy farms around Najafabad (Isfahan province, Central Iran) as well as individuals working in these farms and their household members. A two-step nested PCR protocol was used to amplify the 18S rRNA gene (830 bp). Results. Cryptosporidium was identified in the stool of 36 (prevalence 8.5%) of 96 farm workers and 326 household members. Furthermore, 31 (14.2%) of 218 calf samples were positive. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 15 (72%) of the positive farm workers and 10 (65%) of the positive household members. Of the positive calves, 20 (64.5%) were infected with C. parvum, indicating possible zoonotic transmission in these farms. Contact with calves (P < 0.0001) was the most significant risk factor of C. parvum infection. A considerable negative association was observed between C. parvum infection and cleaning of shoes/boots after daily work (P = 0.004), hand washing (P = 0.013), and use of piped water (P < 0.006). In the multivariate analysis with logistic regression, only contact with calves was significant. Conclusion. Zoonotic transmission of C. parvum due to contact with calves is predominant among farm workers and their household members of this region and appropriate health measures must be applied to control the infection and decrease of zoonotic transmission of this parasite.
authors.affiliation: Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Mollasadra Street, Vanak Square, Tehran 14359151371, Iran.
authors.forename: Morteza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Izadi
authors.affiliation: Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Mollasadra Street, Vanak Square, Tehran 14359151371, Iran.
authors.forename: Nematollah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jonaidi-Jafari
authors.affiliation: Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14359151371, Iran.
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saburi
authors.affiliation: Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eyni
authors.affiliation: Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Mollasadra Street, Vanak Square, Tehran 14359151371, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad-Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Rezaiemanesh
authors.affiliation: Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14359151371, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ranjbar