Abstract:
This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and
Giardia duodenalis in pigs which were being raised in intensive management systems. Faecal
samples were collected from pigs of all age groups from three different piggery units. Samples
were collected directly from the rectum for piglets and weaners and from the floor within
2 min – 5 min of excretion for sows and boars. At the time of collection, faecal consistency
was noted as being normal, pasty or diarrhoeic. Samples were analysed further using the
Merifluor® Cryptosporidium/Giardia immunofluorescence assay. All piggeries had at least one
pig infected with either parasite. From a total 217 samples collected, 96 (44.2%; confidence
interval [CI] = 37.6% – 50.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., whilst 26 (12%; CI = 7.6%
– 16.3%) had G. duodenalis parasites. Of all the pigs, 6.9% (15/217) harboured both parasites.
With regard to Cryptosporidium spp. infection, statistically significant differences were observed
amongst the three units (p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed for
G. duodenalis infection (p = 0.13). Prevalence was higher in weaners as compared to other pig
classes for both parasites, with significant differences being observed for G. duodenalis infection
(p = 0.013). There was, however, no difference in infection between male and female pigs for
both parasites. Furthermore, most infections were asymptomatic. From the study results it
was clear that Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections were prevalent amongst pigs
in the piggeries evaluated and, as such, may act as a source of infection for persons who come
into contact with them.
