Detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental surfaces of an Equine Perinatology Unit.

The research article is about a study that detected and quantified Cryptosporidium oocysts (a type of parasite) on surfaces within an Equine Perinatology Unit (EPU), to evaluate the risk of contamination and the effectiveness of disinfection procedures in this veterinary setting.

Research Background

• Cryptosporidium is a genus of parasites that can cause gastrointestinal illness if ingested, which can be a significant public health risk, especially in settings where humans and animals closely interact, such as veterinary teaching hospitals.
• The study took place at an Equine Perinatology Unit (EPU) – an area where newborn horses and their mothers are cared for – and looked at the contamination of Cryptosporidium oocysts on environmental surfaces.
• The contamination of surfaces in this type of environment can increase the risk of transmission of the parasites to humans and other animals.

Methodology

• Over three foaling seasons, 175 samples were collected from floors and walls using sterile gauze swabs.
• Samples were collected at three different times: the end of the foaling season (July), after cleaning procedures (September), and after cleaning and disinfection at the start of a new foaling season (December).
• All samples were subjected to nested-PCR, which is a highly sensitive method for detecting specific DNA sequences, followed by genotyping and sub-typing methods to identify the specific species and strains of the parasites present.
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was also performed to quantify the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts in each sample.

Findings

• Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 14 samples, most of which were from walls, with the highest number of oocysts found on the floor of a utility room used for setting up therapies and treatments.
• In most instances, the amount of oocyst contamination was reduced or eliminated after cleaning and disinfection procedures, indicating the efficacy of these sanitation practices.
• The genotyping and sub-typing methods identified specific subtypes of Cryptosporidium parvum and one subtype of Cryptosporidium horse genotype that were found in hospitalized foals at the EPU over the same period.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that qPCR can be used effectively to evaluate the contamination level of Cryptosporidium on environmental surfaces in a veterinary teaching hospital.
• It also demonstrated the effectiveness of washing and disinfecting procedures in reducing or eliminating these hazardous contaminants.