Prevalence of endoparasites in cattle within urban and peri-urban areas of Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya with special reference to zoonotic potential

Abstract

The growing human population and the tendency to keep livestock in urban settlements in developing countries in particular has caused concern due to the unplanned nature of such developments and the constraints they cause. A study was carried in six sites within Kisumu urban and peri-urban areas, focused on the cattle endoparasites. Feces were sampled from three different age groups for determination of the prevalence and infection levels of various helminths and protozoans, with focus on those with zoonotic potential. Associations and correlations between different variables were determined using computer software. The prevalence of various parasite types was 51% strongyles, 2% Strongyloides papillosus, 2% Toxocara vitulorum, 2% Trichuris spp. Others were Fasciola 64.2%; Paramphistomum 31.3%, Moniezia spp (16%) and Entamoeba 83%; Eimeria spp. 30%; Giardia spp. 14% and Balantidium coli 6.6%. The correlations in prevalence and intensity between age, breed, different parasite types and area of origin are discussed. Strongyles were the most common nematodes especially among the under-one-year olds. Trematodes were significantly more frequent and intense in young stock and adults compared to the calves. Majority of cattle had 2 to 3 parasite types while very few had none, single or multiple infections involving 4 parasite types. The zoonotic potential for these parasites is discussed in relation to the possible human infections.