Epidemiological overview of Cryptosporidium infection in Capra hircus from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Objectives: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that commonly infects livestock, including Capra hircus, causing diarrhea, dehydration, and sometimes mortality. These infections lead to substantial economic losses in the farming industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors, such as region, season, age, and sex, of Cryptosporidium infection in C. hircus in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples were collected from C. hircus from the Kohat, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Fecal smears were stained using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, and statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was employed to assess the association between Cryptosporidium infection prevalence and various factors. Results: The overall Cryptosporidium infection prevalence was 20.55% (74/360). District-wise analysis revealed the highest prevalence in Kohat (23.33%), followed by Bannu (20%) and Lakki Marwat (18.33%). Monthly examination identified August as the peak prevalence month (36.67%), displaying non-significant monthly variations (p = 0.075). Seasonal disparity indicated a significantly higher prevalence in the summer (30%) compared to other seasons (p = 0.008). Age-wise prevalence demonstrated susceptibility in kids aged ≤ 15 days (≤ 33.93%), with significant overall age-based differences (p = 0.001). Female kids exhibited a slightly higher prevalence at 22.22% compared to males (19.19%), with no significant gender-based difference (p = 0.479). Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of geographic, seasonal, and demographic factors on Cryptosporidium prevalence in goat populations. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted preventive measures. Recommended strategies include farmer education programs, seasonal deworming schedules, early screening for infection, and strict hygiene and water sanitation practices to reduce transmission risks effectively.