Veterinary and public health importance of cryptosporidiosis in Algeria: an update and new insights

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by several species from the Cryptosporidium genus. This disease affects all vertebrates, including humans, and is most frequently clinically expressed by diarrheal enteritis. Little data has been published on either human or animal cryptosporidiosis in Algeria. The objective of this review is to discuss all studies conducted to date in Algeria, and to place them into perspective in a global context. To date, Cryptosporidium. spp has been described in several domestic or breeding animals in Algeria: rabbit, horse, sheep, donkey, chicken, turkey, camel, as well as some wild or captive birds (ostrich, wild mallard, graylag goose). The few molecular studies available have identified 12 species (C. parvum, C. hominis, C. erinacei, C. cuniculus, C. meleagridis, C. ubiquitum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. xiaoi, C. baileyi) including 8 zoonotic Cryptosporidium species/subtypes. The single human study in Algeria reported a very low Cryptosporidium prevalence (0.4%) in humans, but this is very likely linked to disease under diagnosis. The detection of zoonotic species or subtypes in animals from Algeria highlights the potential risk for zoonotic transmission. Further molecular studies are needed to determine the circulating anthroponotic or zoonotic species and subtypes, in order to implement effective preventive strategies. Improving collaborations between veterinarians and medical professionals aligned with the "one world-one health" program is absolutely necessary to trace the history and improve prevention of cryptosporidiosis in Algeria