Distribution of Cryptosporidium species, genotypes and C. parvum subtypes in cattle in European countries

The present review reports the prevalence studies carried out in bovine cryptosporidiosis in European countries in the last decade, including the molecular background when available. In foreground, the distribution of Cryptosporidium species, genotypes and C. parvum subtype families (alleles) in cattle are described in the twenty countries where molecular studies have been conducted. Surveys carried out in bovines have shown that eight species (C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. felis, C. hominis, C. meleagridis and C. suis) and three genotypes (Cryptosporidium deer-like genotype, C. suis-like and Cryptosporidium pig genotype) were responsible for cryptosporidial infections. Mainly the first four enumerated Cryptosporidium species were found with a varied prevalence. The DNA sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (GP60) gene in C. parvum has revealed three subtype families (IIa, IId and IIl) of the eleven alleles (IIa-IIk) known to be present in cattle. The epidemiological survey results suggest that cattle are a potential source and an important reservoir of C. parvum infection for both humans and animals in Europe.