Prevalence of cryptosporidium spp. in domestic companion animals of elderly population in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Prevalência de cryptosporidium spp. em animais domésticos de companhia da população idosa em Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Objective: This study aims to highlight the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in domestic companion animals. Method: Eligible for study were all elderly (over 60 years of age) of both sexes who have dogs and / or cats at home, living in the city of Teresópolis and who attended a vaccination post in the municipality during the period of national campaigns vaccination against influenza in 2007 and 2008. Results: It was identified the presence of one or more oocysts in fecal material (positive for Cryptosporidium spp.) in 29.0% (87) of these animals and 28.7% had about 2 or more oocysts per field. The prevalence by history of diarrhea among the 300 animals examined was 27%, reaching 29.5% in dogs and 24.7% in cats showed no statistically significant difference between species. Conclusion: This fact indicates gaps to be more detailed, since there are few studies that explore the cryptosporidiosis relationship in the human population with companion animals. The results show the importance of conducting periodic parasitological examination in dogs with or without diarrhea for the specific treatment and the implementation of prophylaxis and control methods.