Prevalence and Risk factors for Cryptosporidiosis among Livestock and Livestock keepers in northern Tanzania

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Cryptosporidium species , affecting both animals and humans, with a significant impact on young animals, children, and immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis among livestock and livestock keepers in northern Tanzania. This was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in northern Tanzania from September 2024 to February 2025 to screen livestock keepers and their livestock for cryptosporidiosis using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Data on risk factors were collected through structured questionnaires and animal checklists. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in livestock and livestock keepers was estimated using descriptive statistics, while the association between variables was analyzed using logistic regression. Multivariate logistic analysis was employed to assess risk factors for disease. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among livestock keepers was 56.5% (212/425). A higher proportion of males tested positive, at 58% (91), compared with females, at 55.5% (121). The highest prevalence occurred in the 60–64 age group, with a prevalence of 9/10 (90%). Cryptosporidiosis was statistically associated with education (p = 0.024), occupation (p = 0.033), HIV status(p = 0.0001), diarrhea(p = 0.0001), and hand hygiene (0.0001). Among livestock, 64% (272/425) were positive for cryptosporidiosis, with greater prevalence in females (66.3%). Cryptosporidiosis was significantly influenced by gender(p = 0.037), management practice(p = 0.048), species (p = 0.05), disposal of wastes (p = 0.0001), cleanliness of hind legs (p = 0.0001), and age (p = 0.0001). These findings indicate that cryptosporidiosis is prevalent among livestock and livestock keepers, highlighting the need for targeted community education to reduce exposure and control the infection.