Epidemiologic Risk Assessment of Cryptosporidium spp. in Watersheds

<p>
Determine the prevalence of six animal and human species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium on dairy farms on New York City (NYC) Watershed using a multiplex PCR. <br><br>
Identify factors that led to the predominance of certain genotypes of Cryptosporidium in this population. <br><br>
Describe the mechanism by which each of these genotypes is transmitted from the source to the stream edge. <br><br>
Ascertain the present occurrence of the identified Cryptosporidium genotypes in the NYC Watershed and validate our risk model for each isolate. </p>
<p>
These four aims represent an integrated multidisciplinary approach towards the long-term goal. We will carry out a retrospective cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of six species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium among isolates from cattle, wildlife, and the environment. Data related to the species and genotypes identified in Aim 1 will be analyzed to determine the factors that were associated with the predominance of each. A combination of deterministic and stochastic models will be used to shed light on the mechanism by which these species and genotypes are transported from the source to the stream edge. We will carry out a cross-sectional study to validate our findings with regard to the genotypes and the prediction of the risk models. Knowledge gained from theses studies will prove valuable for the design of strategies to minimize the risk to animals and the environment. </p>
<p>
Cryptosporidium parvum is a coccidian protozoa that has zoonotic impact, i.e. affecting both animals and humans. In addition to its negative impact on the efficiency of animal production, it has emerged as one of the most significant waterborne pathogens causing enterocolitis in humans- both in drinking water and recreational water. Our long-term objective is to understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in animals and its impact on the environment in hope of developing a risk analysis model.</p>
<P>
The risk model will aid in designing cost-effective and sustainable intervention strategies that will help to reduce the occurrence of the infection in these animals and hence minimize the potential risk to environmental contamination. </p>