Unravelling the prevalence and impact of Cryptosporidium parvum on the gut microbiome, metabolome, and health status of neonatal calves

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), colonises and infects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of a diverse range of vertebrate hosts, resulting in the development of cryptosporidiosis, a clinical condition characterised by profuse watery diarrhoea. Additional symptoms in infected hosts include dehydration, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. This disease has a global distribution, affecting millions of individuals each year and disproportionately impacting children in developing countries, where it stands as a prominent cause of mortality. Furthermore, cryptosporidiosis is notably prevalent among young livestock, particularly neonatal calves, exhibiting symptoms similar to those seen in human infants. This prevalence leads to significant economic losses in the dairy and beef industry. Moreover, infected animals can excrete and disseminate millions of infectious parasites daily into the environment, perpetuating the cycle of infection and posing a continued threat to human health. Addressing the global challenge of cryptosporidiosis necessitates an exploration of the diversity of Cryptosporidium species (spp.), their zoonotic potential, and the dynamics of transmission within dairy farms across various countries. Additionally, it is essential to recognise the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in maintaining gut health, bolstering defences against harmful pathogens, facilitating energy production, and preserving the integrity of the gut barrier. Disruptions in the normal gut microbiota have been linked to various diseases, but the precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms through which C. parvum disrupts these intricate systems remain poorly understood. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the interaction between the parasite and the gut microorganisms and metabolites of the host holds the potential to reveal novel therapeutic strategies and identify potential biomarkers for detecting the presence of C. parvum. This research could provide invaluable insights into mitigating the impact of C. parvum on ...