Global Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Cattle (2005–2024): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Patterns

Introduction: Cryptosporidiosis is a significant zoonotic parasitic disease in cattle with considerable implications for livestock productivity and public health. Despite numerous regional studies, a comprehensive global biostatistical meta analysis of prevalence patterns across age groups, cattle types, and diagnostic methods over a two-decade period remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle from 2005 to 2024 and to identify key epidemiological determinants.

Methods: Peer-reviewed observational studies reporting Cryptosporidium prevalence in cattle, published between 2005 and 2024, were included. Studies were eligible if they clearly reported sample size and number of positive cases. Data were extracted on sample size, positive cases, prevalence, age group, diagnostic method, cattle type, country, and publication year. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and simple linear regression were performed to assess prevalence patterns across subgroups.

Results: A total of 232 studies encompassing 1,21,669 cattle across 61 countries were included, with an overall pooled prevalence of 21.88% (Mean: 26.74%, SD: ±22.67%). Prevalence differed significantly across age groups (χ²=3746.63, p<0.001), with pre-weaned animals recording the highest prevalence (33.21%), followed by calves (23.94%) and adults (11.91%). One-way ANOVA confirmed significant variation across age groups (F=20.16, p<0.001). Dairy cattle exhibited significantly higher prevalence than beef cattle (22.23% vs 14.38%) by both Chi-square (χ²=209.50, p<0.001) and t-test (t=2.43, p=0.016). Diagnostic method significantly influenced detection rates (χ²=1040.91, p<0.001), with ELISA yielding the highest prevalence (36.85%) and PCR the lowest (18.50%). Linear regression revealed no significant temporal trend over the study period (r²=0.003, p=0.279).

Conclusions: Pre-weaned and dairy cattle represent the highest-risk categories globally. The persistent prevalence over 20 years despite advances in veterinary medicine underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations. Standardisation of diagnostic protocols is essential for accurate and comparable global reporting.