Journal of Animal Research: v.5 n.1, p. 183-187. April. 2015

DOI Number: 10.5958/2277-940X.2015.00029.7

Comparative Efficacy of Nitazoxanide and Sulphadimidine in the Treatment of

Cryptosporidiosis in Bovine Calves

B.D. Sahu 1,2 and S.K. Maiti 1 *

1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & A.H, Anjora, Durg,Chhattisgarh ,INDIA

2 Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Livestock Development Department, Dondi, Distt. Balod, Chhattisgarh, INDIA

*Corresponding author: SK Maiti; Email: maitisushil_kumar@rediffmail.com

Received: 20 February, 2015

Accepted: 12 March, 2015

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken to assess the therapeutic efficacy of oral Nitaxoxanide and Sulphadimidine treatment against

Cryptosporidium infection in bovine calves reared under field conditions. A total of 18 diarrhoeic calves naturally infected with

Cryptosporidium infection were evaluated. Nitazoxanide was found to be very effective on the basis of disappearance of clinical

signs, restoration of altered haemato-biochemical parameters to their normal level and 78.89% reduction in Cryptosporidium

oocysts shedding. On the other contrary, sulphadimidine was found almost ineffective in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in

calves. Intravenous infusion of Ringer’s lactate and 5% Dextrose used as adjunct therapy for correction of fluid and electrolyte

losses fastened the recovery.

Keywords : bovine calves, Cryptosporidium infection, nitazoxanide, sulphadimidine

Calf diarrhoea is one of the prime concerns towards the

MATERIALS AND METHODS

neonatal calf mortality and the economic losses in dairy

A total of 18 diarrhoeic bovine calves naturally infected

industry as livestock production becomes more intensified

with Cryptosporidium were divided into 3 groups, viz. A,

(Radostits et al. , 2007). The economic losses associated

B and C, each comprising 6 calves in each group. Calves

with cryptosporidiosis are due to calf mortality and the

of group A received nitrothiazole benzidamide compound,

retarded growth of calves, the cost of drugs, veterinary

Nitazoxanide tablet (Zoxakind™500) @ 30 mg/kg b.wt. in

assistance and the increased labour involved. The indirect

two divided doses daily, orally, for 3 days whereas calves

losses are associated with reduction in milk production

of group B received antimicrobial agent Sulphadimidine

from dam. Two species of Cryptosporidium with

tablet (Sulphadimidine  5g) @ 140mg/kg b.wt. in two

significant biological differences infect cattle: C. parvum

divided doses daily, orally, for 3 days. Calves of both

and C. andersoni (Santin et al., 2004). But C. parvum is

groups received Intravenous infusion of Ringer’s lactate

ubiquitous, zoonotic and has potential for environmental

and 5% Dextrose each @ 30 ml/kg b.wt. in two divided

contamination. To date, many compounds including

doses (as supportive measure depending on degree of

coccidiostats, broad spectrum antibiotics and other

dehydration). Calves of group C received no treatment

chemicals have been evaluated against Cryptosporidium

and served as infected control. Therapeutic efficacy of

infection in man and animals but have been found to be

two drugs was evaluated on the basis of disappearance of

only partial effective. Therefore the present study aimed

clinical signs, absence, or reduction of oocysts shedding

to assess the therapeutic efficacy of oral Nitaxoxanide

and restoration of altered haemato-biochemical parameters

and Sulphadimidine treatment against Cryptosporidium

of infected calves following

infection in bovine calves under field condition.