Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in asymptomatic small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoan parasite that causes enteric infection in a wide range of hosts, including livestock and humans. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies. Fecal samples were collected from 100 sheep and 202 goats from 32 farms. The fecal samples were tested using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for qualitative detection of antigens in feces (Diagnostic Automation Inc., USA). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 19.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.4% to 24.4%] in both sheep and goats. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in sheep and goats was 14% (95% CI: 8.4% to 22.3%) and 22.3% (95% CI: 17.1% to 28.5%), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection between sheep and goats (p = .42, Fisher's exact test) in Grenada. Of the 32 farms visited, 19 (59.4%) had at least one Cryptosporidium spp. positive animal.

Retrospective study of canine heartworm disease with caval syndrome in Grenada, West Indies.

Canine heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is an important disease of dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to estimate the prevalence of canine heartworm disease and evaluate cases of caval syndrome in dogs submitted for necropsy in Grenada. Out of 1617 dogs necropsied over a period of 13 years (2001-2013), 249 were found to be infected with D. immitis; giving an overall prevalence of 15.4% (95% confidence interval, 13.6% to 17.1%). There was no significant difference between male and female dogs with respect to canine heartworm infection (p = 0.3). During this period, the annual prevalence of canine heartworm disease was 22% in 2001 before slightly declining to an average of 18% in 2002-2003 and peaking at 26.8% in 2004-2005. From 2006 onwards, annual prevalence rates have steadily been decreasing; reaching the lowest (9%) in 2013. Among the 249 positive cases, 33 (13.2%) of the dogs had caval syndrome. Caval syndrome cases presented with concurrent clinical signs and were associated with cardio-pulmonary and hepatic gross lesions at necropsy. Aberrant migration of D. immitis was also noted in 2 dogs with caval syndrome. This is the first report which presents the findings of canine heartworm disease with caval syndrome in Grenada.