Prevalence of Buxtonella sulcata Infection in Bovines of Southern Haryana

Abstract

Buxtonella sulcata is considered as an opportunistic ciliate protozoan inhabiting the large intestine especially the colon of bovines. In this study, the prevalence of B. sulcata in bovines of southern Haryana is reported according to season, age and health status
of animals. Coprological examination of faecal samples from cattle and buffaloes for B. sulcata revealed a prevalence rate of 25.69% and 34.65%, respectively. It was found that the highest prevalence was among heifers (52.90% and 33.84%), followed by calves
(29.28% and 25.71%) and adults (8.69% and 13.63%) in both the species. The prevalence of this protozoan infection among diarrhoeic buffaloes and cattle were found as 38.18% and 31.57%, respectively with a statistical significance (p<0.05) when compared to nondiarrhoeic bovines.
The seasonal prevalence study revealed highest incidence of B. sulcata infection in rainy season (45.13% and 35.84%) followed
by winter season (37.96% and 28.57%) in both buffaloes and cattles of the study area. B. sulcata was considered as non pathogenic
or commensal protozoa till recently, but its increased association with diarrhoea among animals suggests the need of further studies regarding its pathogenecity capacity.