Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of animals as well as humans. The studies on Cryptosporidium infections of animals in Turkey are mostly rely on microscopic observation. Few data are available regarding the distribution of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes infection. The aim of this study is to analyse the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium oocysts shed from young ruminant livestock. Methods: A total of 415 diarrheic fecal specimens from 333 calves, 67 lambs, and 15 goat kids were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopy. Microscopic positive specimens were then analyzed for Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes detection by use of nested PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the highly polymorphic 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene followed by sequence analyses. Results: The results of this study revealed that 25.6% (106 of 415) of the specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. infection by microscopic examination and molecular analysis. We identified 27.4% (91/333), 19.4% (13/67), and 13.4% (2/15) of positivity in calves, lambs and goat kids, respectively. Genotyping of the SSU rRNA indicated that almost all positive specimens were of C. parvum , except for one calf which was of C. bovis. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene revealed the most common zoonotic subtypes (IIa and IId) of C. parvum. We detected 11 subtypes (IIaA11G2R1,

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Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of animals as well as humans. The studies on Cryptosporidium infections of animals in Turkey are mostly rely on microscopic observation. Few data are available regarding the distribution of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes infection. The aim of this study is to analyse the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium oocysts shed from young ruminant livestock. Methods: A total of 415 diarrheic fecal specimens from 333 calves, 67 lambs, and 15 goat kids were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopy. Microscopic positive specimens were then analyzed for Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes detection by use of nested PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the highly polymorphic 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene followed by sequence analyses. Results: The results of this study revealed that 25.6% (106 of 415) of the specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. infection by microscopic examination and molecular analysis. We identified 27.4% (91/333), 19.4% (13/67), and 13.4% (2/15) of positivity in calves, lambs and goat kids, respectively. Genotyping of the SSU rRNA indicated that almost all positive specimens were of C . parvum , except for one calf which was of C. bovis . Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene revealed the most common zoonotic subtypes (IIa and IId) of C . parvum. We detected 11 subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA11G3R1, IIaA12G3R1, IIaA13G2R1, IIaA13G4R1, IIaA14G1R1, IIaA14G3R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIdA16G1, IIdA18G1, IIdA22G1); three of them (IIaA12G3R1, IIaA11G3R1 and IIaA13G4R1) was novel subtypes found in calves and lambs. Additionally, three subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA14G3R1, and IIdA16G1) were detected in calves, lambs, and goat kid for the first time in Turkey. Conclusions: The findings illustrate the high occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in Turkey and suggest that calves, lambs, and goat kids are likely a major reservoir of C. parvum and a potential source of zoonotic transmission, which may have public health implications. Keywords: Calves, C. bovis, C. parvum , Cryptosporidium , Diarrhea, Goat kids, Lambs, Subtypes, Turkey.