Evaluation of two commercial disinfectants on the viability and infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

Cryptosporidiosis is mainly a problem in neonatal ruminants. Not only do Cryptosporidium spp. spread ubiquitously in our environment, but the protozoa are highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions and disinfectants, and a control measure is urgently required. This study investigated the potential biocidal activity on Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts of two commercial disinfectants developed originally to be used in farms and food-processing industries. The products, containing formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide respectively, both had some anticryptosporidial effects. The viability and infectivity of purified C. parvum oocysts exposed to both disinfectants at different concentrations and exposure times were evaluated by inclusion or exclusion of vital dye (propidium iodide), use of an excystation technique and infection of suckling mice. Viability assays showed a decrease in oocyst viability associated with an increase in exposure time for each of the concentrations used. The intensity of infection in neonatal mice was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the control litters.