Impact of Livestock Shed Sanitation on Zoonotic Parasite Exposure in Stunted Children from Farming Communities

Wiwien Sugih  Utami; Yunita  Armiyanti; Bagus  Hermansyah

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v21i1.21633

Wiwien Sugih Utami Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia
Yunita Armiyanti Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia
Bagus Hermansyah Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jember University, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v21i1.21633

Keywords: Livestock shed; Sanitation; Stunting; Cryptosporidium spp.; Entamoeba spp.; Zoonosis

Abstract

Background: Poor livestock shed sanitation may facilitate transmission of intestinal protozoa and contribute to child undernutrition, particularly stunting. However, evidence on zoonotic risks in smallholder farming communities remains limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 stunted children (<5 years) and 79 cattle in Jember Regency, Indonesia. Anthropometric status was assessed using the WHO criteria. Shed sanitation was evaluated through structured observation (location, orientation, construction, waste handling, cleanliness). Stool samples from children and cattle were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using modified Ziehl Neelsen staining and for Entamoeba spp. by direct microscopy. Data were analyzed with Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for household and socioeconomic factors.

Results: Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 13.5% of children and 32.9% of cattle. Entamoeba spp. was found in 11.4% of children. Shed orientation without sunlight exposure was associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection (OR = 14.3; 95% CI: 1.39–149.2; P = 0.021). Shed location within 10 m of the home was associated with Entamoeba spp. infection (adjusted OR = 17.8; 95% CI: 1.13–279.6; P = 0.041). Other sanitation variables showed non-significant but plausible associations.

Conclusion: Poor shed sanitation, particularly proximity to homes, and lack of sunlight exposure, was associated with intestinal protozoa among stunted children. While causality cannot be inferred due to diagnostic and design limitations, the findings highlight the importance of livestock management in child health. Further studies with molecular diagnostics and larger representative samples are recommended.