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Holubová N, Zikmundová V, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Rajský M, Konečný R, Rost M, Mravcová K, Sak B, Kváč M. Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in feral and captive pigeons in Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:158. [PMID: 38460006 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results show that pigeon populations in Central Europe are parasitised by different species of Cryptosporidium and genotypes of microsporidia of the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. A total of 634 and 306 faecal samples of captive and feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) from 44 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland were analysed for the presence of parasites by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA), 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of SSU rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. galli and C. ornithophilus, E. hellem genotype 1A and 2B, E. cuniculi genotype I and II and E. bieneusi genotype Peru 6, CHN-F1, D, Peru 8, Type IV, ZY37, E, CHN4, SCF2 and WR4. Captive pigeons were significantly more frequently parasitised with screened parasite than feral pigeons. Cryptosporidium meleagridis IIIa and a new subtype IIIl have been described, the oocysts of which are not infectious to immunodeficient mice, whereas chickens are susceptible. This investigation demonstrates that pigeons can be hosts to numerous species, genotypes and subtypes of the studied parasites. Consequently, they represent a potential source of infection for both livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Zikmundová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Matúš Rajský
- Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Lužianky, Slovakia
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Mravcová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. The risk of wild birds contaminating source water with zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia is probably overestimated. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169032. [PMID: 38123098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important waterborne protozoan parasites that are resistant to disinfectants commonly used for drinking water. Wild birds, especially wild migratory birds, are often implicated in the contamination of source and wastewater with zoonotic diseases, due to their abundance near water and in urban areas and their ability to spread enteric pathogens over long distances. This review summarises the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, with a focus on zoonotic species, particularly in wild and migratory birds, which is critical for understanding zoonotic risks. The analysis revealed that both avian-adapted and zoonotic Cryptosporidium species have been identified in birds but that avian-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in wild migratory birds. Few studies have examined Giardia species and assemblages in birds, but the non-zoonotic Giardia psittaci and Giardia ardeae are the most commonly reported species. The identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, particularly C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in wild migratory birds, is likely due to mechanical carriage or spillback from birds co-grazing pastures contaminated with C. parvum from livestock. Therefore, the role of wild migratory birds in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia to source water is likely overestimated. To address knowledge gaps, it is important to conduct more extensive studies on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a broader range of migratory wild birds. There is also a need to investigate the extent to which zoonotic infections with C. hominis/C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B are mechanical and/or transient, and to assess the load and viability of zoonotic oo/cysts shed in avian faeces. Understanding the contribution of birds to zoonoses is essential for effective disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Meng X, Chu W, Tang Y, Wang W, Chen Y, Li N, Feng Y, Xiao L, Guo Y. High zoonotic potential and heavy environmental burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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4
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Xu J, Liu H, Jiang Y, Jing H, Cao J, Yin J, Li T, Sun Y, Shen Y, Wang X. Genotyping and subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolates from two wild rodent species in Gansu Province, China. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12178. [PMID: 35842437 PMCID: PMC9288474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are commonly detected intestinal protozoa species in humans and animals, contributing to global gastroenteritis spread. The present study examined the prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in Himalayan marmots and Alashan ground squirrels in China's Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area (QTPA) for the first time. Four hundred ninety-eight intestinal content samples were collected from five counties of QTPA of Gansu province, China.
All samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis by PCR amplification. The resultant data were statistically analyzed by chi-square, Fisher's test and Bonferroni correction using SPSS software 25. 0. Cryptosporidium positive samples were further subtyped through analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene sequence. A total of 11 and 8 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 2.5% (10/399) and 1.5% (6/399) in Himalayan marmots, 1.0% (1/99) and 2.0% (2/99) in Alashan ground squirrels, respectively. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of C. rubeyi (n = 2), ground squirrel genotype II (n = 7), chipmunk genotype V (n = 1) and horse genotype (n = 1). The horse genotype was further subtyped as novel subtype VIbA10. G. duodenalis zoonotic assemblages A (n = 1), B (n = 6), E (n = 1) were identified in the present study. This is the first study to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in Himalayan marmots and Alashan ground squirrels, suggesting the potential zoonotic transmission of the two pathogens in QTPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hua Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Huaiqi Jing
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Teng Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yeting Sun
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, 200025, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Liao C, Wang T, Koehler AV, Hu M, Gasser RB. Cryptosporidium of birds in pet markets in Wuhan city, Hubei, China. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100025. [PMID: 35284902 PMCID: PMC8906122 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a group of protistan parasites of a range of vertebrates including mammals and birds. Stimulated by previous work that revealed “zoonotic” Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtypes (i.e. IIIbA26G1R1b and IIIbA22G1R1c) in diarrhoeic children and domestic chickens in Wuhan city and environs in Hubei Province, China, here we explored whether zoonotic C. meleagridis subtypes might also occur in pet birds in Wuhan city. From 11 bird markets in this city, we collected 322 faecal samples from 48 species of birds (representing six taxonomic orders), isolated genomic DNA and then conducted PCR-based sequencing of genetic markers in the small subunit (SSU) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of Cryptosporidium. Using SSU, Cryptosporidium was detected in 55 (17%) of the 322 samples. Cryptosporidium avium, C. baileyi, C. meleagridis, C. muris and C. proventriculi were characterised in 18%, 47%, 11%, 2% and 20% of the 55 samples, respectively, and a novel Cryptosporidium galli-like taxon in one sample. Using gp60, only one subtype (IIIeA17G2R1) of C. meleagridis was identified, which had not been detected in a previous study of diarrhoeic children in Wuhan. However, IIIe subtypes have been found in both humans and birds around the world. The relatively high prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium recorded here in pet birds raise awareness about possible reservoirs of zoonotic variants of Cryptosporidium in birds in Wuhan, and potentially, other provinces in China. A total of 322 faecal samples from 48 species of pet birds were tested for Cryptosporidium. Relatively high prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium were found. A novel Cryptosporidium galli-like genotype was recorded. A Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtype with zoonotic potential was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Ni HB, Sun YZ, Qin SY, Wang YC, Zhao Q, Sun ZY, Zhang M, Yang D, Feng ZH, Guan ZH, Qiu HY, Wang HX, Xue NY, Sun HT. Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection in Wild Rodents From Six Provinces in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:783508. [PMID: 34900760 PMCID: PMC8656357 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.783508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon (E.) bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. are the most important zoonotic enteric pathogens associated with diarrheal diseases in animals and humans. However, it is still not known whether E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. are carried by wild rodents in Shanxi, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Inner Mongolia, China. In the present study, a total of 536 feces samples were collected from Rattus (R.) norvegicus, Mus musculus, Spermophilus (S.) dauricus, and Lasiopodomys brandti in six provinces of China, and were detected by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. and ITS gene of E. bieneusi from June 2017 to November 2020. Among 536 wild rodents, 62 (11.6%) and 18 (3.4%) samples were detected as E. bieneusi- and Cryptosporidium spp.-positive, respectively. Differential prevalence rates of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. were found in different regions. E. bieneusi was more prevalent in R. norvegicus, whereas Cryptosporidium spp. was more frequently identified in S. dauricus. Sequence analysis indicated that three known Cryptosporidium species/genotypes (Cryptosporidium viatorum, Cryptosporidium felis, and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype II/III) and two uncertain Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium sp. novel1 and Cryptosporidium sp. novel2) were present in the investigated wild rodents. Meanwhile, 5 known E. bieneusi genotypes (XJP-II, EbpC, EbpA, D, and NCF7) and 11 novel E. bieneusi genotypes (ZJR1 to ZJR7, GXM1, HLJC1, HLJC2, and SDR1) were also observed. This is the first report for existence of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents in Shanxi, Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Shandong, China. The present study also demonstrated the existence of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. in S. dauricus worldwide for the first time. This study not only provided the basic data for the distribution of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium genotypes/species, but also expanded the host range of the two parasites. Moreover, the zoonotic E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified in the present study, suggesting wild rodents are a potential source of human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Zhe Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan-Chun Wang
- Veterinary Department, Muyuan Foods Co., Ltd., Nanyang, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
| | - Zheng-Yao Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ding Yang
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Feng
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Guan
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Hao-Xian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Nian-Yu Xue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - He-Ting Sun
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
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Prediger J, Ježková J, Holubová N, Sak B, Konečný R, Rost M, McEvoy J, Rajský D, Kváč M. Cryptosporidium sciurinum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in Eurasian Red Squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris). Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102050. [PMID: 34683369 PMCID: PMC8537388 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoan pathogens in mammals. The diversity and biology of Cryptosporidium in tree squirrels are not well studied. A total of 258 Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from 25 and 15 locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, respectively, were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and specific DNA at the SSU, actin, HSP70, TRAP-C1, COWP, and gp60 loci. Out of 26 positive animals, only juveniles (9/12) were microscopically positive (18,000 to 72,000 OPG), and molecular analyses revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype in all specimens. Oocysts obtained from naturally-infected squirrels measured 5.54-5.22 μm and were not infectious for laboratory mice (BALB/c and SCID), Mongolian gerbils, Guinea pigs, Southern multimammate mice, chickens, or budgerigars. None of naturally infected squirrels showed clinical signs of disease. The frequency of occurrence of the ferret genotype in squirrels did not vary statistically based on host age, gender or country of capture. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from six loci revealed that Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is genetically distinct from the currently accepted Cryptosporidium species. Morphological and biological data from this and previous studies support the establishment of Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype as a new species, Cryptosporidium sciurinum n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Prediger
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Jana Ježková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
| | - John McEvoy
- Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, 1523 Centennial Blvd, Van Es Hall, Fargo, ND 58102, USA;
| | - Dušan Rajský
- Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Kváč
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (J.P.); (J.J.); (N.H.); (R.K.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-387775419
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Gong Z, Kan ZZ, Huang JM, Fang Z, Liu XC, Gu YF, Li WC. Molecular prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium in domestic free-range poultry in Anhui Province, China. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3519-3527. [PMID: 34417865 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Free-range chickens might mediate the spread of Cryptosporidium oocysts to humans and other animals. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in domestic free-range poultry in China. Here, we characterized the prevalence and distribution of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in domestic free-range chickens, ducks, and geese in Anhui Province, China. A total of 1910 fresh fecal samples from three poultry species were examined from 18 free-range poultry farms by nested PCR and analysis of the Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium species was 2.9% (55/1910), with infection rates of 1.3% (11/829) in chickens, 7.3% (36/487) in ducks, and 1.4% (8/594) in geese. C. baileyi (0.6%), C. meleagridis (0.2%), C. galli (0.2%), and C. xiaoi-like genotype (0.2%) were identified in chickens, and only C. baileyi was identified in ducks and geese, with infection rates of 7.4% and 1.3%, respectively. C. baileyi was the most prevalent species. Sequencing of the GP60 gene revealed that the C. meleagridis isolates belonged to the IIIbA26G1R1b subtype. This is the first study to document C. galli and C. xiaoi-like genotype in domestic free-range chickens in China. These findings expand the range of avian hosts known for Cryptosporidium and highlight the need for additional studies to characterize the diversity of Cryptosporidium in avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Kan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Min Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhui Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Chao Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Fang Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chao Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, People's Republic of China.
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Chen J, Wang W, Lin Y, Sun L, Li N, Guo Y, Kvac M, Ryan U, Feng Y, Xiao L. Genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. from pet rodents indicate high zoonotic potential of pathogens from chinchillas. One Health 2021; 13:100269. [PMID: 34113708 PMCID: PMC8170418 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoan pathogens in mammals. With pet rodents being integrated into modern life, the potential roles of them in transmitting parasites to humans need assessments. In the present study, we examined the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet rodents in Guangdong, south China. A total of 697 fecal samples were collected from 11 species of rodents in seven pet shops, one pet market and one farm. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified by PCR analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene. An overall infection rate of 36.9% (257/697) was obtained, with infection rates varying from 9.3% in chinchillas, 52.3% in guinea pigs, 57.1% in squirrels, to 68.4% in cricetid animals. Nine Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were identified, including C. wrairi (in 129 guinea pigs), C. andersoni (in 34 hamsters), C. homai (in 32 guinea pigs), Cryptosporidium hamster genotype (in 30 hamsters), C. ubiquitum (in 24 chinchillas and squirrels), C. parvum (in 2 chinchillas), Cryptosporidium ferret genotype (in 2 chipmunks), C. muris (in 1 hamster and 1 guinea pig), and Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype V (in 1 chinchilla and 1 chipmunk). Sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene identified three subtype families of C. ubiquitum, including family XIId in 15 chinchillas, XIIa in 5 chinchillas, and a new subtype family (XIIi) in 1 squirrel. The identification of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum in pet rodents suggests that these animals, especially chinchillas, could serve as reservoirs of human-pathogenic Cryptosporidium spp. Hygiene should be practiced in the rear and care of these animals, and One Health measures should be developed to reduce the occurrence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium infections due to contact with pet rodents. Cryptosporidium spp. were prevalent in pet rodents in Guangdong, China. Nine Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were identified. Chinchillas were commonly infected with zoonotic C. ubiquitum. The XIId subtype family of C. ubiquitum has been imported into China together with chinchillas. One Health measures should be developed to control zoonotic cryptosporidiosi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lianbei Sun
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Martin Kvac
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
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10
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Dong H, Cheng R, Li X, Li J, Chen Y, Ban C, Zhang X, Liu F, Zhang L. Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in Captive Pet Birds in Henan Province, Central China. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 68:e12839. [PMID: 33448088 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are common enteric pathogens that are capable of infecting humans and animals. Total of 1,005 fecal samples from captive pet birds were collected from seven locations in Henan Province, China. The results demonstrated that 9.9% (99/1,005) of the captive birds were infected with one of these three pathogens. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most prevalent species among the birds (45/1,005, 4.5%) followed by G. duodenalis (33/1,005, 3.3%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (21/1,005, 2.1%). Five Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely, C. baileyi (10), C. galli (5), C. meleagridis (4), C. andersoni (1), and C. parvum (1). Two known E. bieneusi genotypes were identified: Peru 6 (44) was identified in pigeons (34) and European turtle doves (10); whereas, the genotype PtEb I (1) was only identified in a pigeon. Only G. duodenalis assemblage E (33) was identified in some pet birds. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to undertake the molecular identification of G. duodenalis in birds in China. The identification of potentially zoonotic species/genotypes of the pathogens suggests that exposure to the excreta of these birds, either directly or via food and water, may pose a threat to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiju Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Ru Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.,Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Chaoping Ban
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiangqian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
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11
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Holubová N, Tůmová L, Sak B, Hejzlarová A, Konečný R, McEvoy J, Kváč M. Description of Cryptosporidium ornithophilus n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in farmed ostriches. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:340. [PMID: 32641157 PMCID: PMC7346416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian cryptosporidiosis is a common parasitic disease that is caused by five species, which are well characterised at the molecular and biological level, and more than 18 genotypes for which we have limited information. In this study, we determined the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in farmed ostriches in the Czech Republic. Methods The occurrence and genetic identity of Cryptosporidium spp. were analysed by microscopy and PCR/sequencing of the small subunit rRNA, actin, HSP70 and gp60 genes. Cryptosporidium avian genotype II was examined from naturally and experimentally infected hosts and measured using differential interference contrast. The localisation of the life-cycle stages was studied by electron microscopy and histologically. Infectivity of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II for cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus (Kerr)), chickens (Gallus gallus f. domestica (L.)), geese (Anser anser f. domestica (L.)), SCID and BALB/c mice (Mus musculus L.) was verified. Results A total of 204 individual faecal samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using differential staining and PCR/sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of small subunit rRNA, actin, HSP70 and gp60 gene sequences showed the presence of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II (n = 7) and C. ubiquitum Fayer, Santín & Macarisin, 2010 IXa (n = 5). Only ostriches infected with Cryptosporidium avian genotype II shed oocysts that were detectable by microscopy. Oocysts were purified from a pooled sample of four birds, characterised morphometrically and used in experimental infections to determine biological characteristics. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II measure on average 6.13 × 5.15 μm, and are indistinguishable by size from C. baileyi Current, Upton & Haynes, 1986 and C. avium Holubová, Sak, Horčičková, Hlásková, Květoňová, Menchaca, McEvoy & Kváč, 2016. Cryptosporidium avian genotype II was experimentally infectious for geese, chickens and cockatiels, with a prepatent period of four, seven and eight days post-infection, respectively. The infection intensity ranged from 1000 to 16,000 oocysts per gram. None of the naturally or experimentally infected birds developed clinical signs in the present study. Conclusions The molecular and biological characteristics of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II, described here, support the establishment of a new species, Cryptosporidium ornithophilus n. sp.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Tůmová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Hejzlarová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, České Budějovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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12
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Gao K, Muijderman D, Nichols S, Heckel DG, Wang P, Zalucki MP, Groot AT. Parasite-host specificity: A cross-infection study of the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 170:107328. [PMID: 31952966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many parasites are constrained to only one or a few hosts, showing host specificity. It remains unclear why some parasites are specialists and other parasites are generalists. The parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a neogregarine protozoan thought to be restricted to monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (Nymphaliae) and D. gilippus. Recently, we found OE-like spores in other Lepidoptera, specifically in three noctuid moths: Helicoverpa armigera, H. assulta and H. punctigera, as well as another nymphalid, Parthenos sylvia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OE-like parasite infections in species other than the genus Danaus. In sequencing 558 bp of 18S rRNA, we found the genetic similarity between OE from D. plexippus and OE-like parasite from the moths H. armigera and H. punctigera to be 95.2%. When we conducted cross-species infection experiments, we could not infect the moths with OE from D. plexippus, but OE-like parasite from H. armigera did infect D. plexippus and a closely related moth species Heliothis virescens. Interestingly, we did not find the OE-like parasite in the H. armigera population from Spain. Inter-population infection experiments with H. armigera demonstrated a higher sensitivity to OE-like infection in the population from Spain compared to the populations from Australia and China. These results suggest geographic variation in OE-like susceptibility and coevolution between parasite and host. Our findings give important new insights into the prevalence and host specificity of OE and OE-like parasites, and provide opportunities to study parasite transmission over spatial and temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gao
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Daphne Muijderman
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Nichols
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David G Heckel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Astrid T Groot
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany
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13
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Kubota R, Tokiwa T, Matsubara K, Okamoto M, Ike K. Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in wild-caught pet spiny-tailed lizards. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 11:83-87. [PMID: 31956481 PMCID: PMC6962631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uromastyx is a genus of the herbivorous agamid lizards, also known as spiny-tailed lizards or mastigures, which are found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. Currently, several species of this genus are available in the international pet trade in Japan. In this study, two imported wild-caught spiny-tailed lizards (Arabian blue mastigure, Uromastyx ornata philbyi, and Sudan mastigure, Uromastyx dispar flavifasciata) were diagnosed with a Cryptosporidium (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) infection based on the presence of the oocysts in the rectal feces using sucrose flotation and light microscopy examination at a local animal hospital in Tokyo, Japan. One of the lizards had died, and histopathological examination revealed enteritis with the Cryptosporidium parasite. Sequence analyses using the small subunit ribosomal RNA, actin, and 70-kDa heat shock protein genes indicated that the lizards had contracted a novel variant of C. avium that commonly infects avian species. Two pet wild-caught spiny-tailed lizards exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms. Lizards were both infected with a novel Cryptosporidium avium variant. First detection of avian-associated Cryptosporidium species in the family Agamidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Kubota
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tokiwa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Minoru Okamoto
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Rakuno Gakuen University Animal Medical Center, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ike
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Liu X, Zhu H, Meng W, Dong H, Han Q, An Z, Qi M, Ge Y, Wang R. Occurrence of a Cryptosporidium xiaoi-like genotype in peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in China. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3555-3559. [PMID: 31722067 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to survey the Cryptosporidium species in peafowls (Pavo cristatus) in Henan Province, China. A total of 143 fecal specimens collected from a breeding farm were tested for Cryptosporidium by nested PCR targeting the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA), 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), and actin genes of Cryptosporidium followed by sequence analysis. Only one isolate from an asymptomatic host was obtained, and the isolate differed from a new C. xiaoi-like genotype by one nucleotide and from C. xiaoi or C. bovis at the SSU rRNA locus by six nucleotides. Likewise, the actin gene shared 99% identity with the C. xiaoi-like genotype, accompanied by four nucleotide mutations. A complete sequence of the HSP70 gene was obtained, and exhibited 96% similarity with that from C. xiaoi and differed by one nucleotide from that with the C. xiaoi-like genotype. Phylogenetic analysis of the current isolate revealed genetic relatedness to the C. xiaoi-like genotype and distinction from C. xiaoi and C. bovis. Therefore, our results provided the first documentation of avian infection with a C. xiaoi-like genotype in China and further insight into the diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in avians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Huili Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Wanyu Meng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Haiju Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Qinggong Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Zhixing An
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yaming Ge
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan province, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
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15
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Zahoor MA, Zahoor MK, Siddique AB, Shafique M, Nawaz Z, Yasmin A, Qamar MF, Shahid MA. Welfare of Pet Birds and Potential Zoonoses. Anim Welf 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.72282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Iijima Y, Itoh N, Phrompraphai T, Ito Y, Kimura Y, Kameshima S. Molecular Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among Companion Birds Kept in Pet Shops in Japan. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:281-285. [PMID: 29996632 PMCID: PMC6046554 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.3.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is the most common protozoan that can infect a wide range of animals, including mammals and birds. Avian Cryptosporidium spp. can cause enteric and respiratory diseases which can be fatal in birds and some species are zoonotic. Companion birds have the potential as reservoir due to their close contact with humans. Pet shops are the major source of companion birds. However, few reports are available regarding Cryptosporidium spp. infection among companion birds kept in pet shops. The present study reports the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. among companion birds kept in pet shops in Japan. A total of 265 fresh fecal samples were obtained from birds kept in 4 pet shops; these birds belonged to 41 species in 3 bird orders. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the small subunit rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. A total of 24 samples (9.1%) were positive, and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected from all pet shops. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in each of the bird orders was 6.5% (10/153) in Psittaciformes, 14.4% (13/90) in Passeriformes, and 4.5% (1/22) in Galliformes. Based on sequence analysis, 13 (54.2%) isolates were classified to C. galli, 8 (33.3%) were avian genotype III, and the remaining 3 (12.5%) were C. baileyi. No infection with zoonotic C. meleagridis and no coinfection with multiple Cryptosporidium spp. and/or genotypes were observed. The zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. infecting companion birds kept in pet shops in Japan is likely to be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Iijima
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Itoh
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Totsapon Phrompraphai
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ito
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.,Ito Animal Hospital, Gakuendai 2-2-1, Miyashiro, Minami Saitama, Saitama 345-0826, Japan
| | - Yuya Kimura
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kameshima
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Higashi 23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
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17
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Holubová N, Sak B, Hlásková L, Květoňová D, Hanzal V, Rajský D, Rost M, McEvoy J, Kváč M. Host specificity and age-dependent resistance to Cryptosporidium avium infection in chickens, ducks and pheasants. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:62-65. [PMID: 29959916 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Host- and age-specificity of Cryptosporidium avium were studied in 1-, 21- and 365-day-old chickens (Gallus gallus), domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) under experimental conditions. Cryptosporidium avium was not infectious for ring-necked pheasants, but it was infectious for ducks and chickens at all age categories. The course of infection in ducks did not differ among age categories, but 365-day-old chickens had less severe infections than 1- and 21-day-old chickens. The patent period in chickens and ducks was >30 DPI, but ducks started to shed oocysts of C. avium earlier (5-6 DPI) and at a lower intensity (accumulated value of infection intensity of 58,000-65,000 OPG) than chickens (9-11 DPI and accumulated value of infection intensity of 100,000-105,000 OPG). Experimentally infected birds showed no clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Holubová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Hanzal
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Rajský
- Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovak Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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18
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Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:313. [PMID: 29793513 PMCID: PMC5968579 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2892-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are prevalent zoonotic pathogens responsible for the high burden of diarrheal diseases worldwide. Rodents are globally overpopulated and are known as reservoirs or carriers of a variety of zoonotic pathogens including Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi. However, few data are available on genetic characterizations of both pathogens in rodents in China. The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence and genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Heilongjiang, China. Methods A total of 242 wild brown rats were captured in Heilongjiang Province of China. A fresh fecal specimen was collected directly from the intestinal and rectal content of each brown rat. All the fecal specimens were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi by PCR and sequencing of the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene of the two pathogens, respectively. Results The infection rate was 9.1% (22/242) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 7.9% (19/242) for E. bieneusi. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of C. ubiquitum (1/22, 4.5%) and three genotypes of Cryptosporidium, including Cryptosporidium rat genotype I (14/22, 63.6%), Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (6/22, 27.3%) and Cryptosporidium suis-like genotype (1/22, 4.5%). Meanwhile, two E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including D (17/19, 89.5%) and Peru6 (2/19, 10.5%). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype Peru6 was identified in rodents for the first time globally and Cryptosporidium rat genotype I and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV were found in rats in China for the first time. The finding of zoonotic C. ubiquitum and C. suis-like genotype, as well as E. bieneusi genotypes, suggests that brown rats pose a threat to human health. It is necessary to control brown rat population in the investigated areas and improve local people’s awareness of the transmission risk of the two pathogens from brown rats to humans.
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da Cunha MJR, Cury MC, Santín M. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in poultry from Brazil. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:331-335. [PMID: 29605466 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium. Infections in birds are mainly caused by C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, and C. galli. C. meleagridis is the third most common cause of cryptosporidiosis in humans and the only Cryptosporidium species known to infect both birds and mammals. One hundred and fifty-five fecal specimens from different poultry species (chicken, turkey, ostrich, helmeted guinea fowl, quail, pheasant, and emu) were collected at local markets in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Twenty-three (14.8%) birds (20 chickens, 2 quails, and 1 turkey) were found Cryptosporidium-positive. This constitutes the first report of Cryptosporidium in turkeys from Brazil. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified C. meleagridis in chickens (15), a turkey (1), and a quail (1), C. baileyi in chickens (4) and a quail (1), and a mixed infection C. meleagridis/C. baileyi in a chicken (1). This is the first report of C. meleagridis in turkeys and quails from Brazil. Using the gp60 gene, three subtype families were identified, IIIa, IIIb and IIIg. Within subtype family IIIg, four subtypes were identified in chickens, two novel (IIIgA25G3R1 and IIIgA21G3R1) and two previously reported (IIIgA22G3R1 and IIIgA24G2R1). Within subtype family IIIb two subtypes were identified, IIIbA24G1R1 in a chicken and IIIbA23G1R1 in a quail. A novel subtype in the family IIIa was identified (IIIaA22G3R1) in a turkey. The finding of C. meleagridis subtypes previously identified in humans (IIIgA22G3R1, IIIbA24G1R1 and IIIbA23G1R1) indicates that they can be potentially zoonotic. Further subtyping studies that clarify genetic diversity of C. meleagridis are required to better understand host specificity, source of infection, and transmission dynamics of C. meleagridis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Júlia Rodrigues da Cunha
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 173, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil Caixa, Postal 250, 70040-020 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 173, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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Zhang X, Jian Y, Li X, Ma L, Karanis G, Qigang C, Karanis P. Molecular detection and prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in two types of domestic farm animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) in China. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:233-239. [PMID: 29199371 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infections in young cattle and sheep in the north-eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA), north-western China. A total number of 454 faecal samples (389 from cattle and 65 from sheep) were collected and investigated to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Cryptosporidium spp. infections detected in cattle (n = 56 positive samples) and sheep (n = 4 positive samples) were as following: C. andersoni (16/56, 28.6%) was the dominant species, followed by C. canis (9/56, 16.1%), C. bovis (9/56, 16.1%), C. hominis (8/56, 14.3%), C. struthionis (7/56, 12.5%), C. ryanae (5/56, 8.9%), and C. serpentis (2/56, 3.6%). Two Cryptosporidium species were detected in sheep: C. parvum (2/4) and C. canis (2/4). There were no mixed infections. C. hominis, C. struthionis, and C. serpentis are reported in domestic animals for the first time at the QTPA of China and our results indicate an anthropozoonotic transmission of C. hominis. The identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic animals warrants better care of the farm animals in order to avoid contamination in vulnerable animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yingna Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiuping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Liqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Gabriele Karanis
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Cai Qigang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, China.
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Zahedi A, Durmic Z, Gofton AW, Kueh S, Austen J, Lawson M, Callahan L, Jardine J, Ryan U. Cryptosporidium homai n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiiae) from the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Feng Y, Xiao L. Molecular Epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis in China. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1701. [PMID: 28932217 PMCID: PMC5592218 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis is an active research area in China. The use of genotyping and subtyping tools in prevalence studies has led to the identification of unique characteristics of Cryptosporidium infections in humans and animals. Human cryptosporidiosis in China is exemplified by the high diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. at species and subtype levels, with dominant C. hominis and C. parvum subtypes being rarely detected in other countries. Similarly, preweaned dairy calves, lambs, and goat kids are mostly infected with non-pathogenic Cryptosporidium species (C. bovis in calves and C. xiaoi in lambs and goat kids), with C. parvum starting to appear in dairy calves as a consequence of concentrated animal feeding operations. The latter Cryptosporidium species is dominated by IId subtypes, with IIa subtypes largely absent from the country. Unlike elsewhere, rodents in China appear to be commonly infected with C. parvum IId subtypes, with identical subtypes being found in these animals, calves, other livestock, and humans. In addition to cattle, pigs and chickens appear to be significant contributors to Cryptosporidium contamination in drinking water sources, as reflected by the frequent detection of C. suis, C. baileyi, and C. meleagridis in water samples. Chinese scientists have also made significant contributions to the development of new molecular epidemiological tools for Cryptosporidium spp. and improvements in our understanding of the mechanism involved in the emergence of hyper-transmissible and virulent C. hominis and C. parvum subtypes. Despite this progress, coordinated research efforts should be made to address changes in Cryptosporidium transmission because of rapid economic development in China and to prevent the introduction and spread of virulent and zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, United States
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Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium Infection in Java Sparrows ( Lonchura oryzivora) in Northern China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:2318476. [PMID: 28744462 PMCID: PMC5514319 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2318476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a cosmopolitan parasitosis that affects a wide range of hosts including birds. As information concerning Cryptosporidium in birds is limited, the present study examined the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in Java sparrows in Beijing and Shangqiu, northern China. Three hundred and fifty fecal samples were collected from Java sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora, 225 white Java sparrows and 125 gray Java sparrows) in Beijing and Shangqiu in October 2015, and the samples were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall Cryptosporidium prevalence is 13.42% (47/350), with 16.44% (37/225) in white Java sparrows and 8.00% (10/125) in gray Java sparrows. Cryptosporidium prevalence was 9.82% (16/163) in Java sparrows from Beijing and 16.58% (31/187) in Java sparrows from Shangqiu. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in females and males was 40.63% (26/64) and 7.34% (21/286), respectively. The Cryptosporidium prevalence in Java sparrows of different ages varied from 10.47% to 16.33%. Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene revealed that all the samples represented C. baileyi. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium in gray Java sparrows in China, which extend the host range for C. baileyi. These results provide baseline information for further studies of molecular epidemiology and control of Cryptosporidium infection in poultry in China.
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da Cunha MJR, Cury MC, Santín M. Molecular identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia in Brazilian captive birds. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:487-493. [PMID: 27815734 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A total of 85 fecal samples from captive birds collected from October 2013 to September 2014 in Uberlândia and Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) were evaluated for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia by PCR. Of these, three birds were found positive for E. bieneusi (3.5%), two for Cryptosporidium (2.3%), and one for Giardia (1.2%). Two genotypes of E. bieneusi were detected by nucleotide sequence analysis of the ITS region, genotypes D and Peru 6 in a swan goose and in two rock pigeons, respectively. For Cryptosporidium and Giardia, nucleotide sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA identified Cryptosporidium baileyi and Duck genotype in a swan goose and a mandarin duck, respectively, and Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in a toco toucon. Our results demonstrate that human-pathogenic E. bieneusi genotypes D and Peru6 and G. duodenalis assemblage A are present in captive birds in Brazil, corroborating their potential role as a source of human infection and environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Júlia Rodrigues da Cunha
- US Department of Agriculture, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Building 173, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Caixa Postal 250, 70040-020, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Mónica Santín
- US Department of Agriculture, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Building 173, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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