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Koehler AV, Scheelings TF, Gasser RB. Cryptosporidium cf. avium in an inland-bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps) - A case report and review of the literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:150-159. [PMID: 33088709 PMCID: PMC7560628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the first case of Cryptosporidium cf. avium from an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) from a wildlife sanctuary in Victoria, Australia. Molecular characterisation was conducted by PCR-coupled sequencing of regions in the small subunit of nuclear RNA (SSU), actin and large subunit of nuclear RNA (LSU) genes. The sequences obtained grouped with those of C. ornithophilus and other C. avium genotypes/variants originating from reptiles or birds. We discuss this case in relation to the current state of knowledge of C. avium of birds and reptiles, considering provenance and environment (agricultural, pet industry, wildlife, zoo or wildlife park) as well as clinical context, and pathological changes associated with cryptosporidiosis in these host animals. Characterisation of Cryptosporidium cf. avium from an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Molecular differentiation of C. cf. avium from other members of the C. avium clade. Pathogenicity of C. cf. avium seems higher than other members of this clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia
| | - T Franciscus Scheelings
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia.,Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Healesville, Victoria 3777,Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010,Australia
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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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El-Alfy ES, Nishikawa Y. Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1051-1067. [PMID: 32536636 PMCID: PMC7468066 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species infect domestic animals, livestock, and humans.
These protozoan parasites are frequently reported as major environmental contaminants in
many countries despite their differing climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors.
This review focuses on the research findings that relate to
Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and associated risk
factors relating to animals, contaminated water sources, and humans in Japan. Adequate
knowledge of these factors is essential for understanding the economic and public health
importance of cryptosporidiosis in Japan so that effective control strategies against it
are implemented. Cryptosporidium infections are highly prevalent in
animals in Japan. Among the different animal species, cattle infections stand out because
of their economic importance and zoonotic potential. Living circumstances in Japan
restrain Cryptosporidium transmission between humans, but there is
evidence to suggest that animals, especially those in close contact with humans, can be
potential sources of human infections. Water sampling studies have provided clues about
how environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium oocysts can cause
infections in livestock and wild animals. There is some evidence of person-to-person
transmission of cryptosporidiosis, but only occasionally and under certain circumstances.
By identifying the major role played by animals in Cryptosporidium
transmission to people in Japan, we highlight the urgent need for disease control against
this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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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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Holubová N, Zikmundová V, Limpouchová Z, Sak B, Konečný R, Hlásková L, Rajský D, Kopacz Z, McEvoy J, Kváč M. Cryptosporidium proventriculi sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in Psittaciformes birds. Eur J Protistol 2019; 69:70-87. [PMID: 30981203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a common parasitic infection in birds that is caused by more than 25 Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. Many of the genotypes that cause avian cryptosporidiosis are poorly characterized. The genetic and biological characteristics of avian genotype III are described here and these data support the establishment of a new species, Cryptosporidium proventriculi. Faecal samples from the orders Passeriformes and Psittaciformes were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium by microscopy and sequencing, and infections were detected in 10 of 98 Passeriformes and in 27 of 402 Psittaciformes. Cryptosporidium baileyi was detected in both orders. Cryptosporidium galli and avian genotype I were found in Passeriformes, and C. avium and C. proventriculi were found in Psittaciformes. Cryptosporidium proventriculi was infectious for cockatiels under experimental conditions, with a prepatent period of six days post-infection (DPI), but not for budgerigars, chickens or SCID mice. Experimentally infected cockatiels shed oocysts more than 30 DPI, with an infection intensity ranging from 4,000 to 60,000 oocysts per gram (OPG). Naturally infected cockatiels shed oocysts with an infection intensity ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 OPG. Cryptosporidium proventriculi infects the proventriculus and ventriculus, and oocysts measure 7.4 × 5.8 μm. None of the birds infected C. proventriculi developed clinical signs.
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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, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Zikmundová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zlata Limpouchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Rajský
- Faculty of Forestry, Department of Applied Zoology and Game Management, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Zaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - 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, Czech Republic.
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