1
|
Triviño-Valencia J, Nati-Castillo A, Cabeza NY, Lora-Suarez F, Gómez-Marín J. Molecular confirmation of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora species in children with acute diarrhoea in Quindio region, Colombia. Gut Pathog 2025; 17:14. [PMID: 40059177 PMCID: PMC11892127 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-025-00685-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/21/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no reports with molecular confirmation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. in children consulting the emergency service due to diarrhoea in Colombia. METHODS A descriptive study was performed on 137 children who visited the Hospital San Juan de Dios Emergency Service in Armenia between April 1 and 31, 2022. Questionnaires and sampling were performed to identify parasites in the faecal samples. Fresh preparations were prepared with 1% iodine, and a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain was used to identify pathogenic intestinal protozoa (Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp.). PCR and sequencing of positive samples were performed to confirm infection. RESULTS The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in children was 19,7%, and that of Cyclospora spp. was 10,9%. 59,2% of the children with cryptosporidiosis and 66,6% of the children with cyclosporiasis were hospitalized. PCR for Cryptosporidium spp. was positive in six of 28 (21%) samples and for Cyclospora in 11 of 15 (73%) samples. Cyclospora spp. SSU rRNA DNA sequences clustered 10 samples nearest to lineage A, two with lineage B, and one with lineage C. CONCLUSIONS Cryptosporidiosis and cyclosporiasis are common in children with acute diarrhoea when consulting emergency services, and their search should be performed systematically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Triviño-Valencia
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
- Grupo BIMSA, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Nati-Castillo
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Nancy Yhomara Cabeza
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Fabiana Lora-Suarez
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Jorge Gómez-Marín
- Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
- Universidad del Quindío- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud- Programa de Medicina, Calle 12 Norte Kra 15, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lafarga-Molina L, Rubio E, Seral C, Rezusta A, Lizán PE, Malo Aznar C, Casanovas-Marsal JO, Fernández Rodrigo MT, Goñi P. Analysis of Reported Cases of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Children from Aragón (Northeast Spain) During the Period (2012-2021). Microorganisms 2025; 13:298. [PMID: 40005664 PMCID: PMC11857946 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, caused by Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp., are parasitic infections transmitted through faecal-oral routes or contaminated water. Although less common in Spain compared to developing countries, they pose a public health concern, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and immunocompromised individuals. This study aims to analyse the cases reported to the Microbiological Information System (MIS) in children between 2012 and 2021, as well as their distribution across sociodemographic variables. Proportions and infectivity rates were determined for epidemiological and sociodemographic data, and the incidence rate for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis was calculated annually and by health sector. The variables analysed included sex, age, health sector and weather. For both diseases, there was a significant decrease in the number of cases in 2020, suggesting the importance of person-to-person transmission. Children were infected by Giardia in significantly higher proportion (p < 0.001), being the majority in age groups 5-14 years, while the proportion of boys and girls infected by Cryptosporidium was almost identical (1.4% vs. 1.3%), in children aged 2-4 years. Periodically there was a significant increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis, apparently related to the presence of torrential rains. Transmission is related to increased temperature and rainfall. Person-to-person transmission in the paediatric population needs further investigation. This study provides the foundation for future research on the evolution of cases of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in Spanish children. The data emphasise the need for informational campaigns on hygienic measures and efforts by public health authorities to maintain water resources in optimal condition to prevent parasite spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lafarga-Molina
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatric, Radiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.R.); (P.G.)
- Nursing Department, University Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Encarnación Rubio
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatric, Radiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.R.); (P.G.)
- Group of Water and Environmental Health, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Seral
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Networked Biomedical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, CIBER INFECT, Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rezusta
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Padre Arrupe Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.R.); (P.E.L.)
| | - Pilar Egido Lizán
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Padre Arrupe Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.R.); (P.E.L.)
| | - Carmen Malo Aznar
- General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Government of Aragón, 50017 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | | | - María Teresa Fernández Rodrigo
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Group SAPIENF, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Goñi
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatric, Radiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.R.); (P.G.)
- Group of Water and Environmental Health, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), Domingo Miral Street s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rossi F, Santonicola S, Amadoro C, Marino L, Colavita G. Food and Drinking Water as Sources of Pathogenic Protozoans: An Update. APPLIED SCIENCES 2024; 14:5339. [DOI: 10.3390/app14125339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
This narrative review was aimed at collecting updated knowledge on the risk factors, illnesses caused, and measures for the prevention of protozoan infections transmitted by food and drinking water. Reports screened dated from 2019 to the present and regarded global prevalence in food handlers, occurrence in food and drinking water, impact on human health, and recently reported outbreaks and cases of severe infections attributable to the dietary route. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cystoisospora belli were the protozoans most frequently involved in recently reported waterborne and foodborne outbreaks and cases. Blastocystis hominis was reported to be the most widespread intestinal protozoan in humans, and two case reports indicated its pathogenic potential. Dientamoeba fragilis, Endolimax nana, and Pentatrichomonas hominis are also frequent but still require further investigation on their ability to cause illness. A progressive improvement in surveillance of protozoan infections and infection sources took place in developed countries where the implementation of reporting systems and the application of molecular diagnostic methods led to an enhanced capacity to identify epidemiological links and improve the prevention of foodborne and waterborne protozoan infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franca Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Serena Santonicola
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Carmela Amadoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Lucio Marino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise (IZSAM), 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Colavita
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bujila I, Troell K, Ögren J, Hansen A, Killander G, Agudelo L, Lebbad M, Beser J. Cryptosporidium species and subtypes identified in human domestic cases through the national microbiological surveillance programme in Sweden from 2018 to 2022. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38291399 PMCID: PMC10826111 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. A national microbiological surveillance programme was implemented in Sweden in 2018 in order to increase knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis to better understand transmission patterns and potential zoonotic sources. This article summarises the results of the first five years of the surveillance programme. METHODS Cryptosporidium-positive faecal and DNA samples from domestically acquired infections were collected from clinical microbiological laboratories in Sweden. Species and subtype determination was performed using 60 kDa glycoprotein and/or small subunit ribosomal RNA gene analysis. RESULTS Between 2018 and 2022, 1654 samples were analysed and 11 different species were identified: C. parvum (n = 1412), C. mortiferum (n = 59), C. hominis (n = 56), C. erinacei (n = 11), C. cuniculus (n = 5), C. meleagridis (n = 3), C. equi (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), and one each of C. canis, C. ditrichi and C. felis. Subtyping revealed seven subtype families of C. parvum (new subtype families IIy and IIz) and 69 different subtypes (11 new subtypes). The most common C. parvum subtypes were IIdA22G1c, IIdA24G1, IIdA15G2R1 and IIaA16G1R1b. For C. hominis, four different subtype families and nine different subtypes (two new subtypes) were identified. For additional species, two new subtype families (IIIk and VId) and nine new subtypes were identified. All successfully subtyped C. mortiferum cases were subtype XIVaA20G2T1, confirming previous findings in Sweden. Several outbreaks were identified of which the majority were foodborne and a few were due to direct contact with infected animals. CONCLUSION Infection with C. parvum is the leading cause of human cryptosporidiosis acquired in Sweden, where more than 90% of domestic cases are caused by this zoonotic species and only a small proportion of cases are due to infection with other species. The rodent-associated C. mortiferum is considered an emerging zoonotic species in Sweden and the number of domestically acquired human cases has surpassed that of infection with C. hominis. A high diversity of species and subtypes, as well as diversity within the same subtype, was detected. Also, cryptosporidiosis appears to affect adults to a great extent in Sweden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Bujila
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Karin Troell
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Jessica Ögren
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anette Hansen
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection, Unit of Zoonoses and Antibiotic Resistance, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gustav Killander
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lady Agudelo
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marianne Lebbad
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jessica Beser
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chacin-Bonilla L, Santin M. Cyclospora cayetanensis Infection in Developed Countries: Potential Endemic Foci? Microorganisms 2023; 11:540. [PMID: 36985114 PMCID: PMC10058255 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclospora cayetanensis infection has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide. Developed countries are generally considered non-endemic for infection. However, sporadic cases and non-travel-related outbreaks of C. cayetanensis infections associated with domestically grown produce are becoming more common in developed countries. Cyclospora cayetanensis has been detected in fresh produce, surface water, wastewater, irrigation water, and soil in these countries, suggesting that the parasite may be more common in areas with advanced sanitation than previously thought and illustrating the potential risk for exposure and indigenous/autochthonous infections. The evidence suggests the possibility of foci of endemicity in developed countries, particularly in communities where sanitary conditions are compromised, and raises transmission issues that require further research to better define the risks for infection, how widespread C. cayetanensis may be in these areas, and to guide interventions against this infection. The main purpose of the present opinion was to evaluate the presence of cyclosporiasis in developed countries, which is a very important and ongoing issue in food safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Chacin-Bonilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clinicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Campbell SM, Pettersen FO, Brekke H, Hanevik K, Robertson LJ. Transition to PCR diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the Norwegian healthcare system: could the increase in reported cases be due to higher sensitivity or a change in the testing algorithm? Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 41:835-839. [PMID: 35243573 PMCID: PMC8893977 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-022-04426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has been a notifiable infection in Norway since 2012 and giardiasis since 1977. For both infections, there has been an increase in notified cases. We used a questionnaire to explore whether this may be associated with implementation of molecular diagnostic methods. We received responses from 14 of 16 laboratories, most of which had implemented molecular diagnostic methods for these parasites. Algorithms for testing had also been modified, and several laboratories now test more faecal samples than previously for both parasites. The increase in reported cases may reflect not only higher sensitivity of diagnostic methods, but also more sample testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Campbell
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU Veterinærhøgskolen, Postboks 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.,Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frank O Pettersen
- Regional Advisory Unit of Imported and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Brekke
- National Reference Centre for Molecular Parasitology Diagnostics, Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU Veterinærhøgskolen, Postboks 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Šmigová J, Šnábel V, Cavallero S, Šmiga Ľ, Šoltys J, Papaj J, Papajová I. Neglected Diseases—Parasitic Infections among Slovakian Children from Different Populations and Genotypes of Giardia duodenalis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020381. [PMID: 35208836 PMCID: PMC8880538 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Children are most prone to parasitic infections. The objectives of the study were to examine the occurrence of parasitic infections in children from different populations and to perform molecular characterization of human Giardia duodenalis isolates. We examined 631 stool samples from Roma and non-Roma children for the presence of parasitic developmental stages. Samples were collected from three eastern Slovakia districts. The ages of the children ranged from 1 months to 17 years. Subsequently, the molecular characterization of human G. duodenalis isolates by PCR detected triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and beta-giardin (bg) genes was performed. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 19.8%. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were the most frequent, with an occurrence of about 13.8%. G. duodenalis cysts were present in 6.3% of samples. G. duodenalis isolates obtained from 13 children were subjected to DNA sequencing with tpi and bg genes. Five isolates were categorized as bearing subassemblage BIII, the three isolates as subassemblage BIV, one person was infected with a mixture of subassemblages BIII and BIV, four children had subassemblage AII, and one isolate revealed a structure corresponding with subassemblage AI. Our work is proof that poverty and poor hygiene contribute the most to public health problems associated with neglected parasitic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Šmigová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.Š.); (V.Š.); (J.Š.)
| | - Viliam Šnábel
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.Š.); (V.Š.); (J.Š.)
| | - Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ľubomír Šmiga
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Jindřich Šoltys
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.Š.); (V.Š.); (J.Š.)
| | - Ján Papaj
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University in Košice, Letná 1/9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Ingrid Papajová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.Š.); (V.Š.); (J.Š.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-6331411
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Keuchel M, Bota M, Baltes P. Infectious diseases affecting the small bowel - what not to miss. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2021; 37:255-266. [PMID: 33769379 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes infectious diseases involving the small bowel (SB) with a focus on recent literature related to diagnosis and pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS Typical symptom for SB infections is diarrhea, mostly self-limiting. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoan parasites, and helminths. Host-pathogen interaction is of special interest in infections with potentially severe or prolonged course. Research uses increasingly enterocyte cell culture systems. SARS-CoV2 can also infect enterocytes via angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and causes gastrointestinal complaints in some patients. Chronic SB infections as tuberculosis, Cytomegalovirus, or Epstein-Barr virus have to be differentiated from Crohn's and other diseases. Severe rare fungal and protozoan parasitic infections can cause relevant morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Soil-transmitted helminthic infections are a special issue in endemic areas. SUMMARY Many infections involve the SB, typically causing mild and self-limiting diarrhea. Symptomatic therapy, hygiene, and isolation are the mainstay of management. However, some patients develop severe or chronic disease. Immunosuppression is a major cause for severe, but also for rare opportunistic systemic infections that can also affect the SB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Keuchel
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, AGAPLESION Bethesda Krankenhaus Bergedorf, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lebbad M, Winiecka-Krusnell J, Stensvold CR, Beser J. High Diversity of Cryptosporidium Species and Subtypes Identified in Cryptosporidiosis Acquired in Sweden and Abroad. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050523. [PMID: 33926039 PMCID: PMC8147002 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis in Sweden to better understand transmission patterns and potential zoonotic sources. Cryptosporidium-positive fecal samples were collected between January 2013 and December 2014 from 12 regional clinical microbiology laboratories in Sweden. Species and subtype determination was achieved using small subunit ribosomal RNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein gene analysis. Samples were available for 398 patients, of whom 250 (63%) and 138 (35%) had acquired the infection in Sweden and abroad, respectively. Species identification was successful for 95% (379/398) of the samples, revealing 12 species/genotypes: Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 299), C. hominis (n = 49), C. meleagridis (n = 8), C. cuniculus (n = 5), Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I (n = 5), C. felis (n = 4), C. erinacei (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), and one each of C. suis, C. viatorum, C. ditrichi, and Cryptosporidium horse genotype. One patient was co-infected with C. parvum and C. hominis. Subtyping was successful for all species/genotypes, except for C. ditrichi, and revealed large diversity, with 29 subtype families (including 4 novel ones: C. parvum IIr, IIs, IIt, and Cryptosporidium horse genotype Vic) and 81 different subtypes. The most common subtype families were IIa (n = 164) and IId (n = 118) for C. parvum and Ib (n = 26) and Ia (n = 12) for C. hominis. Infections caused by the zoonotic C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId dominated both in patients infected in Sweden and abroad, while most C. hominis cases were travel-related. Infections caused by non-hominis and non-parvum species were quite common (8%) and equally represented in cases infected in Sweden and abroad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lebbad
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, 171 82 Solna, Sweden; (M.L.); (J.W.-K.)
| | | | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Jessica Beser
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, 171 82 Solna, Sweden; (M.L.); (J.W.-K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|