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Gao S, Hu B, Li G, An X, Xing Y, Han S, Chun Y, Han L, Xi D, Li W, He H. Prevalence and genotypic characterization of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in transboundary migratory Mongolian Gazelles ( Procapra gutturosa): the first survey. Parasitology 2024; 151:1154-1162. [PMID: 39663818 PMCID: PMC11894022 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000854] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
The migration of Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa) poses a potential risk of outbreak for zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite infections. This study aims to investigate the infection status of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in these migratory Mongolian gazelles. We collected 120 fecal samples from Mongolian gazelles during their migration from Mongolia to China in December 2023. These samples were analysed using amplification and sequencing of partial SSU rRNA genes to detect the 4 presence of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites and characterize their genotypes. Our analysis revealed the presence of several zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in the sampled Mongolian gazelles. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 14.17% (17/120) of the samples, followed by Cystoisospora belli in 13.33% (16/120), Blastocystis sp. in 16.67% (20/120) and Cyclospora cayetanensis in 30.00% (36/120). Moreover, we identified novel host-adapted genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and C. belli, as well as the presence of ST2 and ST13 Blastocystis sp. subtypes, while distinct genotypes were found in Blastocystis sp. and C. cayetanensis. This study revealed the status of 4 prevalent zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite infections in Mongolian gazelles and provided crucial insights into their characteristics. The prevalence of these parasites in the population highlights the potential risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases associated with long-distance migration. Furthermore, the identification of novel genotypes contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptation of these parasites. These findings can inform the development of protective measures to mitigate the impact of these infections on the health and survival of Mongolian gazelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichao Gao
- Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gaojian Li
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xing An
- Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuyi Han
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Chun
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xinbarhu Right Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulunbuir City 021300, China
| | - Lingling Han
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xinbarhu Right Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulunbuir City 021300, China
| | - Du Xi
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xinbarhu Right Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulunbuir City 021300, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Gao ZQ, Wang HT, Hou QY, Qin Y, Qin SY, Zhao Q, Ma H. Wild rodents in three provinces of China exhibit a wide range of Enterocytozoon bieneusi diversity. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1427690. [PMID: 39268515 PMCID: PMC11390646 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1427690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens, responsible for nearly 90% of human infections. Its host spectrum is broad in China, encompassing humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, wildlife, and wastewater. Wild rodents have the potential to act as carriers of E. bieneusi, facilitating the parasite's transmission to humans and domestic animals. Methods The present study involved the collection of 344 wild rodents, representing nine species, from three provinces in China. The prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi were determined through amplification of the ITS gene. Evolutionary analysis was conducted using Mega 5.0 with the neighbor-joining method (Kimura 2-parameter model, 1,000 replicates). Results Among the sampled wild rodents, 41 (11.92%) were tested positive for E. bieneusi. Rattus flavipectus exhibited the highest prevalence (11/39), while Bandicota indica and Rattus rattus sladeni showed no infections (0/39 and 0/5, respectively), highlighting significant differences. Environmental factors strongly influenced E. bieneusi infection; rodents residing in lake beaches (10.27%, 15/146) and fields (19.95%, 18/95) were more susceptible compared to those in mountainous areas (7.77%, 8/103). The study identified four known genotypes (D, Type IV, SDD5, PigEBITS7) and five novel genotypes (HNRV-1 to HNRV-3, GXRL-1, GXRL-2) in the investigated wild rodents, with Genotype D exhibiting the highest prevalence. Discussion Remarkably, this study reports the presence of E. bieneusi, R. flavipectus, M. fortis, A. agrarius, R. losea, and N. lotipes for the first time. These findings underscore the common occurrence of E. bieneusi infection in wild rodents in China, highlighting its diverse nature and significant potential for zoonotic transmission. Hence, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of rodent infection with E. bieneusi, particularly focusing on wild rodents that are closely associated with humans. Additionally, developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Qiu Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
| | - Hai-Tao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing-Yu Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Qin
- 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
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
| | - He Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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Jiang Y, Zhou S, Yuan Z, Hu X, Li Z, Wang Y, Shen Y, Cao J. Brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus) as potential reservoirs of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province, China: high prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and potential risk for zoonotic transmission. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1426384. [PMID: 39119351 PMCID: PMC11306123 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1426384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an obligatory intracellular fungus, is prevalent among animals and humans. Due to their close interaction with humans and their extensive regional distribution, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are important pathogen reservoirs. To assess the zoonotic transmission potential of E. bieneusi, a molecular investigation was conducted on 817 R. norvegicus from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. Methods A total of 817 R. norvegicus were collected from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. The genotyping of E. bieneusi was conducted through PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)'s internal transcribed spacer (ITS) segments. Phylogenetic and similarity analyses were used to examine zoonotic potential and genetic characteristics of the E. bieneusi-positive specimens. Results Among the 817 R. norvegicus, the total infection rate was 33.3% (272/817). Seventy-five genotypes were identified, including 14 known genotypes D (n = 167), A (n = 15), HLJ-CP1 (n = 12), WR8 (n = 6), EbpC (n = 2), BEB6 (n = 1), CS-4 (n = 1), CHPM1 (n = 1), Henan-II (n = 1), HNH-22 (n = 1), HNH-25 (n = 1), I (n = 1), JLD-XI (n = 1), SDD5 (n = 1), and 61 novel genotypes designated as SHWR1 (n = 10), SYSWR1 (n = 2), and SHWR2 to SHWR17, SYSWR2 to SYSWR36 and QTHWR1 to QTHWR8 (n = 1, each). Moreover, 10 samples exhibited mixed genotype infections, including D + A (n = 3), D + EbpC (n = 1), D + HLJ-CP1 (n = 1), D + SHWR1 (n = 1), D + SHWR16 (n = 1), D + SHWR17 (n = 1), SDD5 + WR8 (n = 1), and CS-4 + SYSWR36 (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the genotypes into three main groups: group 1 (n = 67), group 2 (n = 5), and group 9 (n = 3). Discussion The high prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province's R. norvegicus imply that these animals spread the pathogen. The R. norvegicus that E. bieneusi carries can spread zoonotic disease, making it a serious hazard to the local human population. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness about the dangers posed by R. norvegicus and implement measures to reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Jiang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongying Yuan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaxue Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Liu X, Zhang C, Li T, Xia X, Xu Y, Hu J, Zhang L, Wang L, Qi M. Occurrence and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) from China. Parasite 2024; 31:37. [PMID: 38963405 PMCID: PMC11223590 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024037] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite with a worldwide distribution. As a zoonotic pathogen, E. bieneusi can infect a wide range of wildlife hosts through the fecal-oral route. Although the feces of flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) are considered a traditional Chinese medicine (as "faeces trogopterori"), no literature is available on E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels to date. In this study, a total of 340 fresh flying squirrel fecal specimens from two captive populations were collected in Pingdingshan city, China, to detect the prevalence of E. bieneusi and assess their zoonotic potential. By nested PCR amplification of the ITS gene, six specimens tested positive, with positive samples from each farm, with an overall low infection rate of 1.8%. The ITS sequences revealed three genotypes, including known genotype D and two novel genotypes, HNFS01 and HNFS02. Genotype HNFS01 was the most prevalent (4/6, 66.7%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all genotypes clustered into zoonotic Group 1, with the novel genotypes clustering into different subgroups. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels, suggesting that flying squirrels could act as a potential reservoir and zoonotic threat for E. bieneusi transmission to humans in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Tiantian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Xiaojing Xia
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Yanzhao Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Jianhe Hu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University Zhengzhou 450046 PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology Xinxiang 453003 Henan PR China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University Alar 843300 Xinjiang PR China
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Jiang S, Yu S, Feng Y, Zhang L, Santin M, Xiao L, Li W. Widespread distribution of human-infective Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in small rodents in northeast China and phylogeny and zoonotic implications revisited. Acta Trop 2024; 253:107160. [PMID: 38408590 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107160] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi features high genetic diversity among host species and environmental sources and over 500 genotypes in 11 phylogenetic groups have been defined. Here we investigated 291 small rodents in Heilongjiang province, northeast China, for the presence of E. bieneusi by PCR of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Nine of 60 (15.0 %) gray squirrels from a park in Harbin, 120 of 201 (59.7 %) guinea pigs from a pet shop in Harbin, and two of 30 (6.7 %) peridomestic rats from a pasture in Qiqihar were positive for the parasite. Six known genotypes (EbpB, SCC-1, SCC-2, D, S7 and HLJ-CP1) and two novel genotypes (NESQ1 and NEGP1) were identified by sequence analysis of the ITS, with EbpB, SCC-1, SCC-2 and NESQ1 found in squirrels, D, S7 and NEGP1 in guinea pigs, and EbpB and HLJ-CP1 in rats. Widespread distribution of human-infective Group 10 genotype S7 and Group 1 genotype D in guinea pigs raised our concerns about the importance of pet animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidiosis. Co-occurrence of Group 1 genotypes D and HLJ-CP1 in cancer patients and rodents in Heilongjiang indicated a possibility of zoonotic transmission. The host range of Group 1 genotype EbpB previously considered pig-adapted was extended. A potential variant of genotype S7, namely NESQ1, went into the existing Group 10 in phylogenetic analysis. The other new genotype, NEGP1, was clustered in an undefined clade we proposed as Group 15. With the emerging epidemiologic evidence, the host specificity of existing E. bieneusi genotypes is now being challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuning Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shui Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, AR, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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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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Gao H, Liang G, Su N, Li Q, Wang D, Wang J, Zhao L, Kang X, Guo K. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Diarrheic and Non-Diarrheic Calves from Ningxia, Northwestern China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1983. [PMID: 37370492 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are significant parasitic gastrointestinal pathogens with global distribution in humans and domestic animals, including calves. The main symptoms of calf infection are severe diarrhea, dehydration, growth retardation, and sometimes even death. To date, there has been limited information on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi infections in calves in Ningxia, China, especially between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves. A total of 438 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic (201) and non-diarrheic (237) calves in Ningxia. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to find the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. at 46.8% (205/438), G. duodenalis at 16.9% (74/438), and E. bieneusi at 10.0% (44/438). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves was 54.0% (128/237) and 38.3% (77/201), respectively, and statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection and calf diarrhea (p < 0.01). However, in this study, there was no statistical correlation between the prevalence of G. duodenalis infection as well as E. bieneusi infection and calf diarrhea (p > 0.05). Furthermore, four known Cryptosporidium species were successfully identified by comparing them with SSU rRNA gene sequences, including C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, and C. andersoni. In addition, all 74 G. duodenalis-positive samples were identified as assemblage E by comparative analysis of bg gene sequences. Among the 44 E. bieneusi-positive samples sequenced in the present study, 4 distinct E. bieneusi genotypes were successfully identified by comparative analysis of ITS sequences, including 3 known genotypes (J, BEB4, and N) and 1 novel genotype, the latter of which was identified and designated as NX1. These findings indicated that the high genetic diversity and complex population structures of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in Ningxia diarrhea calves and non-diarrhea calves, which provide new data for understanding the epidemiological status of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in Ningxia calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihui Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Institute of Animal Science, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 750002, China
| | - Gaoxing Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Na Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qirui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Dong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 750002, China
| | - Long Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaodong Kang
- Institute of Animal Science, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 750002, China
| | - Kangkang Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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