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Peretz A, Azrad M, Ken-Dror S, Strauss M, Sagas D, Parizada M, Loewnthal S, Amichay D, Ben Horin N, Shenhar Y, Sagi O, Bazarsky E, Amit S, Schwartz E. The epidemiology of intestinal protozoa in the Israeli population based on molecular stool test: a nationwide study. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0061624. [PMID: 39012121 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00616-24] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Stool examination using microscopy was the traditional method for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Recently, the use of molecular tests to identify stool protozoa has become the main tool used in most clinical laboratories in Israel. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Israel and to compare this prevalence in laboratories that use molecular tests vs a laboratory that uses microscopy. Samples collected from January to October 2021 at seven laboratories were analyzed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) or by microscopy. The multiplex panel included the following pathogens: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Blastocystis spp. Overall, 138,415 stool samples were tested by RT-PCR and 6,444 by microscopy. At least one protozoa species was identified in 28.4% of the PCR-tested samples compared to 4.6% of the microscopy-tested samples. D. fragilis was the most common PCR-identified species (29%). D. fragilis, G. lamblia, and Cryptosporidium spp. were mainly found in pediatric population, while Blastocystis spp. was most prevalent among adults (P < 0.001). In a sub-cohort of 21,480 samples, co-infection was found in 4,113 (19.15%) samples, with Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis being the most common (14.9%) pair. Molecular stool testing proved more sensitive compared to microscopy. D. fragilis was the most commonly detected pathogen. The above profile was identified during the COVID pandemic when traveling was highly restricted and most likely represents the locally circulating protozoa. IMPORTANCE This study sheds light on the prevalence of stool parasites in Israel. Additionally, this study indicates that the shift from microscope analysis to molecular tests improved protozoa diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Peretz
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Tzafon Medical Center, Poriya, Israel, affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Israel, Safed
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Tiberias, Israel
| | - Maya Azrad
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Tzafon Medical Center, Poriya, Israel, affiliated with Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Israel, Safed
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Tiberias, Israel
| | - Shifra Ken-Dror
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Central Laboratories Haifa and Western Galilee, Clalit Health Services, Nesher, Israel
| | - Merav Strauss
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Afula, Israel
| | - Dana Sagas
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Afula, Israel
| | - Miriam Parizada
- Maccabi Health Services, Central Laboratories, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Doron Amichay
- Central Laboratories, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Orli Sagi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of health science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Elina Bazarsky
- Microbiology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sharon Amit
- Clinical Microbiology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliezer Schwartz
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Institute of Tropical Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Majeed QAH, AlAzemi MS, Al-Sayegh MT, Abdou NEMI. Epidemiological and Molecular Study of Cryptosporidium in Preweaned Calves in Kuwait. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1805. [PMID: 35883352 PMCID: PMC9312042 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141805] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a worldwide enteric protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal infection in animals, including humans. The most notable species is Cryptosporidium parvum because of its zoonotic importance; it is also the leading cause of cryptosporidiosis in preweaned calves. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection, investigate the potential risk factors, and use molecular diagnosis to identify the predominant Cryptosporidium spp. in preweaned calves in Kuwait. Of 175 preweaned calves, Cryptosporidium antigens were detected in 58 (33.1%) using rapid lateral immunochromatography assay (IC). Calves less than one month of age (OR = 4.32, p = 0.0001) and poor hygiene (OR = 2.85, p = 0.0075) were identified as significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection. Molecular identification revealed that C. parvum (62.8%) was the dominant species infecting preweaned calves in Kuwait. In contrast, C. bovis and C. andersoni were recorded at 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. All C. parvum gp60 nucleotide sequences were subtype IIaA15G2R1. Calves could be a source of C. parvum infection due to the similarity of the subtypes recorded previously in Kuwaiti children and preweaned calves in this study. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the Cryptosporidium transmission cycle in Kuwait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais A. H. Majeed
- Department Science, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Aridyia, Farwanyia 23167, Kuwait; (M.S.A.); (M.T.A.-S.)
| | - Maha S. AlAzemi
- Department Science, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Aridyia, Farwanyia 23167, Kuwait; (M.S.A.); (M.T.A.-S.)
| | - Mohammed T. Al-Sayegh
- Department Science, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Aridyia, Farwanyia 23167, Kuwait; (M.S.A.); (M.T.A.-S.)
| | - Nadra-Elwgoud M. I. Abdou
- Early Warning Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases-Gulf Cooperation Council, PAAFR, 1307 Safat, Rabyia, Farwanyia 21422, Kuwait
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
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Hoque S, Mavrides DE, Pinto P, Costas S, Begum N, Azevedo-Ribeiro C, Liapi M, Kváč M, Malas S, Gentekaki E, Tsaousis AD. High Occurrence of Zoonotic Subtypes of Cryptosporidiumparvum in Cypriot Dairy Farms. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030531. [PMID: 35336110 PMCID: PMC8951114 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is one of the major causes of neonatal calf diarrhoea resulting in reduced farm productivity and compromised animal welfare worldwide. Livestock act as a major reservoir of this parasite, which can be transmitted to humans directly and/or indirectly, posing a public health risk. Research reports on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in ruminants from east Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus, are limited. This study is the first to explore the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle up to 24 months old on the island of Cyprus. A total of 242 faecal samples were collected from 10 dairy cattle farms in Cyprus, all of which were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. using nested-PCR amplification targeting the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was also sequenced for the samples identified as Cryptosporidium parvum-positive to determine the subtypes present. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 43.8% (106/242) with at least one positive isolate in each farm sampled. Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae and C. parvum were the only species identified, while the prevalence per farm ranged from 20–64%. Amongst these, the latter was the predominant species, representing 51.8% of all positive samples, followed by C. bovis (21.7%) and C. ryanae (31.1%). Five C. parvum subtypes were identified, four of which are zoonotic—IIaA14G1R1, IIaA15G1R1, IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA18G2R1. IIaA14G1R1 was the most abundant, representing 48.2% of all C. parvum positive samples, and was also the most widespread. This is the first report of zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum circulating in Cyprus. These results highlight the need for further research into the parasite focusing on its diversity, prevalence, host range and transmission dynamics on the island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Hoque
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
| | - Daphne E. Mavrides
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus; (D.E.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Pedro Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
| | - Silvia Costas
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
| | - Nisa Begum
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
| | - Claudia Azevedo-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
| | - Maria Liapi
- Veterinary Services of Cyprus, Nicosia 1417, Cyprus;
| | - Martin Kváč
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Stavros Malas
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus; (D.E.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand;
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; (S.H.); (P.P.); (S.C.); (N.B.); (C.A.-R.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus; (D.E.M.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: or
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Li N, Zhao W, Song S, Ye H, Chu W, Guo Y, Feng Y, Xiao L. Diarrhoea outbreak caused by coinfections of Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIdA20G1 and rotavirus in pre-weaned dairy calves. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1606-e1617. [PMID: 35226796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diarrhoea is one of the most important syndromes in neonatal calves. In industrialized nations with intensive animal farming, Cryptosporidium spp. and rotavirus are primary causes of calf diarrhoea, but the role of these and other enteric pathogens is not clear in China. In November and December 2018, a diarrhoea outbreak was identified in over 150 pre-weaned calves on a dairy farm in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and approximately 60 calves died. To determine the cause of the outbreak, we analyzed 131 faecal samples collected from pre-weaned calves (0-2 months) during (n = 114) and after the outbreak (n = 17). Initially, 10 diarrheic samples during the outbreak and 10 non-diarrheic samples after the outbreak were screened for rotavirus, coronavirus, Escherichia coli K99 and Cryptosporidium parvum by using an enzymatic immunoassay (EIA). In addition, 81 other samples were tested specifically for rotavirus by EIA, and all 131 samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi by PCR. The initial EIA analysis identified C. parvum (8/10) and rotavirus (5/10) as the dominant pathogens in calves during the outbreak, while both pathogens were detected at lower frequency after the outbreak (2/10 and 1/10, respectively). Further PCR analyses indicated that the occurrence of C. parvum infections in calves was significantly higher during the outbreak (75.4%, 86/114) than after the outbreak (11.8%, 2/17; odds ratio [OR] = 23.0), and was significantly associated with the occurrence of watery diarrhoea (OR = 15.7) and high oocyst shedding intensity. All C. parvum isolates were identified as subtype IIdA20G1. Among other pathogens analyzed, the overall prevalence of rotavirus, G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi was 19.8% (20/101), 38.9% (51/131) and 42.0% (55/131) in calves, respectively, without significant differences during and after the outbreak. Among the three pathogens, only the rotavirus infection was associated with diarrhoea in calves. More importantly, coinfections of C. parvum and rotavirus were significantly associated with the occurrence of watery diarrhoea in calves and were seen only during the outbreak. Thus, C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1 and rotavirus appeared to be responsible for this diarrhoea outbreak. Control measures should be implemented to effectively prevent the concurrent transmission of these enteric pathogens in pre-weaned dairy calves in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shujiao Song
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haojie Ye
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlun Chu
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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