Survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. infections in various animals at a zoo in Japan

Parasitological examination results of zoo animals in Germany between 2012 and 2022

Parasitic infections in zoo animals are a critical concern for both animal health and management. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of endo- and ectoparasites among zoo animals in Germany. A retrospective analysis of the submitted samples of a diverse range of zoo animals (5768) from a ten-year period (2012-2022) was conducted. Overall, 31.1% of those samples tested positive for at least one parasite. In the examined samples, helminths (28.4%) were found more often than protozoans (10.3%) or ectoparasites (0.8%). Among the various animal groups the following parasites were found most commonly: Artiodactyla: Coccidia (34.6%), Strongylida (23.4%); Perissodactyla: Strongylida (19.3%), Ascaridida (12.0%); Carnivora: Ascaridida (16.6%), Coccidia (8.1%); Rodentia: Oxyurida (18.2%), Coccidia (10.5%); Marsupialia: Coccidia (9.4%), Oxyurida (5.9%); Primates: Trichuris spp. (9.7%), Oxyurida (2.2%); Aves: Capillaria (7.8%), Ascaridida (7.6%); Reptilia, Amphibia, Insecta: Oxyurida (18.7%); Pisces: Ciliates (6.2%). Furthermore, potentially zoonotic parasites were identified, including Toxoplasma gondii (0.1%), Cryptosporidium sp. (0.1%). By examining the occurrence of specific parasites, these findings demonstrate the importance of parasites in the context of zoo animal health. They also highlight the need for effective strategies to control parasite burden to improve the overall welfare of zoo animals.

Examining the molecular epidemiology of Giardia and Eimeria species in Japan: a comprehensive review

Globally, animals and humans suffer from diarrheal illnesses due to protozoan parasites such as Giardia and Eimeria species. The molecular epidemiology of these parasites in Japan is summarized in this review. In humans, researchers found only one main species of Giardia, which is most referred to as G. lamblia, but it's also known by different names like G. duodenalis or G. intestinalis. However, within this species, six assemblages (A, B, C, D, E, and F) were found in animals, and assemblage B was frequently recorded in human and monkey populations, whereas assemblages A and E were predominant in calves. Assemblage A was found in sika deer and assemblages A, C, D, and F were predominant in dogs, cats, and ferret. Eimeria bovis, E. zuernii, and other species found in animals made up the group of species known as Eimeria spp., with E. bovis and E. zuernii being the most common in cattle. Our review highlighted a notable lack of data investigations regarding these two pathogens in water and environmental sources. Giardia cysts were found in the few studies that have been done on water sources, suggesting that water may play a significant role in the transmission of Giardia species. Our review suggests that further research is necessary to fully comprehend the molecular diversity and dynamics of transmission of Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. in humans, animals, and environmental sources in Japan.

Occurrence and biodiversity of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Madura cattle reared on Kamal Subdistrict, Madura Island, Indonesia

Background and Aim:

In Indonesia, Madura cattle are native breeds that are expected to contribute to the improvement of regional meat self-sufficiency. Eimeria spp. are protozoans that are commonly found in ruminants. This study aimed to identify the occurrence and diversity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, fresh fecal samples were collected from 100 cattle in Kamal Subdistrict, Bangkalan District, Madura Island, Indonesia. Morphological detection was performed using a light microscope, and molecular identification was performed using a polymerase chain reaction. DNA amplification was conducted using various species-specific primers for Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria alabamensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, and Eimeria cylindrica.

Results:

The results obtained 21% (21/100) of Eimeria spp. based on morphological detection. A total of 15 positive samples with 500–25,000/mL oocysts were selected for DNA extraction and amplification, resulting in 12 positive samples. Four Eimeria spp. were obtained based on molecular identification: E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica.

Conclusion:

Four species of Eimeria namely E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica were identified from fecal sample of Madura cattle using PCR method in this study. Further comprehensive studies are required to investigate the pathogenicity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle. Therefore, improved and integrated management practices should be strengthened by local governments to prevent pathogenic diseases and increase national livestock productivity in Indonesia.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Background and Aim:

Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations.

Results:

Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar.

Conclusion:

Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Coproparasitological examinations and molecular determination of Eimeria species in Madura cattle reared on Madura Island, Indonesia

Madura cattle, which are native to Indonesia and mainly kept on Madura Island, East Java, are expected to contribute to improving the regional meat self-sufficiency. Eimeria spp. are the most pathogenic protozoans among gastrointestinal parasites in livestock but no molecular surveys of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle have been conducted to date. In this study, a total of 183 fecal samples were collected from Madura cattle and 60 (32.8%) were positive for parasites of protozoans and nematodes by the sugar floatation method. Among the samples with parasites, Eimeria spp. oocysts were detected in 50 samples (27.3%) with an average OPG value of 1686.1. Eimeria spp. were successfully identified to the species level in 26 samples with Eimeria bovis being the most prevalent, followed by E. zuernii and E. aubrunensis. A total of 21 samples showed mixed infection of more than two species of Eimeria. E. bovis and E. zuernii have been recognized as having high virulency and, thus, these parasites are potential sources of severe coccidiosis and the cause of infections in other cattle. Although additional studies are warranted, these results can be helpful for improving the management and productivity of Madura cattle.

Wildlife Is a Potential Source of Human Infections of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis in Southeastern China

Wildlife is known to be a source of high-impact pathogens affecting people. However, the distribution, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in wildlife are poorly understood. Here, we conducted the first molecular epidemiological investigation of these three pathogens in wildlife in Zhejiang and Shanghai, China. Genomic DNAs were derived from 182 individual fecal samples from wildlife and then subjected to a nested polymerase chain reaction–based sequencing approach for detection and characterization. Altogether, 3 (1.6%), 21 (11.5%), and 48 (26.4%) specimens tested positive for Cryptosporidium species, E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis, respectively. Sequence analyses revealed five known (BEB6, D, MJ13, SC02, and type IV) and two novel (designated SH_ch1 and SH_deer1) genotypes of E. bieneusi. Phylogenetically, novel E. bieneusi genotype SH_deer1 fell into group 6, and the other genotypes were assigned to group 1 with zoonotic potential. Three novel Cryptosporidium genotypes (Cryptosporidium avian genotype V-like and C. galli-like 1 and 2) were identified, C. galli-like 1 and 2 formed a clade that was distinct from Cryptosporidium species. The genetic distinctiveness of these two novel genotypes suggests that they represent a new species of Cryptosporidium. Zoonotic assemblage A (n = 36) and host-adapted assemblages C (n = 1) and E (n = 7) of G. duodenalis were characterized. The overall results suggest that wildlife act as host reservoirs carrying zoonotic E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis, potentially enabling transmission from wildlife to humans and other animals.

A scoping review of rodent-borne pathogen presence, exposure, and transmission at zoological institutions

BACKGROUND

Rodents are one of the major taxa most likely to carry zoonotic diseases, harboring more than 85 unique zoonotic pathogens. While the significance of rodents' capacity to carry and transmit disease has been characterized in urban settings, the zoo environment is particularly unique given the overlap of collection, free-living, and feeder rodents as well as non-rodent collection animals, staff, and visitors.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This scoping review examines reports of rodent-borne pathogen detection or transmission in zoo settings extracted from the literature. Papers were included in the final analysis if there was evidence of presence or exposure to a pathogen in a rodent at a zoological institution.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

Publications were included from PubMed, CAB Abstracts and Biological Abstracts searched in August 2019.

CHARTING METHODS

Data extracted from publications on pathogen presence/exposure included publication identifiers, study identifiers, infectious agent identifiers, rodent identifiers, and non-rodent collection animal identifiers. Extraction from papers with evidence of disease transmission included number of rodents involved in transmission, non-rodent collection animal species and numbers, and job title of humans involved, diagnostic tests performed, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Aggregate literature examined included 207 publications presenting evidence of pathogen presence and/or exposure in rodents across 43 countries in over 140 zoological institutions. A total of 143 infectious agent genera were identified, comprising 14 viral genera, 31 bacterial genera, 83 parasitic genera, and 15 fungal genera. Of these infectious agents, over 75 % were potentially zoonotic. The most common disease-causing agent genera identified were Leptospira, Toxoplasma, Salmonella, and Yersinia. Additional screening for evidence of pathogen transmission across species yielded 30 publications, indicating an area for future investigation to better inform surveillance and management priorities in order to reduce exposure, infection, and transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyzing the breadth of rodent species and pathogens identified at zoos highlights the unique opportunity zoos have to be at the forefront of the early detection and identification of novel hosts and geographic ranges of rodent-borne pathogens with high impact on both endangered species and people. The overlap of these populations at zoos exemplifies the importance of considering One Health when prioritizing surveillance and risk mitigation of rodent reservoirs at zoos.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis among captive mammals in the Bangladesh National Zoo

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoan parasites capable of causing gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals. The purpose of this research was to determine the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in captive mammals at the Bangladesh National Zoo. A total of 200 fresh fecal samples from 32 mammalian species were collected and examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and G. duodenalis targeting the β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. The overall infection rates of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis among captive mammals in the zoo were 3.5% (7/200) and 5.5% (11/200), respectively. Five species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium (C. hominis, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. felis, and Cryptosporidium deer genotype) were identified. C. hominis was subtyped as IbA12G3 by sequence analysis of the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) gene. Multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis revealed assemblages A, B, and D. Mixed infections of assemblages B and D and A and B were found in an Asiatic jackal and a Nilgiri langur, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence and genetic identity of the two parasites among zoo animals in Bangladesh. The results suggest that zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis are maintained in and transmitted between captive mammals. Therefore, washing, cleaning, and disinfection measures should be implemented to reduce the spread of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis infections.

Frequency of enteroparasites in Cebidae and Callitrichidae primates at the Zoológico de Cali, Colombia: zoonotic implications

Introducción.

Los enteroparásitos pueden generar problemas en animales bajo cuidado humano en zoológicos y centros de acogida. Los animales silvestres presentan bajas cargas parasitarias, pero estas pueden ser mayores y llevar a manifestaciones clínicas cuando se trata de animales resguardados en recintos, lo que aumenta los gastos en tratamientos y cuidados médicos. Por otro lado, algunos enteroparásitos pueden causar infecciones zoonóticas en los cuidadores, los visitantes y otros animales del zoológico, así como afectar los programas de recuperación de especies amenazadas de extinción.

Objetivos.

Determinar la presencia y prevalencia de enteroparásitos con potencial de transmisión zoonótica en primates de las familias Cebidae y Callitrichidae del Zoológico de Cali, entre septiembre y noviembre de 2017.

Materiales y métodos.

Se hizo un estudio transversal prospectivo, para lo cual se recolectaron muestras seriadas de 50 individuos pertenecientes a siete especies de dos familias de primates y se analizaron mediante examen coprológico, flotación y coloración Kinyoun, entre septiembre y noviembre de 2017.

Resultados.

Según su prevalencia, los géneros de parásitos hallados en las siete especies de primates evaluadas, fueron Blastocystis spp., Trichomonas spp., Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Strongyloides spp., Cyclospora sp. y Trichuris sp.

Conclusiones.

Por lo menos, seis de los géneros de parásitos identificados tienen implicaciones zoonóticas, lo cual hace necesario establecer las posibles vías de infección de los primates del Zoológico de Cali e implementar protocolos de manejo que reduzcan el riesgo de transmisión a los humanos y a otros animales de la colección. Además, se presenta la información relevante sobre el potencial zoonótico de los enteroparásitos hallados.

Zoonotic parasites in farmed exotic animals in China: Implications to public health

Several species of wild mammals are farmed in China as part of the rural development and poverty alleviation, including fur animals, bamboo rats, and macaque monkeys. Concerns have been raised on the potential dispersal of pathogens to humans and other farm animals brought in from native habitats. Numerous studies have been conducted on the genetic identity and public health potential of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in these newly farmed exotic animals. The data generated have shown a high prevalence of the pathogens in farmed wildlife, probably due to the stress from the short captivity and congregation of large numbers of susceptible animals. Host adaptation at species/genotype and subtype levels has reduced the potential for cross-species and zoonotic transmission of pathogens, but the farm environment appears to favor the transmission of some species, genotypes, and subtypes, with reduced pathogen diversity compared with their wild relatives. Most genotypes and subtypes of the pathogens detected appear to be brought in from their native habitats. A few of the subtypes have emerged as human pathogens. One Health measures should be developed to slow the dispersal of indigenous pathogens among farmed exotic animals and prevent their spillover to other farm animals and humans.

Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in Captive Pet Birds in Henan Province, Central China

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.

Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission

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.

Detections of gastrointestinal parasites, including Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., in cattle of Banten province, Indonesia

Gastrointestinal parasites can induce low productivity in livestock by causing acute or chronic enteritis. Veterinarians make great efforts to design rational and effective hygienic protocols for both the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Although prevalences can vary depending on the examined areas or the ages of the hosts, and the methods used for detections, it is helpful to accumulate data across many areas to evaluate parasitic distribution. A coprological survey in cattle was conducted in Tangerang, Banten Province of Indonesia, in order to determine the prevalence of the parasites, including those of diarrhea-associated diseases. Furthermore, the risk of transmission of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. to human was genetically analyzed. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 87 of 109 cattle samples, including 85 carrying Eimeria spp., 36 carrying Fasciola gigantica, 35 carrying Strongyloides spp., 33 carrying Paramphistomum spp., and 15 carrying Capillaria spp. Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., parasites with zoonotic potential, were detected in 9 and 1 cattle samples, respectively. Molecular analyses identified the G. intestinalis isolate as a member of Assemblage E, which has been recently detected in humans in another country. These results may be helpful in understanding the hygienic risk affecting the livestock productivity and zoonotic potential of cattle in Indonesia.

Molecular characterization of highly pathogenic Eimeria species among beef cattle on Java Island, Indonesia

Gastrointestinal parasites including Eimeria spp. are known to affect domestic animal productivity causing watery or lethal bloody diarrhea. However, there are few reports on the detailed distribution of bovine Eimeria spp. in cattle, particularly in developing tropical and sub-tropical areas. Using a total of 289 fecal samples collected from beef cattle on Java Island, one of the five main islands of Indonesia, fecal examinations by the Whitlock and sugar flotation methods and molecular surveys were conducted to reveal the prevalence of 6 Eimeria spp. As a result of morphological screening using Whitlock methods and sugar flotation, Eimeria spp. prevalences of 9.4% and 52.3% were confirmed, respectively. The prevalence was higher in younger cattle [under 1 year (63.9%), 1-2 years (75.0%) and more than in 2 year old cattle (42.3%)]. The prevalences of identified species were as follows: 10.4% for E. bovis, 2.8% for E. ellipsoidalis, 2.1% for E. alabamensis, 1.4% for E. zuernii, 1.1% for E. auburnensis, and 0.4% for E. cylindrica. Moreover, prevalences of 12.8% for Strongyloides papillosus, 7.3% for Trichuris globulosa, and 0.3% for Capillaria bovis were detected. Although the average number of oocysts per gram of feces was <100 among the positive samples, and cases of heavy infection were limited, the endemicity of these pathogenic Eimeria species among farms in Indonesia should be noted.

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Captive Wildlife at Zhengzhou Zoo, China

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common gastrointestinal protists in humans and animals. Two hundred and three fecal specimens from 80 wildlife species were collected in Zhengzhou Zoo and their genomic DNA extracted. Three intestinal pathogens were characterized with a DNA sequence analysis of different loci. Cryptosporidium felis, C. baileyi, and avian genotype III were identified in three specimens (1.5%), the manul, red-crowned crane, and cockatiel, respectively. Giardia duodenalis was also found in five specimens (2.5%) firstly: assemblage B in a white-cheeked gibbon and beaver, and assemblage F in a Chinese leopard and two Siberian tigers, respectively. Thirteen genotypes of E. bieneusi (seven previously reported genotypes and six new genotypes) were detected in 32 specimens (15.8%), of which most were reported for the first time. A phylogenetic analysis of E. bieneusi showed that five genotypes (three known and two new) clustered in group 1; three known genotypes clustered in group 2; one known genotype clustered in group 4; and the remaining four genotypes clustered in a new group. In conclusion, zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi are maintained in wildlife and transmitted between them. Zoonotic disease outbreaks of these infectious agents possibly originate in wildlife reservoirs.

Molecular identification of the Cryptosporidium deer genotype in the Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Hokkaido, Japan

The protozoan Cryptosporidium occurs in a wide range of animal species including many Cervidae species. Fecal samples collected from the Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis), a native deer of Hokkaido, in the central, western, and eastern areas of Hokkaido were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect infections with Cryptosporidium and for sequence analyses to reveal the molecular characteristics of the amplified DNA. DNA was extracted from 319 fecal samples and examined with PCR using primers for small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA), actin, and 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) gene loci. PCR-amplified fragments were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were created. In 319 fecal samples, 25 samples (7.8 %) were positive with SSU-rRNA PCR that were identified as the Cryptosporidium deer genotype. Among Cryptosporidium-positive samples, fawns showed higher prevalence (16.1 %) than yearlings (6.4 %) and adults (4.7 %). The result of Fisher's exact test showed a statistical significance in the prevalence of the Cryptosporidium deer genotype between fawn and other age groups. Sequence analyses with actin and HSP70 gene fragments confirmed the SSU-rRNA result, and there were no sequence diversities observed. The Cryptosporidium deer genotype appears to be the prevalent Cryptosporidium species in the wild sika deer in Hokkaido, Japan.

Survey on gastrointestinal parasites and detection of Cryptosporidium spp. on cattle in West Java, Indonesia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on cattle in Indonesia because the prevalence of parasites varies between countries depending on the terrain surrounding livestock farms and investigations in Indonesia have never been performed.

METHODS

Fecal samples from cattle at 35 farms in 7 districts in West Java, Indonesia, has been examined using the floatation or sedimentation methods, and a immunofluorescence assay and experimentally inoculation to mice for Cryptosporidium or Giardia.spp.

RESULTS

153 of 394 examined cattle (38.8%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Eimeria spp., Nematoda spp. (including Oesophagustomum and Bunostomum-like), Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum spp. was 22.4%, 11.2%, 12.5% and 3.8%, respectively. Cryptosporidium andersoni (C. andersoni) was also found in two samples. One isolate of this parasite was confirmed to be transmitted to mice, in contrast to the isolates from other countries.

CONCLUSIONS

although this survey is preliminary, the results shows that the infection of gastrointestinal parasites in Indonesia was not high, but these infected cattle could be as a potential source leading to economic losses in livestock production.

Endoparasite infections in pet and zoo birds in Italy

Faecal samples were individually collected from pet (n = 63) and zoo (n = 83) birds representing 14 orders and 63 species. All the samples were examined by faecal flotation technique. In a subgroup of samples (n = 75), molecular assays were also used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia duodenalis cysts. Overall, 35.6% of the birds harboured parasites (42.2% of zoo birds and 27% of pet birds), including Strongyles-Capillarids (8.9%), Ascaridia (6.8%), Strongyles (5.5%), G. duodenalis Assemblage A (5.3%), Coccidia (4.1%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Porrocaecum (2.7%), Porrocaecum-Capillarids (2%), and Syngamus-Capillarids (0.7%). The zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblage A and Cryptosporidium were exclusively found in Psittaciformes, with prevalences of 10.3% and 7.7% within this bird group. Zoo birds were more likely to harbor mixed infections (OR = 14.81) and symptomatic birds to be parasitized (OR = 4.72). Clinicians should be aware of the public health implications posed by zoonotic G. duodenalis Assemblages and Cryptosporidium species in captive birds.

Global distribution, public health and clinical impact of the protozoan pathogen cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium spp. are coccidians, oocysts-forming apicomplexan protozoa, which complete their life cycle both in humans and animals, through zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission, causing cryptosporidiosis. The global burden of this disease is still underascertained, due to a conundrum transmission modality, only partially unveiled, and on a plethora of detection systems still inadequate or only partially applied for worldwide surveillance. In children, cryptosporidiosis encumber is even less recorded and often misidentified due to physiological reasons such as early-age unpaired immunological response. Furthermore, malnutrition in underdeveloped countries or clinical underestimation of protozoan etiology in developed countries contribute to the underestimation of the worldwide burden. Principal key indicators of the parasite distribution were associated to environmental (e.g., geographic and temporal clusters, etc.) and host determinants of the infection (e.g., age, immunological status, travels, community behaviours). The distribution was geographically mapped to provide an updated picture of the global parasite ecosystems. The present paper aims to provide, by a critical analysis of existing literature, a link between observational epidemiological records and new insights on public health, and diagnostic and clinical impact of cryptosporidiosis.

First detection of Cryptosporidium baileyi in Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) in China

Fecal samples from Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea, were screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Five samples out of 148 ones (3.38%) were confirmed to be positive. DNA was extracted individually from positive samples and used for PCR amplification of SSU rDNA and HSP70 gene loci. The obtained PCR products were cloned in E. coli (TG1 strain) using pMD18-T vector and sequenced using standard methods. Microscopical and molecular analyses identified the obtained isolates as Cryptosporidium baileyi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detection of C. baileyi from Ruddy Shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea, in China.

Coprological survey of parasitic infections in pigs and cattle in slaughterhouse in Osaka, Japan

A coprological survey was performed at a slaughterhouse in Osaka, Japan, from 2004 to 2007 on 129 pigs reared in 8 prefectures, and on 213 cattle reared in 21 prefectures. Eimeria spp., Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum and Metastrongylus spp. infections were found in 52 (40.3%), 32 (24.8%), 19 (14.7%) and 3 pigs (2.3%), respectively, while Eimeria spp., Capillaria bovis and Trichuris sp. infections were detected in 163 (76.5%), 15 (7.0%) and 8 cattle (3.8%), respectively. Our results suggest that environmentally resistant oocysts and eggs of parasites could be widespread at the farms examined.