Molecular-Based Detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Farmed Masked Palm Civets (Paguma larvata) in Hainan, China: A High-Prevalence, Specificity, and Zoonotic Potential of ITS Genotypes

High genotype diversity and zoonotic potential of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in laboratory mice from two medical experimental animal centers

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common zoonotic pathogen in wild, farmed and pet rodents worldwide. Recently, one study reported E. bieneusi infection in laboratory mice. To investigate the positive rate and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi in laboratory mice and assess the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi isolates, 390 mixed mouse fecal specimens were collected from two medical experimental animal centers in Heilongjiang Province, China. E. bieneusi was identified and genotyped by nested PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Seventy-one specimens (18.2%) were positive for E. bieneusi, and 38 genotypes were identified, including eight known genotypes (EbpC, D, Peru8, CS-4, Henan-III, CHC5, ETMK4 and SHWR14) and 30 novel genotypes (HLJLM1 to HLJLM30). Genotypes CHC5 and ETMK4 were firstly detected in rodents. Genotype EbpC showed a dominance (50.7%, 36/71) in positive specimens. Zoonotic genotypes (EbpC, D, Peru8, Henan-III and CS-4) accounted for 64.8% (46/71) of E. bieneusi-positive specimens. In phylogenetic analysis, the novel genotypes fell into three subgroups (1a, 1d, 1e) of Group 1. The identification of known zoonotic genotypes and the phylogenetic result of novel genotypes indicate the potential of laboratory mice in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans. The routine detection of E. bieneusi should be a recommended practice in laboratory animals to ensure the accuracy of the experimental results. Meanwhile, health education of the potential zoonotic transmission of E. bieneusi should be provided to those people having close contact with laboratory mice and their feces.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in endangered Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) in Hainan, China

Introduction

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most frequent microsporidia species causing digestive disorder mainly diarrhea in humans and animals. Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) is the class I national key protected wildlife and only distributed on Hainan Island in China. No report on the prevalence and molecular characterization of E. bieneusi in wild Eld's deer worldwide.

Methods

217 fecal samples were collected from Eld's deer in two isolated habitats of a nature reserve in Hainan, and examined by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

Results and discussion

The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in Eld's deer was 17.5% (38/217), with 13.5% (12/89) and 20.3% (26/128) in habitats 1 and 2, respectively. Seven ITS genotypes were identified, including five known genotypes: D (n = 19), Peru11 (n = 10), EbpC (n = 5), Peru8 (n = 1) and Type IV (n = 1), and two novel genotypes: HNED-I and HNED-II (one each). Genotypes Peru8 and Peru11 were firstly identified in cervids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the detected genotypes belonged to zoonotic Group 1. The results implied that the further research on threaten of E. bieneusi to endangered Eld's deer and potential risks for public health is necessary.

Molecular prevalence and genotype identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle and goats from Zhejiang Province, China

Introduction

Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is a widespread intracellular fungi that poses a significant zoonotic threat due to its infectivity toward both humans and animals.

Methods

To evaluate the zoonotic transmission potential of this fungi, a molecular investigation was undertaken on E. bieneusi in cattle and goats reared across multiple cities in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 651 fresh samples were collected, consisting of 265 cattle and 386 goats. The presence of E. bieneusi was determined by PCR amplification and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in all collected samples.

Results

The results revealed that 17.1% (111/859) of the animals were afflicted with E. bieneusi, cattle having a prevalence of 14.0% (37/265) and goats displaying a higher rate of 19.2% (74/386). Seventeen E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including 10 known, CHG5 (n = 30), CHG3 (n = 21), I (n = 14), J (n = 12), CHG2 (n = 11), COS-II (n = 8), D (n = 4), CHG19 (n = 2), ETMK5 (n = 1), and Henan III (n = 1), and seven novel, ZJG-I to ZJG-VI and ZJN-I (one each) genotypes.

Discussion

These findings indicate widespread infection of E. bieneusi among the surveyed animals, thereby raising concerns about zoonotic genotypes that could pose potential threats to public health. Furthermore, the identification of novel genotypes of E. bieneusi offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity of this pathogen.

Host specificity and zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China

Introduction

Wild rodents can serve as reservoirs or carriers of E. bieneusi, thereby enabling parasite transmission to domestic animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. bieneusi in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China. Moreover, to evaluate the potential for zoonotic transmission at the genotype level, a genetic analysis of the isolates was performed.

Methods

A total of 486 wild rodents were captured from two provinces in China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene in the fecal DNA of the rodents to detect their species. The genotype of E. bieneusi was determined via PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The examination of genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential requires the application of similarity and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

The infection rates of E. bieneusi in the four identified rodent species were 5.2% for Apodemus agrarius (n = 89), 4.5% for Cricetulus barabensis (n = 96), 11.3% for Mus musculus (n = 106), and 38.5% for Rattus norvegicus (n = 195). Infection was detected at an average rate of 17.4% among 486 rodents. Of the 11 identified genotypes, nine were known: SHR1 (detected in 32 samples), D (30 samples), EbpA (9 samples), PigEbITS7 (8 samples), HNR-IV (6 samples), Type IV (5 samples), HNR-VII (2 samples), HNH7 (1 sample), and HNPL-V (1 sample). Two novel genotypes were also discovered, NMR-I and NMR-II, each comprising one sample. The genotypes were classified into group 1 and group 13 via phylogenetic analysis.

Discussion

Based on the initial report, E. bieneusi is highly prevalent and genetically diverse in wild rodents residing in the respective province and region. This indicates that these animals are crucial for the dissemination of E. bieneusi. Zoonotic E. bieneusi-carrying animals present a significant hazard to local inhabitants. Therefore, it is necessary to increase awareness regarding the dangers presented by these rodents and reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in eleven wild rodent species in China: Common distribution, extensive genetic diversity and high zoonotic potential

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common zoonotic pathogens in humans and animals. Although rodents are important parts of the ecosystem and common hosts for these pathogens, little is known of the distribution, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in wild rodents. A total of 442 fecal samples were collected from eleven wild rodent species in three provinces of China, and analyzed for these pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. The infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and E. bieneusi were 19.9% (88/442), 19.8% (75/378) and 12.2% (54/442), respectively. Altogether, 23 known Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified and their distribution varied among different sampling locations or rodent species. Subtyping of the zoonotic Cryptosporidium species identified two novel subtype families XVe and XVf in C. viatorum, the subtype family XIIh and a novel subtype family XIIj in C. ubiquitum, and the subtype family IId in C. parvum. Three Giardia species were identified, including G. microti (n = 57), G. muris (n = 15) and G. duodenalis (n = 3), with G. duodenalis assemblages A and G identified in brown rats in urban areas of Guangdong. In addition, 13 E. bieneusi genotypes including eight known and five novel ones were identified, belonging to Groups 1, 2, 10, 14 and 15. Within nine genotypes in the zoonotic Group 1, common human-pathogenic genotypes D, Type IV, PigEbITS7 and Peru8 were detected only in brown rats and Lesser rice-field rats in urban areas of Guangdong. Apparent host adaptation and geographical differences were observed among Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and E. bieneusi genotypes in wild rodents in the present study. Furthermore, the zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and E. bieneusi genotypes commonly found here suggest a high zoonotic potential of these pathogens in wild rodents, especially in brown rats in urban areas. Hygiene and One Health measures should be implemented in urban streets and food stores to reduce the possible direct and indirect transmission of these rodent-related pathogens.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Wild Rats and Shrews from Zhejiang Province, China: Occurrence, Genetic Characterization, and Potential for Zoonotic Transmission

Globally, Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been detected in humans and various animal hosts. Wild rats and shrews have the potential to act as carriers of E. bieneusi, facilitating the parasite's transmission to humans and domestic animals. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. bieneusi in 652 wild rats and shrews from Zhejiang Province, China, by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To determine animal species, we amplified the Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene in their fecal DNA using PCR. Furthermore, we determined the genotype of E. bieneusi by amplifying the ITS region of rDNA through PCR. Genetic traits and zoonotic potential were evaluated using similarity and phylogenetic analyses. Suncus murinus (n = 282) and five rat species, Rattus losea (n = 18), Apodemus agrarius (n = 36), Rattus tanezumi (n = 86), Rattus norvegicus (n = 155), and Niviventer niviventer (n = 75), were identified. The average infection rate of E. bieneusi was 14.1% (92/652) with 18.1% (51/282) in S. murinus and 11.1% (41/370) in rats (27.8% in R. losea, 22.2% in A. agrarius, 10.5% in R. tanezumi, 8.4% in R. norvegicus, and 8.0% in N. niviventer). Thirty-three genotypes were identified, including 16 known genotypes. The most commonly known genotypes were HNR-VI (n = 47) and Peru11 (n = 6). Type IV, KIN-1, SHW7, and HNPL-II were each found in two samples, while Macaque4, CH5, K, Henan-III, Henan-V, HNP-II, HNPL-I, HNPL-III, HNHZ-II, and HNHZ-III were each found in one sample. Additionally, 17 novel genotypes were discovered: WZR-VIII (n = 5), WZR-I to WZR-VII, WZR-IX to WZR-XII, and WZSH-I to WZSH-V (n = 1 each). Those 33 genotypes were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 25), Group 2 (n = 3), and Group 13 (n = 5). The initial report underscores the extensive occurrence and notable genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in wild rats and shrews from Zhejiang province, China. These results suggest that these animals play a pivotal role in the transmission of E. bieneusi. Furthermore, animals carrying the zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi pose a serious threat to residents.

Molecular detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in farmed Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus) and bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus) from Hainan Province, China: Common occurrence, wide genetic variation and high zoonotic potential

We investigated the occurrence and genotypic diversity of E. bieneusi in farmed Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats from Hainan Province, China. Four hundred and sixty-seven fresh feces were collected from 164 Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and 303 bamboo rats. DNA extraction from the feces and genotyping of E. bieneusi were performed by the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of E. bieneusi using PCR. A neighbor-joining tree was constructed based on the sequences obtained here and other sequences of E. bieneusi genotypes stored in Genbank. The total rate of infection with E. bieneusi was 32.5% (152/467), with 14.6% (24/164) in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and 42.2% (128/303) in bamboo rats infected. Seventeen genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified including 12 known genotypes, i.e., D (n = 78), Henan-III (n = 21), SHW7 (n = 19), KIN-1 (n = 11), ETMK5 (n = 7), TypeIV (n = 4), EbpD (n = 2), EbpA (n = 1), EbpC (n = 1), S7 (n = 1), HNPL-III (n = 1), HNR-VII (n = 1), and five novel genotypes named as HNZS-I (n = 1) and HNHZ-I to HNHZ-IV (n = 1 per genotype). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the genotypes found here except genotype S7 fell into Group 1. The present study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of E. bieneusi infection (32.5%) and a large genetic variation of E. bieneusi (seventeen genotypes) in farmed Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats in Hainan, China. The high proportion (78.3%) of zoonotic genotypes identified in the animals investigated here suggests that there is the potential for zoonotic or cross-species transmission which may pose a serious public health threat in the area. Public education on the management of Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats should be implemented in the investigated areas.

Molecular prevalence and genetic diversity analysis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in humans in Hainan Province, China: High diversity and unique endemic genetic characteristics

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen commonly found in humans and animals all over the world. Here, we investigated the occurrence and genotype constitute of E. bieneusi among the individuals from Haikou city of Hainan, China. A total of 1,264 fecal samples of humans were collected, including 628 samples from patients with diarrhea (325 adults and 303 children) and 636 samples from the asymptomatic population (383 college students and 253 kindergarten children). E. bieneusi was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using a neighbor-joining tree construction method. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 3.7% (47/1,264), while it was 5.6% in the patients with diarrhea (5.8% in adults and 5.3% in children) and 1.9% in the asymptomatic population (2.9% in college students and 0.4% in kindergarten children). The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans with diarrhea was significantly higher than that in the asymptomatic population (χ² = 36.9; P < 0.05). A total of 28 genotypes were identified, including ten known genotypes: CHG2 (n = 3), CHG3 (n = 5), CHG5 (n = 10), CM21 (n = 1), EbpA (n = 1), EbpC (n = 1), PigEBITS4 (n = 1), PigEBITS7 (n = 1), SHR1 (n = 4), Type IV (n = 2), and 18 novel genotypes (HNH-1 to HNH-18; one each). All these genotypes were categorized into three groups, including group 1 (n = 6), group 2 (n = 14), and group 13 (n = 8). This was the first study on the identification of E. bieneusi among humans in Hainan, China. The correlation between E. bieneusi infection and diarrhea was observed. The high diversity and distinctive distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes found in this study reflected the unique epidemic genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in humans living in Hainan.