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Holubová N, Zikmundová V, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Rajský M, Konečný R, Rost M, Mravcová K, Sak B, Kváč M. Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in feral and captive pigeons in Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:158. [PMID: 38460006 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08169-2] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results show that pigeon populations in Central Europe are parasitised by different species of Cryptosporidium and genotypes of microsporidia of the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. A total of 634 and 306 faecal samples of captive and feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) from 44 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland were analysed for the presence of parasites by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA), 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of SSU rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. galli and C. ornithophilus, E. hellem genotype 1A and 2B, E. cuniculi genotype I and II and E. bieneusi genotype Peru 6, CHN-F1, D, Peru 8, Type IV, ZY37, E, CHN4, SCF2 and WR4. Captive pigeons were significantly more frequently parasitised with screened parasite than feral pigeons. Cryptosporidium meleagridis IIIa and a new subtype IIIl have been described, the oocysts of which are not infectious to immunodeficient mice, whereas chickens are susceptible. This investigation demonstrates that pigeons can be hosts to numerous species, genotypes and subtypes of the studied parasites. Consequently, they represent a potential source of infection for both livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Zikmundová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Matúš Rajský
- Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Lužianky, Slovakia
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Mravcová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Hasapis KA, Charalambidou I, Schou C, O'Dowd Phanis C, Kazamia S, Kassinis N, Hadjisterkotis E, Karanis P. First Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Endemic Cyprus Mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion). Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1035-1040. [PMID: 38062227 PMCID: PMC11001731 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00747-1] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidium is an intestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects domesticated and wild animals. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium in the endemic Cyprus mouflon. The mouflon is strictly protected by national and international legislation. Its main distribution is Paphos State Forest and surrounding areas, where it may share the same water sources as free-ranging domestic goats. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes in mouflon and free-ranging goats within the mouflon range. METHODS Faecal samples of 70 mouflons and 34 free-ranging goats were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification and sequencing. RESULTS Only one sample (1/70) belonging to a mouflon was PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the 18S rRNA locus, this species was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). No positive sample was detected in the free-ranging goats (0/34). CONCLUSION This is the first report on the molecular identification of this Cryptosporidium species in a Cyprus mouflon. The results indicate that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Cyprus mouflon is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriacos A Hasapis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Iris Charalambidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chad Schou
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Catherine O'Dowd Phanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanie Kazamia
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Eleftherios Hadjisterkotis
- Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50923, Cologne, Germany.
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Rzeżutka A, Kaupke A. Cryptosporidium infections in asymptomatic calves up to 4 months in Poland: a cross-sectional population study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20997. [PMID: 38017032 PMCID: PMC10684609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47810-5] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle cryptosporidiosis is noted worldwide with varied frequency of infection prevalence depending on geographical, environmental and husbandry factors. In this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle was determined on the basis of molecular results obtained by testing 1601 faecal samples collected from calves up to 4 months of age housed in all Polish provinces from 2014 to 2018. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) locus by conducting PCR-RFLP analysis of the amplified DNA fragments. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in the cattle population was 45.3% (CI 95%: 42.8-47.7; 725/1601). The infected animals were housed on 233/267 (87.3%) of monitored farms with regional prevalence ranging from 27.8 to 62%. The restriction pattern of 18S rRNA amplicons for positive samples was characteristic of C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and unexpectedly also of C. baileyi and C. suis. Infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae prevailed in the studied cattle population relegating C. parvum to third in prevalence. Likewise, mixed infections caused by C. bovis and C. ryanae as well as C. parvum and C. bovis were observed. A relationship between the infecting parasite species and animal breed was found. For instance, C. parvum prevailed in Black and White lowland breed, C. ryanae in Limousine cattle and C. andersoni in dairy animals of mixed dairy breeds. Furthermore, differences in prevalence of particular parasite species between cattle breeds were also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Rzeżutka
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Kaupke
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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Hasapis KA, Charalambidou I, Tsouma E, Sotiriadi K, Kassinis N, Schou C, Karanis P. First detection of Cryptosporidium proventriculi from wild birds in Cyprus. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:201-205. [PMID: 36385306 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal zoonotic pathogen that can infect various hosts and cause diarrheal disease. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in wild birds in Cyprus. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes in wild birds found at Phassouri Reedbeds (Akrotiri Wetlands), Cyprus. Fecal samples of 75 wild birds (Eurasian coot Fulica atra, N = 48; Eurasian teal Anas crecca, N = 20; duck - Anas spp., Ν = 7) were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification and sequencing. Only one sample (1.3%) belonging to a Eurasian coot was PCR-positive for Cryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the 18S rRNA locus, this species was identified as Cryptosporidium proventriculi. This is the first report on the molecular identification of this Cryptosporidium species in a Eurasian coot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriacos A Hasapis
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Iris Charalambidou
- University of Nicosia, Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleni Tsouma
- University of Nicosia, Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Konstantina Sotiriadi
- University of Nicosia, Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Chad Schou
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, The University of Cologne, 50923, Cologne, Germany.
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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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