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Cheng C, Fan Z, Cheng D, Tao J. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Sheep and Goats in Jiangsu, China. Vet Sci 2024; 11:144. [PMID: 38668412 PMCID: PMC11054316 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11040144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sheep and goats serve as crucial hosts for Cryptosporidium spp. and are primarily responsible for its transmission via the fecal-oral route. This can result in symptoms such as lamb weight loss, diarrhea, and even fatalities, leading to significant economic losses. Currently, there is a lack of scholarly research investigating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in sheep and goats specifically within Jiangsu province. This study collected fecal samples from sheep and goats, extracted their DNA, amplified target bands using nested PCR, sequenced the DNA, constructed a phylogenetic tree, and identified the genetic genotype. In total, 3 positive samples were identified out of 398 samples. Furthermore, the gene sequences of these samples exhibited significant homology with C. xiaoi in GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Cryptosporidium spp. parasites under investigation are phylogenetically related to C. xiaoi. Conducting epidemiological investigations and accurately identifying the species of Cryptosporidium spp. is of utmost importance not only for the mutton sheep farming industry in Jiangsu but also for the proactive safeguarding of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (C.C.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhengrong Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (C.C.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Darong Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (C.C.)
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (C.C.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, 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 Res 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Barbosa AD, Egan S, Feng Y, Xiao L, Balogun S, Ryan U. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in marsupials-an update. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:107. [PMID: 38253768 PMCID: PMC10803519 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Marsupials, inhabiting diverse ecosystems, including urban and peri-urban regions in Australasia and the Americas, intersect with human activities, leading to zoonotic spill-over and anthroponotic spill-back of pathogens, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This review assesses the current knowledge on the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in marsupials, focusing on the potential zoonotic risks. Cryptosporidium fayeri and C. macropodum are the dominant species in marsupials, while in possums, the host-specific possum genotype dominates. Of these three species/genotypes, only C. fayeri has been identified in two humans and the zoonotic risk is considered low. Generally, oocyst shedding in marsupials is low, further supporting a low transmission risk. However, there is some evidence of spill-back of C. hominis into kangaroo populations, which requires continued monitoring. Although C. hominis does not appear to be established in small marsupials like possums, comprehensive screening and analysis are essential for a better understanding of the prevalence and potential establishment of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in small marsupials. Both host-specific and zoonotic Giardia species have been identified in marsupials. The dominance of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in marsupials may result from spill-back from livestock and humans and it is not yet understood if these are transient or established infections. Future studies using multilocus typing tools and whole-genome sequencing are required for a better understanding of the zoonotic risk from Giardia infections in marsupials. Moreover, much more extensive screening of a wider range of marsupial species, particularly in peri-urban areas, is required to provide a clearer understanding of the zoonotic risk of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF, 70040-020, Brazil.
| | - Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Samson Balogun
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Bartley PM, Standar JH, Katzer F. Genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy cattle and calves during the early stages of a calving season. Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis 2023; 5:100160. [PMID: 38116366 PMCID: PMC10727939 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a causative agent of cryptosporidiosis, an infectious gastroenteritis in neonatal ruminants, which can be fatal in severe cases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infections in dairy cattle/calves during the early stages of a calving season and the species/genotypes of the Cryptosporidium present. Faecal samples collected from pre- and post-partum dams (n = 224) as well as calves from age ∼1 day onwards (n = 312) were examined. Oocysts were concentrated, DNA extracted and tested by Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing, while genotypes of C. parvum were determined by gp60 and VNTR analysis. Results showed that 31.3% and 30.4% of pre- and post-partum dams tested positive for Cryptosporidium, respectively. In the adults, C. parvum (n = 52), C. bovis (n = 4) and C. andersoni (n = 19) were identified, while in the calves 248 out of 312 (79.5%) were PCR-positive for C. parvum. The proportion of positive calf samples was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the proportion of positive adult cattle during the first seven weeks of the calving season. In adult cattle, three distinct gp60 genotypes were identified, a predominant genotype IIaA15G2R1 (n = 36) and genotypes IIaA15R1 (n = 2) and IIaA14G2R1 (n = 1). In the calves, only genotype IIaA15G2R1 was detected (n = 125). Although C. parvum was observed in adult cattle two weeks after the start of the calving season, the predominant genotypes were not detected until Week 4 in both adults and calves, meaning it is still unclear whether adult cattle are the initial source of C. parvum infections on the farm. Historically calves on this dairy farm demonstrated the IIaA19G2R1 genotype, which, has now clearly been replaced with the IIaA15G2R1 genotype that is now found in both adults and calves. During the study season, significantly higher levels of neonatal calf mortality were observed compared to the seasons before (P = 0.046) and after (P = 0.0002). This study has shown comparable levels of C. parvum infection in both pre- and post-partum dams but higher levels of infection in neonatal calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Johan H. Standar
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
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Gunasekera S, Clode PL, King B, Monis P, Thierry B, Carr JM, Chopra A, Watson M, O'Dea M, Hijjawi N, Ryan U. Comparison of in vitro growth characteristics of Cryptosporidium hominis (IdA15G1) and Cryptosporidium parvum (Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2891-2905. [PMID: 37776335 PMCID: PMC10667462 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal disease and mortality in young children in resource-poor countries, for which no vaccines or adequate therapeutic options are available. Infection in humans is primarily caused by two species: C. hominis and C. parvum. Despite C. hominis being the dominant species infecting humans in most countries, very little is known about its growth characteristics and life cycle in vitro, given that the majority of our knowledge of the in vitro development of Cryptosporidium has been based on C. parvum. In the present study, the growth and development of two C. parvum isolates (subtypes Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) and one C. hominis isolate (subtype IdA15G1) in HCT-8 cells were examined and compared at 24 h and 48 h using morphological data acquired with scanning electron microscopy. Our data indicated no significant differences in the proportion of meronts or merozoites between species or subtypes at either time-point. Sexual development was observed at the 48-h time-point across both species through observations of both microgamonts and macrogamonts, with a higher frequency of macrogamont observations in C. hominis (IdA15G1) cultures at 48-h post-infection compared to both C. parvum subtypes. This corresponded to differences in the proportion of trophozoites observed at the same time point. No differences in proportion of microgamonts were observed between the three subtypes, which were rarely observed across all cultures. In summary, our data indicate that asexual development of C. hominis is similar to that of C. parvum, while sexual development is accelerated in C. hominis. This study provides new insights into differences in the in vitro growth characteristics of C. hominis when compared to C. parvum, which will facilitate our understanding of the sexual development of both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gunasekera
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Peta L Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation, and Analysis and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Brendon King
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Abha Chopra
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark Watson
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark O'Dea
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Nawal Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 150459, Zarqa, 13115, Jordan
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
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Feng K, Li N, Huang Y, Chen C, Wen L, Wang W, Ryan UM, Xiao L, Feng Y, Guo Y. Longitudinal follow-up reveals occurrence of successive Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae infections by different subtype families in dairy cattle. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:651-661. [PMID: 37328045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae are common species causing cryptosporidiosis in cattle. Data accumulated thus far indicate that the infection patterns of the two species could be different between areas with and without Cryptosporidium parvum. To better understand the infection dynamics of these two species, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of Cryptosporidium spp. were conducted using genotyping and subtyping tools. In the cross-sectional survey, analysis of 634 faecal samples from two farms identified only C. bovis and C. ryanae in pre-weaned calves. Two birth cohorts of 61 and 78 calves were followed longitudinally over a 12 month period, which revealed the shedding of C. bovis oocysts started at 1-2 weeks of age and peaked initially at 6-8 weeks of age. Altogether calves experienced four infections by six subtype families of C. bovis, with each infection caused by different subtype families. In contrast, the shedding of C. ryanae oocysts started at 2-4 weeks of age, and the two infections were caused by different subtype families. The cumulative incidence of C. bovis infection was 100% (58/58, 32/32) on both farms, compared with 84.4-98.3% (27/32 and 57/58) for C. ryanae infection. Overall, the mean duration of oocyst shedding in the cohort studies was 3.8-4.0 weeks for C. bovis compared with 2.1 weeks for C. ryanae. The oocyst shedding intensity was high (mean oocysts per gram of faeces was over 105) during the first infection with each species but became significantly lower in the later infections. Cryptosporidium ryanae was associated with the occurrence of diarrhea on one farm, while C. bovis was not. The data indicate that there is an early occurrence of C. bovis and C. ryanae in pre-weaned calves with high infection intensity in the absence of C. parvum. Calves infected with the same Cryptosporidium sp. multiple times could be associated with the presence of subtype-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Na Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yujin Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengyi Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luxing Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una M Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - 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
| | - 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.
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Jezkova J, Holubova N, Kvicerova J, Mateju J, Sak B, Kvac M. European ground squirrels Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus) do not share identical Cryptosporidium spp. with North American ground squirrels. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2023; 70:2023.016. [PMID: 37565460 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2023.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 is one of the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results of this study provide the first data on Cryptosporidium diversity in the European ground squirrel Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus). A total of 128 faecal samples of European ground squirrels from 39 localities in the Czech Republic were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) and the actin gene. While the microscopical examination did not reveal the presence of any Cryptosporidium oocysts, eight samples from six localities were PCR-positive. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of five different Cryptosporidium spp. isolates. Four isolates, designated as Cryptosporidium sp. isolate Sc01-04, detected in wild populations and never recorded before, clustered closely to Cryptosporidium genotypes that have previously been found in North American ground squirrels' species. Cryptosporidium sciurinum Prediger, Ježková, Holubová, Sak, Konečný, Rost, McEvoy, Rajský et Kváč, 2021 was found in an animal sanctuary. Because C. sciurinum had previously been detected in Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus at the same facility, it can be concluded that this Cryptosporidium was transmitted from tree squirrels to ground squirrels within the animal sanctuary. The results indicate that populations of European and North American ground squirrels are parasitised by different Cryptosporidium spp. At the same time, this is the first description of the occurrence of C. sciurinum in ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jezkova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kvicerova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mateju
- Museum Karlovy Vary, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic *Address for correspondence: Martin Kvac, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, E-mail
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kvac
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Tůmová L, Ježková J, Prediger J, Holubová N, Sak B, Konečný R, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Rost M, McEvoy J, Xiao L, Santín M, Kváč M. Cryptosporidium mortiferum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae), the species causing lethal cryptosporidiosis in Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:235. [PMID: 37454101 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. are globally distributed parasites that infect epithelial cells in the microvillus border of the gastrointestinal tract of all classes of vertebrates. Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I is a common parasite in North American tree squirrels. It was introduced into Europe with eastern gray squirrels and poses an infection risk to native European squirrel species, for which infection is fatal. In this study, the biology and genetic variability of different isolates of chipmunk genotype I were investigated. METHODS The genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I was analyzed by PCR/sequencing of the SSU rRNA, actin, HSP70, COWP, TRAP-C1 and gp60 genes. The biology of chipmunk genotype I, including oocyst size, localization of the life cycle stages and pathology, was examined by light and electron microscopy and histology. Infectivity to Eurasian red squirrels and eastern gray squirrels was verified experimentally. RESULTS Phylogenic analyses at studied genes revealed that chipmunk genotype I is genetically distinct from other Cryptosporidium spp. No detectable infection occurred in chickens and guinea pigs experimentally inoculated with chipmunk genotype I, while in laboratory mice, ferrets, gerbils, Eurasian red squirrels and eastern gray squirrels, oocyst shedding began between 4 and 11 days post infection. While infection in mice, gerbils, ferrets and eastern gray squirrels was asymptomatic or had mild clinical signs, Eurasian red squirrels developed severe cryptosporidiosis that resulted in host death. The rapid onset of clinical signs characterized by severe diarrhea, apathy, loss of appetite and subsequent death of the individual may explain the sporadic occurrence of this Cryptosporidium in field studies and its concurrent spread in the population of native European squirrels. Oocysts obtained from a naturally infected human, the original inoculum, were 5.64 × 5.37 μm and did not differ in size from oocysts obtained from experimentally infected hosts. Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I infection was localized exclusively in the cecum and anterior part of the colon. CONCLUSIONS Based on these differences in genetics, host specificity and pathogenicity, we propose the name Cryptosporidium mortiferum n. sp. for this parasite previously known as Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Tůmová
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Ježková
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Prediger
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, 1523 Centennial Blvd, Van Es Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Monica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Meng X, Chu W, Tang Y, Wang W, Chen Y, Li N, Feng Y, Xiao L, Guo Y. High zoonotic potential and heavy environmental burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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10
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Feng X, Tuo H, Li T, Yu F, Hu D, Yang X, Ge Y, Qi M, Liu X. Longitudinal surveillance of Cryptosporidium spp. in broiler chickens in Xinjiang, northwest China: genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtypes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3589-3595. [PMID: 36205770 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07683-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are common enteric parasites in humans and animals. Herein, 175 faecal specimens were collected from a broiler farm in Xinjiang, China, including seven repeated samplings at 10-day intervals of broilers aged 10 to 70 days. Cryptosporidium was detected and identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium in broilers was 23.4% (41/175), with the highest infection rate of 48.0% (12/25) at 40 days of age, and no infection was detected at 10 days of age. Two Cryptosporidium species were confirmed, namely, C. baileyi (3.4%, 6/175) and C. meleagridis (20%, 35/175). In total, 21 of 35 C. meleagridis isolates were successfully subtyped based on the gp60 gene, and one known subtype, IIIgA22G3R1 (n = 1), and three novel subtypes, IIIbA25G1R1 (n = 10), IIIgA24G3R1 (n = 9) and IIIgA25G2R1 (n = 1), were identified. Our findings highlight the genetic diversity of C. meleagridis in Xinjiang and the potential endemic characteristics of the subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Haixin Tuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - TianTian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dongfang Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Yaming Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China.
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11
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Reghaissia N, Maxamhud S, Laatamna A, Samari H, Dahmane A, Berima R, Abdelli A, Hakem A, Baroudi D, Tsaousis AD. First Epidemiological Report on the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cryptosporidium spp. in Farmed Marine and Wild Freshwater Fish in Central and Eastern of Algeria. Acta Parasitol 2022. [PMID: 35545736 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00560-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in six different fish species both from marine and freshwater environments. METHODS During a period of 2 years (2018-2020), a total of 415 fecal samples and 565 intestinal scrapings were collected in seven provinces from the central and eastern Algeria. From those, 860 fish belonged to six different species, two of which are cultured marine and four are wild freshwater fish. All samples were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. presence using molecular techniques. Nested PCR approach was performed to amplify partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) genes for Cryptosporidium genotyping and subtyping. Detailed statistical analysis was performed to assess the prevalence variation of Cryptosporidium infection according to different risk factors. RESULTS Nested PCR analysis of SSU gene revealed 173 Cryptosporidium positive fish, giving an overall prevalence of 20.11% (17.5-23.0). Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 8.93% (42/470) of cultured marine fish and 33.58% (131/390) of wild freshwater fish. Overall, the prevalence was affected by all studied risk factors, except the gender. Molecular characterization and subtyping of Cryptosporidium isolates showed occurrence of IIaA16G2R1 and IIaA17G2R1 subtypes of C. parvum in the fish species Sparus aurata. CONCLUSION The present study provides the first epidemiological data on the prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium spp. in farmed marine and wild freshwater fish and the first molecular data on the occurrence of zoonotic C. parvum in fish from North Africa (Algeria).
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Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is increasingly identified as a leading cause of childhood diarrhea and malnutrition in both low-income and high-income countries. The strong impact on public health in epidemic scenarios makes it increasingly essential to identify the sources of infection and understand the transmission routes in order to apply the right prevention or treatment protocols. The objective of this literature review was to present an overview of the current state of human cryptosporidiosis, reviewing risk factors, discussing advances in the drug treatment and epidemiology, and emphasizing the need to identify a government system for reporting diagnosed cases, hitherto undervalued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pane
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Baz-González E, Martín-Carrillo N, García-Livia K, Foronda P. Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium cuniculus in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020091. [PMID: 35202344 PMCID: PMC8877424 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium cuniculus is a zoonotic parasite responsible for cryptosporidiosis cases and outbreaks in both humans and rabbits. Since there are no molecular Cryptosporidium spp. infection data in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Spain, our aim was to gather information about this parasite in wild European rabbits from Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A total of 100 faecal samples were collected from rabbits from eight municipalities of Tenerife. Microscopic analysis showed that 4.0% of the samples presented structures compatible with Cryptosporidium oocyst. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragments was carried out, and sequencing confirmed the identity of C. cuniculus in one sample (1.0%). The sample was successfully subtyped using nested PCR analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene as the subtype VbA26R3. This study confirms the presence of C. cuniculus in wild rabbits from Tenerife, providing new information on the occurrence of this zoonotic parasite. Further studies are required to better understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rabbits in Spain and their possible public health repercussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (N.M.-C.); (K.G.-L.)
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Natalia Martín-Carrillo
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (N.M.-C.); (K.G.-L.)
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Katherine García-Livia
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (N.M.-C.); (K.G.-L.)
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (N.M.-C.); (K.G.-L.)
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Correspondence:
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