Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium in Bactrian Camels (Camelus bactrianus) in Xinjiang, Northwestern China.

Yangwenna Cao,Bo Jing,Longxian Zhang,Qiang Zhou,Chunyan Xu,Zhaohui Cui,Meng Qi,Tian Wang

doi:10.3390/pathogens9110946

Abstract

Cryptosporidium species are ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogens of vertebrates distributed worldwide. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the zoonotic potential and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Bactrian camels in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 476 fecal samples were collected from 16 collection sites in Xinjiang and screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 7.6% (36/476). Six Cryptosporidium species, C. andersoni (n = 24), C. parvum (n = 6), C. occultus (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), C. hominis (n = 1), and C. bovis (n = 1), were identified based on sequence analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene identified six C. parvum isolates as subtypes, such as If-like-A15G2 (n = 5) and IIdA15G1 (n = 1), two C. ubiquitum isolates, such as subtype XIIa (n = 2), and one C. hominis isolate, such as Ixias IkA19G1 (n = 1). This is the first report of C. parvum, C. hominis, C. ubiquitum, and C. occultus in Bactrian camels in China. These results indicated that the Bactrian camel may be an important reservoir for zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and these infections may be a public health threat in this region.

Highlights

Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, with broad host ranges and the ability to infect all vertebrate groups, including humans [1]
All fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium by nested PCR targeting of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene
All 36 fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium

Summary

Introduction

Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, with broad host ranges and the ability to infect all vertebrate groups, including humans [1]. The transmission of enteric pathogens through contaminated surface water, such as Cryptosporidium spp. potentially cause large outbreaks of water- and food-borne infections in human populations [2]. Characterization of pathogens at the species or genotype level is mandatory when assessing the potential sources of infection, pathogen load in animals, the environment, transmission routes in human populations, and public health relevance [1,4]. Pathogens 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW. Pathogens 2020, 9, 946 human populations, and public health relevance [1,4].

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion