Abstract
Simple SummaryEnterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most common parasites in human and animals, and a threat to public health. So far, no data are available for E. bieneusi prevalence and genotypes in black goats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to detect the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi by examining 907 fecal samples collected from 5 counties in Yunnan Province. Ninety-three fecal samples (10.3%) were E. bieneusi-positive by PCR amplification. Four new genotypes and 11 known genotypes were identified, and all genotypes considered to be the zoonotic potential. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of these genotypes were allocated into the zoonotic groups of E. bieneusi indicating its zoonotic potential. These results indicated that effective strategies and measures must be taken to prevent and control E. bieneusi transmission to other animals and humans.Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a fungus-like protist that can parasitize in the intestines of humans and various animals causing a threat to public health. However, there has been no data for E. bieneusi prevalence and genotypes in black goats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. In this study, 907 fecal samples were collected from black goats in 5 counties from Yunnan Province. The prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR amplification targeting the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was used to further examine the potential occurrence of genetic segregation. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in black goats in Yunnan Province was 10.3% (93/907). Statistical analysis revealed that E. bieneusi prevalence was significantly associated with the region, age and gender of black goats (p < 0.001). Four new genotypes (CYG-1, CYG-2, CYG-3, CYG-4) and 11 known genotypes (CHG1, CHG2, CHG3, CHG5, CHG28, J, D, BEB6, Wildboar3, CD6, SDD1) of E. bieneusi were identified. At the microsatellite and minisatellite loci, 15, 2, 17, and 33 sequences were obtained, respectively, forming one new multi-locus genotype (MLG27). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 15 genotypes were clustered into group 1 and group 2, with zoonotic potential. This is the first report of E. bieneusi prevalence and genotypes in black goats in Yunnan Province, China. Effective control strategies and measures should be taken to reduce the risk of E. bieneusi transmission between black goats, other animals, and humans.
Highlights
Microsporidia comprises a highly diverse group of obligate intracellular parasites, and more than 220 genera and approximately 1700 species have been reported [1]
We screened all fecal samples of black goats for E. bieneusi positivity by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region
E. bieneusi infection has been constantly reported in goats in China and other countries (Table 5), and the E. bieneusi prevalence in goats ranges from 0 % to 73.6% in the world (Table 5)
Summary
Microsporidia comprises a highly diverse group of obligate intracellular parasites, and more than 220 genera and approximately 1700 species have been reported [1]. Most of them could adapt well to the specific hosts but except some species [2]. 17 species have been reported to cause human microsporidiosis [3], and Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the major species infecting humans and many animals. E. bieneusi can be transmitted by a fecal–oral route, via contaminated water, food, and directly ingested [4]. After infection with E. bieneusi, microsporidiosis is usually asymptomatic, but in immunosuppressed individuals it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal cramps, and in severe cases, it will cause death [3,5]. It has been reported that young animals are more susceptible to
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