Molecular detection of genotypes and subtypes of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic calves, lambs, and goat kids from Turkey.

Mohammad Hazzaz Bin Kabir,Onur Ceylan,Ceylan Ceylan,Ayman Ahmed Shehata,Mohamed Ibrahim Essa,Ferda Sevinc,Xuenan Xuan,Hironori Bando,Kentaro Kato

doi:10.1016/j.parint.2020.102163

Abstract

The studies on Cryptosporidium infections of animals in Turkey mostly rely on microscopic observation. Few data are available regarding the prevalence of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes infection. The aim of this study is to analyse the detection of Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes from young ruminants. A total of 415 diarrheic fecal specimens from young ruminants were examined for the Cryptosporidium detection by use of nested PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the highly polymorphic 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene followed by sequence analyses. The results of this study revealed that 25.6% (106 of 415) of the specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. infection. We identified 27.4% (91/333), 19.4% (13/67), and 13.4% (2/15) of positivity in calves, lambs and goat kids, respectively. Genotyping of the SSU rRNA indicated that almost all positive specimens were of C. parvum, except for one calf which was of C. bovis. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene revealed the most common zoonotic subtypes (IIa and IId) of C. parvum. We detected 11 subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA11G3R1, IIaA12G3R1, IIaA13G2R1, IIaA13G4R1, IIaA14G1R1, IIaA14G3R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIdA16G1, IIdA18G1, IIdA22G1); three of them (IIaA12G3R1, IIaA11G3R1 and IIaA13G4R1) was novel subtypes found in calves and lambs. Additionally, three subtypes (IIaA11G2R1, IIaA14G3R1, and IIdA16G1) were detected in young ruminants for the first time in Turkey. These results indicate the high infection of Cryptosporidium in Turkey and propose that young ruminants are likely a major reservoir of C. parvum and a potential source of zoonotic transmission.

Highlights

Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of animals as well as humans
Two Cryptosporidium species, namely C. parvum and C. bovis were identified in calves using SSU rRNA gene analyses, accounting for 27.1%, and 0.3%, respectively
Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in lambs and goat kids using SSU rRNA gene analyses, accounting for 19.4%, and 13.4%, respectively (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of animals as well as humans. The studies on Cryptosporidium infections of animals in Turkey are mostly rely on microscopic observation. The aim of this study is to analyse the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium oocysts shed from young ruminant livestock. Among the 16 recognized species, Cryptosporidium parvum is of medical and veterinary importance. Healthy and diarrheic calves less than one month of age may facilitate the transmission of cryptosporidiosis in both humans and animals [3]. In cattle herds, infected animals, diarrheic calves, may act as sources of direct infection for other livestock [4]. Considering the worldwide distribution and zoonotic relevance of Cryptosporidium spp., a better understanding of transmission pathways and species distribution is important for public health [5]. The clinical course of the disease in lambs and goat kids are similar to those of calves

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Conclusion