Molecular Investigation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Calves in Oromia Special Zone, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans, is also identified in a wide range of animals. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in calves and to assess its public health implications in Central Ethiopia. A total of 449 fecal samples were examined by a nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rRNA gene. All positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the genotypes. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found in 7.1% (32/449) of the calves. Difference in the infection rate was statistically significant (P < 0.05) among age groups. Out of the 10 ITS genotypes, nine belonging to the known genotypes BEB8, BEB4, BEB17, I, KIN1, Peru11, PigEBITS5, H and ET-L2; and one novel genotype (named as ET-C1) were identified. Four of the genotypes (KIN-1, Peru11, PigEBITS5, and H) were clustered to a member of a major phylogenetic group with zoonotic potential. This study constituted the first molecular characterization of E. bieneusi in Ethiopia, and it suggested a potential risk of zoonotic transmission. Studies in humans and further studies in animals are necessary to assess the public health significance of E. bieneusi.