Abstract
Simple SummaryLittle information is currently available on the epidemiology of parasitic and commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zoonotic potential. This study investigates the occurrence, molecular diversity, and potential transmission dynamics of parasitic and commensal protist species in a zoological garden in southern Spain. The prevalence and genotypes of the main enteric protist species were investigated in faecal samples from NHP, zookeepers and free-living rats by molecular (PCR and sequencing) methods. A high prevalence of the diarrhoea-causing protists Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. (but not Cryptosporidium spp.) was observed in captive NHP at the Córdoba Zoo Conservation Centre. NHP can harbour zoonotic genotypes of G. duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Indeed, strong evidence of the occurrence of Blastocystis zoonotic transmission between NHP and their handlers was provided, despite the use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of strict health and safety protocols. Free-living sympatric rats are infected by host-specific species/genotypes of the investigated protists and seem to play a limited role as source of infections to NHP or humans in this setting. The extent of these findings should be confirmed in similar epidemiological surveys targeting other captive NHP populations.Little information is currently available on the epidemiology of parasitic and commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zoonotic potential. This study investigates the occurrence, molecular diversity, and potential transmission dynamics of parasitic and commensal protist species in a zoological garden in southern Spain. The prevalence and genotypes of the main enteric protist species were investigated in faecal samples from NHP (n = 51), zookeepers (n = 19) and free-living rats (n = 64) by molecular (PCR and sequencing) methods between 2018 and 2019. The presence of Leishmania spp. was also investigated in tissues from sympatric rats using PCR. Blastocystis sp. (45.1%), Entamoeba dispar (27.5%), Giardia duodenalis (21.6%), Balantioides coli (3.9%), and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (2.0%) (but not Troglodytella spp.) were detected in NHP. Giardia duodenalis (10.5%) and Blastocystis sp. (10.5%) were identified in zookeepers, while Cryptosporidium spp. (45.3%), G. duodenalis (14.1%), and Blastocystis sp. (6.25%) (but not Leishmania spp.) were detected in rats. Blastocystis ST1, ST3, and ST8 and G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AII were identified in NHP, and Blastocystis ST1 in zookeepers. Giardia duodenalis isolates failed to be genotyped in human samples. In rats, four Cryptosporidium (C. muris, C. ratti, and rat genotypes IV and V), one G. duodenalis (assemblage G), and three Blastocystis (ST4) genetic variants were detected. Our results indicate high exposure of NHP to zoonotic protist species. Zoonotic transmission of Blastocysts ST1 was highly suspected between captive NHP and zookeepers.
Highlights
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica are the most frequently identified protozoan parasites causing diarrhoeal disease in humans globally [1].Clinical manifestations by these infections vary from self-limiting acute diarrhoea in immunocompetent individuals, to fatal chronic diarrhoea in immunocompromised patients [2]
A total of 51 faecal samples from 10 different species of non-human primates (NHP) hosted at the Córdoba Zoo Conservation Centre (CZCC) were collected during the period of study, 28 in the first sampling period and 23 in the second sampling period (Table 1)
Five protist species were detected, including Blastocystis sp. (45.1%, 23/51; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 31.1–59.7), E. dispar
Summary
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica are the most frequently identified protozoan parasites causing diarrhoeal disease in humans globally [1]. Clinical manifestations by these infections vary from self-limiting acute diarrhoea in immunocompetent individuals, to fatal chronic diarrhoea in immunocompromised patients [2]. In addition to these well-known enteric pathogens, other potential diarrhoeacausing protist species, including the Stramenopile Blastocystis sp. For this reason, assessing the occurrence and genetic diversity of enteric protists in domestic, captive, and free-living animal hosts is essential to ascertaining their transmission dynamics, including the occurrence and directionality of zoonotic events
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
