Abstract
BackgroundEnterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts. Limited epidemiological data on E. bieneusi intestinal infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in China exists. In this study, fecal samples (651 from dogs and 389 from cats) in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, China, were collected, and the ribosomal internal transcribed (ITS) spacer region from the DNA extracted from them was Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-amplified and sequenced.ResultsBased on the sequencing data, E. bieneusi was identified in the fecal samples collected from 149 (22.9%) and 79 (20.3%) dogs and cats. Of the factors investigated, poor living conditions appeared to be the major risk factor for contracting the pathogen. Eleven E. bieneusi genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, I) and five novel (designated here as GD2– GD6), were found in dogs. Eight genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, Type IV) and two novel (GD2 and GC1), were identified in cats. Genotype PtEb IX was most common in both dogs and cats, followed by genotype GD1.ConclusionsAlthough PtEb IX was the most common E. bieneusi genotype in dogs, this is the first report of this genotype dominating in cats. The same genotype distribution of the pathogen between the two different companion animals species in the same geographic area indicates that inter-species transmission is probable. The widespread existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes (D, EbpC, Type IV) in companion animals indicates that they are potential sources of environmental contamination and infections in humans.
Highlights
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts
E. bieneusi infection rates Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed (ITS) region detected E. bieneusi in 149 (22.9%; 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs): 22.9 ± 0.7%) of the 651 canine specimens, and 79 (20.3%; 95% CI: 20.3 ± 1.0%) of the 389 feline specimens
Various factors like host immunity, climate, and geography may contribute to E. bieneusi infection rates, as does the sample size used in epidemiological studies on this fungi
Summary
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts. Several hundred E. bieneusi ITS genotypes have been defined [3] These genotypes cluster into the following different phylogenetic groups with different host specificities and public health significance: ITS genotypes in group 1 (e.g., D, type IV, EbpC), and sporadic genotypes (e.g., I, J, BEB4, Nig3–Nig5) in group 2, have been identified in humans and various other animals, and are of zoonotic concern. Most of those genotypes in other groups (groups 3–11) are hostspecific, and of minimal public health significance [4, 5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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.
