Cryptosporidium Meleagridis Research Articles

IDENTIFICATION AND PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPECIES FROM SELECTED CAPTIVE BIRDS IN DISTRICT KASUR

The most prevalent protozoan that can infect a variety of animals, including birds and mammals, is Cryptosporidium. Certain species of Avian Cryptosporidium spp. are zoonotic and can cause fatal respiratory and digestive disorders in birds. Because they are in close proximity to humans, captive birds have the potential to serve as reservoirs. The current study reveals the molecular characteristics and prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. from selected captive birds kept in district kasur. Fifty fresh fecal samples from captive birds belonging to three bird orders and five species were collected. To identify Cryptosporidium species, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique that targets the small subunit 18S rRNA gene was employed. The prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium in captive birds was 6%. Of the three samples, Cryptosporidium baileyi 10% (1/10), Cryptosporidium meleagridis 5.5% (1/18) and Cryptosporidium parvum 10% (1/10). The rate of occurrence Cryptosporidium spp. infecting captive birds in Kasur having zoonotic potential is probably low. These findings provide baseline information to support future research on the genetic epidemiology and management of Cryptosporidium infection in avian species in Kasur

Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in feral and captive pigeons in Central Europe.

Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results show that pigeon populations in Central Europe are parasitised by different species of Cryptosporidium and genotypes of microsporidia of the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. A total of 634 and 306 faecal samples of captive and feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) from 44 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland were analysed for the presence of parasites by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA), 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of SSU rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. galli and C. ornithophilus, E. hellem genotype 1A and 2B, E. cuniculi genotype I and II and E. bieneusi genotype Peru 6, CHN-F1, D, Peru 8, Type IV, ZY37, E, CHN4, SCF2 and WR4. Captive pigeons were significantly more frequently parasitised with screened parasite than feral pigeons. Cryptosporidium meleagridis IIIa and a new subtype IIIl have been described, the oocysts of which are not infectious to immunodeficient mice, whereas chickens are susceptible. This investigation demonstrates that pigeons can be hosts to numerous species, genotypes and subtypes of the studied parasites. Consequently, they represent a potential source of infection for both livestock and humans.

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis in urban invasive monk parakeets.

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis was identified in invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Santiago metropolis in Chile. Oocysts were isolated from nestlings' faeces, and a fragment of 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced. This finding emphasizes the importance of permanent pathogen monitoring in synanthropic species with wide global distribution.

Molecular identification and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients in Shanghai, China

BackgroundOpportunistic infections are a ubiquitous complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common opportunistic intestinal pathogens in humans. In China, despite the number of HIV/AIDS patients being extremely large, only a few studies have investigated opportunistic infections caused by intestinal pathogens in this patient population. The aims of this study were to elucidate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in HIV/AIDS patients.MethodsWe collected fecal specimens from 155 HIV/AIDS patients (one from each patient). All of the specimens were examined for the presence of the pathogens by genotyping using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene for Cryptosporidium spp.; the triosephosphate isomerase, β-giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for G. duodenalis; and the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene for E. bieneusi. The Cryptosporidium-positive specimens were further subtyped by polymerase chain reacion and sequencing of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene.ResultsSix (3.9%), three (1.9%), and eight (5.2%) HIV/AIDS patients were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in occurrence rate between the groups by gender, clinical symptom (diarrhea), and CD4+ cell count. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified: Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 2), Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium meleagridis (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 2). Furthermore, two C. hominis subtypes (IeA12G3T3 and IaA28R4) were detected. Three G. duodenalis-positive specimens were successfully amplified and sequenced at the triosephosphate isomerase and β-giardin loci, which led to the identification of assemblages C and B, respectively. Seven genotypes (D, Type IV, EbpC, Peru11, EbpD, A, and I) were identified in E. bieneusi-positive specimens.ConclusionsOur findings should increase awareness of AIDS-related opportunistic intestinal pathogens, and indicate the need for routine examination in clinical practice for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi. Homology analyses of the three intestinal pathogens at the nucleotide and/or amino acid levels indicated their zoonotic potential.Graphical

Co-Infection with Cryptosporidium meleagridis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an HIV+ Colombian Patient

A 44-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-infected (HIV+) female with severe immunodeficiency Category 3 (C3) diagnosed in 2010 was admitted to hospital with acute diarrhoea. She was non-adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and had a previous suspicion of respiratory symptoms with a cough that had been persisting for 15 days. Clinical examination revealed severe immune deterioration (viral load: 109,655 copies/mL; CD4+ count: 14 cells/mm3), respiratory symptoms (negative sputum Gram stain and tuberculosis culture), and neurological deterioration (serological assays negative for Cryptococcus spp. and Toxoplasma gondii). A coproculture was negative for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of faecal smears revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. PCR testing and sequencing confirmed a concomitant infection with C. meleagridis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. The patient was treated with metronidazole (500 mg every 8 h for 5 days) and nitazoxanide (500 mg every 12 h for 14 days). After requesting voluntary discharge and abandoning ART and parasiticidal treatments, she experienced a dramatic deterioration of her state of health and contact with her was lost. Our results have demonstrated that molecular-based testing improves the detection of opportunistic pathogens that are difficult to detect by routine microscopy, allows for transmission dynamics investigations, and assists in choosing the best chemotherapeutical option.

Longitudinal surveillance of Cryptosporidium spp. in broiler chickens in Xinjiang, northwest China: genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtypes.

Cryptosporidium spp. are common enteric parasites in humans and animals. Herein, 175 faecal specimens were collected from a broiler farm in Xinjiang, China, including seven repeated samplings at 10-day intervals of broilers aged 10 to 70days. Cryptosporidium was detected and identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium in broilers was 23.4% (41/175), with the highest infection rate of 48.0% (12/25) at 40days of age, and no infection was detected at 10days of age. Two Cryptosporidium species were confirmed, namely, C. baileyi (3.4%, 6/175) and C. meleagridis (20%, 35/175). In total, 21 of 35 C. meleagridis isolates were successfully subtyped based on the gp60 gene, and one known subtype, IIIgA22G3R1 (n = 1), and three novel subtypes, IIIbA25G1R1 (n = 10), IIIgA24G3R1 (n = 9) and IIIgA25G2R1 (n = 1), were identified. Our findings highlight the genetic diversity of C. meleagridis in Xinjiang and the potential endemic characteristics of the subtypes.

Multilocus Sequence Typing helps understand the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from Colombian patients.

Multilocus Sequence Typing has become a useful tool for the study of the genetic diversity and population structure of different organisms. In this study, a MLST approach with seven loci (CP47, MS5, MS9, MSC6-7, TP14, and gp60) was used to analyze the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from 28 Colombian patients. Five Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. hominis, C. parvum, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, and Cryptosporidium suis. Unilocus gp60 analysis identified four allelic families for C. hominis (Ia, Ib, Id, and Ie) and two for C. parvum (IIa and IIc). There was polymorphic behavior of all markers evaluated for both C. hominis and C. parvum, particularly with the CP47, MS5, and gp60 markers. Phylogenetic analysis with consensus sequences (CS) of the markers showed a taxonomic agreement with the results obtained with the 18S rRNA and gp60 gene. Additionally, two monophyletic clades that clustered the species C. hominis and C. parvum were detected, with a higher number of subclades within the monophyletic groups compared to those with the gp60 gene. Thirteen MLG were identified for C. hominis and eight for C. parvum. Haplotypic and nucleotide diversity were detected, but only the latter was affected by the gp60 exclusion from the CS analysis. The gene fixation index showed an evolutionary closeness between the C. hominis samples and a less evolutionary closeness and greater sequence divergence in the C. parvum samples. Data obtained in this work support the implementation of MLST analysis in the study of the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium, considering the more detailed information that it provides, which may explain some genetic events that with an unilocus approach could not be established. This is the first multilocus analysis of the intra-specific variability of Cryptosporidium from humans in South America.

Dominance of the zoonotic pathogen Cryptosporidium meleagridis in broiler chickens in Guangdong, China, reveals evidence of cross-transmission

BackgroundCryptosporidium is one of the most prevalent parasites infecting both birds and mammals. To examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and evaluate the public health significance of domestic chickens in Guangdong Province, southern China, we analyzed 1001 fecal samples from 43 intensive broiler chicken farms across six distinct geographical regions.MethodsIndividual DNA samples were subjected to nested PCR-based amplification and sequencing of the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA). Analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) was performed to characterize the subtypes of C. meleagridis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 13.2% (95% CI 11.1–15.3) (24 of 43 farms), with C. meleagridis (7.8%), C. baileyi (4.8%) and mixed infections (0.6%). Using the gp60 gene, three subtype families, IIIb, IIIe and IIIg, were identified, including six subtypes: one novel (IIIgA25G3R1a) and five previously reported (IIIbA23G1R1c, IIIbA24G1R1, IIIbA21G1R1a, IIIeA17G2R1 and IIIeA26G2R1). Within these subtypes, five known subtypes were genetically identical to those identified in humans.ConclusionsThis is the first report of C. meleagridis in chickens from Guangdong. The frequent occurrence of C. meleagridis in domestic chickens and the common C. meleagridis subtypes identified in both humans and chickens is of public health significance. Our study indicates that broiler chickens represent a potential zoonotic risk for the transmission of Cryptosporidium in this region.Graphical

A review of the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important protozoan parasites which are associated with diarrheal diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Relatively little is known about the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the Middle East Countries and North Africa (MENA region). Therefore, this review aimed to inspect published genotyping and subtyping studies on Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the MENA region. These studies indicate that both anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium occurs with the predominance of zoonotic transmission in most countries. Seven Cryptosporidium species were identified in humans (C. parvum, C. hominis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, C. felis, Cryptosporidium muris, C. canis and C. bovis), with C. parvum by far being the most prevalent species (reported in 95.4% of the retrieved studies). Among C. parvum gp60 subtype families, IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. However, in four MENA countries (Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Tunisia), C. hominis was the predominant species with five subtype families reported including Ia, Ib, Id, If and Ie, all of which are usually anthroponotically transmitted between humans. In animals, the majority of studies were conducted mainly on livestock and poultry, 15 species were identified (C. parvum, C. hominis, C. muris, Cryptosporidium cuniculus, C. andersoni, C. bovis, C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. erinacei, C. ryanae, C. felis, C. suis, Cryptosporidium galli, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum) with C. parvum (IIa and IId subtypes) the dominant species in livestock and C. meleagridis and C. baileyi the dominant species in poultry. With G. duodenalis, five assemblages (A, B, C, E and F) were identified in humans and six (A, B, C, E, D and F) in animals in MENA countries with assemblages A and B commonly reported in humans, and assemblages A and E dominant in livestock. This review also identified a major knowledge gap in the lack of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis typing studies in water and food sources in the MENA region. Of the few studies conducted on water sources (including drinking and tap water), ten Cryptosporidium species and four genotypes were identified, highlighting the potential role of water as the major route of Cryptosporidium spp. transmission in the region. In addition, three G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B and E) were detected in different water sources with AI, AII and BIV being the main sub-assemblages reported. More research is required in order to better understand the molecular diversity and transmission dynamics of Cryptsporidum spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans, animals, water and food sources in MENA region.

Cryptosporidium meleagridis

This datasheet on Cryptosporidium meleagridis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected, Further Information.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium Meleagridis in Broiler Chickens in Khartoum State, Sudan

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium Meleagridis in Broiler Chickens in Khartoum State, Sudan

Cryptosporidiosis: An Emerging Zoonotic Disease of Global Public Health Concern

Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious emerging zoonotic protozoan disease occurring in both human and animal populations all over the world. Cryptosporidiosis is caused by Cryptosporidium, a tiny parasite that affects humans as well many species of animals. Although Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis (formerly known as C. parvum anthroponotic genotype or genotype 1) are the most common species causing disease in human beings, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium canis, and Cryptosporidium muris infections have also been reported. Waterborne transmission via drinking water or a swimming pool is common, and outbreaks have been reported in several countries. The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis in humans is watery diarrhea. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contract serious, long-term, and even fatal infections. The laboratory endeavor is required to make a precise diagnosis of the disease. The demonstration of oocysts of Cryptosporidium in the fecal samples is still used as a simple, easy, and cost-effective technique for the diagnosis of disease. As a preventative and control measure, appropriate hygienic practices must be practiced everywhere. Furthermore, the veterinarians play a crucial role in the treatment of disease in domestic animals.

A Review of the Prevalence and Diagnostic Points of Cryptosporidium Species in Immunocompromised and Healthy Human Samples in Iran

Cryptosporidium species are important intestinal pathogens with widespread distribution in humans and other hosts. Whereas the parasite causes acute and self-limiting gastroenteritis in people with healthy immune systems, many reports on this infection around the world are limited to people with defective or suppressed immune systems who suffer from a persistent and deadly infection. Using laboratory-serological and molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium species in immunocompromised and healthy human samples, recent studies in Iran indicated that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in different samples varied between 0 to 14%. The samples in Iranian studies included human fecal and diarrheic samples from diarrheic children, patients with gastroenteritis, immunocompromised individuals, and people in contact with livestock. Furthermore, some species were reported based on molecular studies including Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis. Some studies have also reported Cryptosporidium meleagridis. In this review study, data were collected regarding the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in high-risk individuals such as children and immunocompromised individuals. The results revealed that the higher prevalence of C. parvum in Iranian studies in the last 10 years may be attributed to the transmission of infection from animal sources.

Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium species in Njoro Sub County, Nakuru, Kenya.

Cryptosporidium spp. cause cryptosporidiosis in humans through zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission. Previous studies illustrated the significance of domestic animals as reservoirs of this parasite. Cryptosporidium occurs in Njoro River; a main source of water to humans and animals. However, there is no information on the Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes circulating in Njoro Sub County. A total of 2174 samples from humans, cattle, chickens, sheep and goats were assessed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. Thirty-three positive samples were subsequently successfully sequenced and compared to Cryptosporidium sequences in the GenBank repository using NCBI's (National Center for Biotechnology Information) online BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) algorithmic program. Sequence alignment was done using the Clustal W program and phylogenetic analysis was executed in MEGA X (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version X). The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Njoro Sub County is 6.99%. Cryptosporidium spp. present in the watershed showed great genetic diversity and nine Cryptosporidium species were recorded: Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium muris, Cryptosporidium xiaoi and Cryptosporidium viatorum. This is the first study to report the presence of C. viatorum in Kenya. Cattle is the major reservoir of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. while goats harbored the lowest number of species. Humans and domestic animals drink the contaminated water from Njoro River, humans are therefore, exposed to a high cryptosporidiosis risk.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from humans in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundCryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease with global distribution. It has been a reportable disease in Canada since 2000; however, routine molecular surveillance is not conducted. Therefore, sources of contamination are unknown. The aim of this project was to identify species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium in clinical cases from Ontario, the largest province in Canada, representing one third of the Canadian population, in order to understand transmission patterns.MethodsA total of 169 frozen, banked, unpreserved stool specimens that were microscopy positive for Cryptosporidium over the period 2008–2017 were characterized using molecular tools. A subset of the 169 specimens were replicate samples from individual cases. DNA was extracted directly from the stool and nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing was conducted targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) and glycoprotein 60 (gp60) genes.ResultsMolecular typing data and limited demographic data were obtained for 129 cases of cryptosporidiosis. Of these cases, 91 (70.5 %) were due to Cryptosporidium parvum and 24 (18.6%) were due to Cryptosporidium hominis. Mixed infections of C. parvum and C. hominis occurred in four (3.1%) cases. Five other species observed were Cryptosporidium ubiquitum (n = 5), Cryptosporidium felis (n = 2), Cryptosporidium meleagridis (n = 1), Cryptosporidium cuniculus (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium muris (n = 1). Subtyping the gp60 gene revealed 5 allelic families and 17 subtypes of C. hominis and 3 allelic families and 17 subtypes of C. parvum. The most frequent subtype of C. hominis was IbA10G2 (22.3%) and of C. parvum was IIaA15G2R1 (62.4%).ConclusionsThe majority of isolates in this study were C. parvum, supporting the notion that zoonotic transmission is the main route of cryptosporidiosis transmission in Ontario. Nonetheless, the observation of C. hominis in about a quarter of cases suggests that anthroponotic transmission is also an important contributor to cryptosporidiosis pathogenesis in Ontario.Graphical

Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in river water and riverbed sediment using next-generation sequencing

This study uncovered the prevalence, harboured species, and subtype diversity of Cryptosporidium species in river water and its sediment from the Apies River in South Africa. Cryptosporidium spp. concentrations in freshwater and its sediment were determined using Ziehl-Neelsen staining and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) techniques. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. was performed to reveal the species, subtype families and subtypes harboured in freshwater and its sediment. Although the results revealed that water samples had a higher prevalence (30%) compared with sediment (28%), the number of observable Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in sediment samples (ranging from 4.90 to 5.81 log10 oocysts per 1 Liter) was higher than that of river water samples (ranging from 4.60 to 5.58 log10 oocysts per 1 L) using Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene copy of Cryptosporidium in riverbed sediments ranged from 6.03 to 7.65 log10, whereas in river water, it was found to be between 4.20 and 6.79 log10. Subtyping results showed that in riverbed sediments, Cryptosporidium parvum accounted for 40.72% of sequences, followed by Cryptosporidium hominis with 23.64%, Cryptosporidium cuniculus with 7.10%, Cryptosporidium meleagridis with 4.44% and the least was Cryptosporidium wrairi with 2.59%. A considerable percentage of reads in riverbed sediment (21.25%) was not assigned to any subtype. River water samples had 45.63% of sequences assigned to C. parvum, followed by 30.32% to C. hominis, 17.99% to C. meleagridis and 5.88% to C. cuniculus. The data obtained are concerning, as Cryptosporidium spp. have intrinsic resistance to water treatment processes and low infectious doses, which can pose a risk to human health due to the various uses of water (for human consumption, leisure, and reuse).

Cryptosporidium of birds in pet markets in Wuhan city, Hubei, China

Cryptosporidium is a group of protistan parasites of a range of vertebrates including mammals and birds. Stimulated by previous work that revealed “zoonotic” Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtypes (i.e. IIIbA26G1R1b and IIIbA22G1R1c) in diarrhoeic children and domestic chickens in Wuhan city and environs in Hubei Province, China, here we explored whether zoonotic C. meleagridis subtypes might also occur in pet birds in Wuhan city. From 11 bird markets in this city, we collected 322 faecal samples from 48 species of birds (representing six taxonomic orders), isolated genomic DNA and then conducted PCR-based sequencing of genetic markers in the small subunit (SSU) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of Cryptosporidium. Using SSU, Cryptosporidium was detected in 55 (17%) of the 322 samples. Cryptosporidium avium, C. baileyi, C. meleagridis, C. muris and C. proventriculi were characterised in 18%, 47%, 11%, 2% and 20% of the 55 samples, respectively, and a novel Cryptosporidium galli-like taxon in one sample. Using gp60, only one subtype (IIIeA17G2R1) of C. meleagridis was identified, which had not been detected in a previous study of diarrhoeic children in Wuhan. However, IIIe subtypes have been found in both humans and birds around the world. The relatively high prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium recorded here in pet birds raise awareness about possible reservoirs of zoonotic variants of Cryptosporidium in birds in Wuhan, and potentially, other provinces in China.

High Prevalence of Cryptosporidium meleagridis in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Raises a Prospect of Zoonotic Transmission in Babylon Province, Iraq

Cryptosporidium is one of the most common protozoan’s parasites with remarkable infectivity of a wide range of animals, including mammals and birds. Domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) act as a potential reservoir for several species of Cryptosporidium because they live in close proximity to humans. This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in domestic pigeons in Iraq. A total of one hundred samples obtained from feces of domestic pigeons in Babylon province were included. After being exposed to microbial examination, all fecal samples were subsequently screened by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the possible recognition of Cryptosporidium species. Microscopy tests detected only 14/100 (14%) of infection with Cryptosporidium, while molecular tests detected 21/100 (21%) of the same targeted parasite. Sequencing experiments showed a high prevalence of C. meleagridis with 13/21 (61.90%), followed by C. baileyi with 7/21 (33.33%), while only one infection was detected with C. hominis (1/21) (4.76%). No co-infection with mixed Cryptosporidium spp. was observed, and sex factor was not found to affect the infection rate. In conclusion, this study informed a high prevalence of C. meleagridis in domestic pigeons than both C. baileyi and C. hominis, respectively, signifying a higher zoonotic potential of C. meleagridis between domestic pigeons and their handlers. This finding may raise more questions with regard to the increasing infectivity of C. meleagridis in human. This is the first important screening study in Iraq that uses molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium in domesticated pigeons.

Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents from the Canary Islands, Spain

BackgroundCryptosporidium spp. are worldwide protozoan parasites which include species that can lead to cryptosporidiosis in humans. Different animal species can serve as reservoirs and sources of dissemination of the disease, such as rodent species due their potential in transmitting zoonotic pathogens to humans and other animals. In the Canary Islands (Spain), Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis have been identified in patients with diarrhea. However, the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in possible reservoirs in this archipelago remains unclear. Considering the zoonotic potential of these protozoans, the aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in peridomestic wild rodents and the possible role of these mammals as a source of transmission of these protozoans in Canary Islands.MethodsA total of 179 rodents belonging to Rattus rattus and Mus musculus domesticus from four Canary Islands, La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Lanzarote, were analyzed. Feces were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested PCR of the 18S ribosomal RNA fragment and the sequences used for phylogenetic analyses.ResultsCryptosporidium spp. were found widely distributed with an overall prevalence of 12.30% in rodents (13.86% for R. rattus and 10.25% for M. m. domesticus). The overall prevalence by island was 19.60% for Tenerife, 7.14% for La Palma, 5.71% for El Hierro and 0% for Lanzarote. Cryptosporidium tyzzeri, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium muris and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype I and II/III were successfully identified, in addition to two unidentified Cryptosporidium genotypes.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the knowledge of the biodiversity and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents from the Canary Islands, highlighting the presence of three zoonotic species, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. muris, being the first detection of these three species in wild rodents in the Canary Islands and the first report of C. meleagridis in R. rattus. Given the results obtained in our study, future studies in non-sampled areas are required to better understand the epidemiology of these protozoans in wild rodents in the archipelago.

Comparative genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium species causing human infections.

Parasites sometimes expand their host range and cause new disease aetiologies. Genetic changes can then occur due to host-specific adaptive alterations, particularly when parasites cross between evolutionarily distant hosts. Characterizing genetic variation in Cryptosporidium from humans and other animals may have important implications for understanding disease dynamics and transmission. We analyse sequences from four loci (gp60, HSP-70, COWP and actin) representing multiple Cryptosporidium species reported in humans. We predicted low genetic diversity in species that present unusual human infections due to founder events and bottlenecks. High genetic diversity was observed in isolates from humans of Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium cuniculus, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum. A deviation of expected values of neutrality using Tajima's D was observed in C. cuniculus and C. meleagridis. The high genetic diversity in C. meleagridis and C. cuniculus did not match our expectations but deviations from neutrality indicate a recent decrease in genetic variability through a population bottleneck after an expansion event. Cryptosporidium hominis was also found with a significant Tajima's D positive value likely caused by recent population expansion of unusual genotypes in humans. These insights indicate that changes in genetic diversity can help us to understand host-parasite adaptation and evolution.