Cryptosporidium Species Infection Research Articles

Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) of freshwater Cyprinid fish species in the Kura River basin in Azerbaijan territory.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria spp. oocysts in fish specimens in the river Kura. It was conducted during the 2021-2022 at two sites: Mingachevir reservoir in central Azerbaijan and in Neftchala district where the river finally enters the Caspian Sea through a delta of the Kura River estuary. The diagnosis of oocysts was performed microscopically. Fine smears from the intestine epithelial layers stained by Ziehl-Neelsen for Cryptosporidium oocysts. To identify Eimeria oocysts, each fish's faecal material and intestinal scrapings were examined directly under a light microscope in wet samples on glass slides with a coverslip. Results revealed a prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria species infections in fish hosts from both territories Rutilus caspicus, Alburnus filippi, Abramis brama orientalis and Carassius gibelio. Of 170 investigated fish specimens, 8.8% (15/170) were infected with Cryptosporidium species oocysts. Eimeria species oocysts were identified in 20.6% (35/170). The presence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria infections in fish specimens are natural infections. However, their presence in fish species may be attributed to the age of the fish species and water pollution. This is the first report regarding the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fish species in Azerbaijan.

Detection, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium species cause high morbidity and sometimes high mortality rates among cattle, resulting in serious economic threats. This present study is aimed at investigating the presence, prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria. To achieve this, 333 apparently healthy cattle were sampled from abattoirs and different cattle herds over a one-year period. Faecal samples were collected and subjected to the formalin-ethyl acetate (formol-ether) sedimentation technique. Sediments from the formol-ether sedimentation method were used for the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The Microsoft Excel (2016) spreadsheet and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA) for Windows version 22.0 were used for the data analysis. Of the cattle sampled, 99 were positive for the enteric protozoan (29.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.07–34.85). There was no distinct pattern in the monthly prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle. Breeds of cattle, physiological status, and seasons were statistically associated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle. There is a need to educate pastoralists on the control and preventive measures of this enteric protozoan to improve the economy of the cattle industry and prevent possible transmission to humans in Kwara State and Nigeria in general.

Clustering of Cryptosporidium species infections among sheep and cattle but not children in remote highland communities of Madagascar

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify local transmission patterns of Cryptosporidium spp. infections among livestock and humans in four extremely rural and remote highland communities in Madagascar.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, households were randomly sampled throughout a 1-year study period, with one feces sample collected from each child (≤ 5 years old), sheep and cattle. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified using a nested PCR assay targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. All samples positive for Cryptosporidium hominis were further subtyped by sequencing the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). Spatial clustering methods were applied to analyze potential transmission patterns.ResultsIn total, 252 households participated in the study, and samples from 197 children, 862 cattle and 334 sheep were collected and included in the study. Of the samples collected, 11 (5.6%) from children, 30 (3.5%) from cattle and 42 (12.6%) from sheep tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Very little overlap in the species distribution between human and animal infections was found. Global (overall) and local (spatially defined) clustering was observed for Cryptosporidium spp. infections in sheep and for Cryptosporidium xiaoi/bovis infections among sheep and cattle.DiscussionThe results of this analysis do not support the occurrence of defined disease outbreaks, rather they point to a continuous series of transmission events that are spatially aggregated. Despite the close coexistence between humans, sheep and cattle in the study area, mutual transmission was not observed. Hence, the study underlines the importance of sustained sanitation and hygiene measures to prevent cryptosporidiosis transmission among infants, since asymptomatic children serve as an infection reservoir. Similarly, the study highlights the importance of improving hygiene to reduce the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. in livestock, an infection with serious consequences, especially in newborn calves.Graphical

Prevalence and Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii).

Cryptosporidium is an enteric apicomplexan parasite, which can infect multiple mammals including livestock and wildlife. Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is one of the most famous wildlife species, that belongs to the first class protected wild animals in China. However, it has not been known whether Tibetan Antelope is infected with Cryptosporidium so far. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium species infection in Tibetan Antelope and the corresponding species by using molecular biological method. In the current study, a total of 627 fecal samples were randomly collected from Tibetan Antelope in the Tibet Autonomous Region (2019–2020), and were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Among 627 samples, 19 (3.03%, 19/627) were examined as Cryptosporidium-positive, with 7 (2.33%, 7/300) in females and 12 (3.67%, 12/327) in males. The analysis of SSU rRNA gene sequence suggested that only two Cryptosporidium species, namely, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum, were identified in this study. This is the first evidence for an existence of Cryptosporidium in Tibetan Antelope. These findings extend the host range for Cryptosporidium spp. and also provide important data support for prevention and control of Cryptosporidium infection in Tibetan Antelope.

Evolving Patterns of Cryptosporidiosis: Issues and Implications in the Context of Public Health in India

AbstractCryptosporidiosis is one of the major causes of diarrhea in immune-compromised individuals and children besides causing sporadic water-borne, food-borne, and zoonotic outbreaks. In 2016, Cryptosporidium species infection was the fifth leading cause of diarrhea and acute infection causing more than 4.2 million disability-adjusted life years lost besides a decrease in childhood growth. Human cryptosporidiosis is primarily caused by two species/genotype: Cryptosporidium hominis (anthroponotic) and Cryptosporidium parvum (zoonotic) besides other six rare species/genotypes. Transmission intensity, genetic diversity, and occurrence of genetic recombination have shaped the genus Cryptosporidium population structures into palmitic, clonal, and epidemic. Genetic recombination is more in C. parvum compared with C. hominis. Furthermore, parasite–host co-evolution, host adaptation, and geographic segregation have led to the formation of “subtype- families.” Host-adapted subtype-families have distinct geographical distribution and host preferences. Genetic exchanges between subtypes played an important role throughout the evolution of the genus leading to “adaptation introgression” that led to emergence of virulent and hyper-transmissible subtypes. The population structure of C. hominis in India appears to be more complex where both transmission intensity and genetic diversity are much higher. Further, study based on “molecular strain surveillance” has resulted newer insights into the epidemiology and transmission of cryptosporidiosis in India. The identification at the species and genotype levels is essential for the assessment of infection sources in humans and the public health potential of the parasite at large. The results of the study over three decades on cryptosporidiosis in India, in the absence of a national surveillance data, were analyzed highlighting current situation on epidemiology, genetic diversity, and distribution particularly among vulnerable population. Despite creditable efforts, there are still many areas need to be explored; therefore, the intent of this article is to facilitate future research approaches for mitigating the burden associated with this disease.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium serpentis in Captive Snakes in China.

Cryptosporidium species are the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis and common intracellular parasites that can infect a wide range of vertebrates, including snakes. In previous studies, Cryptosporidium species infections have been reported in snakes in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, limited information is available about the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in captive snakes in China. Fecal specimens from 609 captive snakes were collected from Beijing (n = 227), Chengdu (n = 12), Dazhou (n = 359), and Ziyang (n = 11). The partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess evolutionary relationships and genetic characteristics. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 1.97% (12/609). BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene showed that the parasites belonged to Cryptosporidium serpentis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in snakes of southwestern and northern China and provides preliminary data for the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in the investigated areas.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for CD40 ligand deficiency: Results from an EBMT/ESID-IEWP-SCETIDE-PIDTC study

CD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency, an X-linked primary immunodeficiency, causes recurrent sinopulmonary, Pneumocystis and Cryptosporidium species infections. Long-term survival with supportive therapy is poor. Currently, the only curative treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We performed an international collaborative study to improve patients' management, aiming to individualize risk factors and determine optimal HSCT characteristics. We retrospectively collected data on 130 patients who underwent HSCT for CD40L deficiency between 1993-2015. We analyzed outcome and variables' relevance with respect to survival and cure. Overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were 78.2%, 58.1%, and 72.3% 5years after HSCT. Results were better in transplantations performed in 2000 or later and in children less than 10years old at the time of HSCT. Pre-existing organ damage negatively influenced outcome. Sclerosing cholangitis was the most important risk factor. After 2000, superior OS was achieved with matched donors. Use of myeloablative regimens and HSCTat 2years or less from diagnosis associated with higher OS and DFS. EFS was best with matched sibling donors, myeloablative conditioning (MAC), and bone marrow-derived stem cells. Most rejections occurred after reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning, which associated with poor donor cell engraftment. Mortality occurred mainly early after HSCT, predominantly from infections. Among survivors who ceased immunoglobulin replacement, T-lymphocyte chimerism was 50% or greater donor in 85.2%. HSCT is curative in patients with CD40L deficiency, with improved outcome if performed before organ damage development. MAC is associated with better OS, EFS, and DFS. Prospective studies are required to compare the risks of HSCT with those of lifelong supportive therapy.

Frequencies of Common Infectious Organisms Causing Chronic Diarrhea in Renal Transplant Patients.

Gastrointestinal complications are common in kidney transplant patients, with the most frequent being diarrhea (60%). Chronic diarrhea affects the patient's quality of life, causes fatigue and weight loss and malabsorption, increases the number of hospitalizations, increases serum creatinine levels, and causes alterations in immunosuppressive drug levels. Diarrhea is also associated with an increased risk of graft failure and death. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequencies of common infectious organisms causing chronic diarrhea in renal transplant patients. Our study included 124 renal transplant patients who presented with chronic diarrhea over a 6-month period at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Department tertiary care hospital (Karachi, Pakistan). Stool analysis was performed in all transplant recipients. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was also performed in patients with chronic diarrhea, and biopsy specimens underwent histopathologic evaluations. Of 124 renal transplant recipients, 29 were female (23.4%) and 95 were male (76.6%). Giardia was the most common organism found (n = 37 patients; 29.8%) followed by Cryptosporidium (n = 36; 29.0%), Entameba histolytica (n = 29; 23.4%), tuberculosis (n = 14; 11.3%), and sprue (n =8; 6.5%). The mean duration since renal transplant was 78.5 ± 63.37 months. Although not statistically significant, the frequency of diarrhea was higher in patients who had transplant procedures ≥ 2 years previously. Chronic diarrhea is prevalent in renal transplant patients irrespective of age, sex, and duration since transplant. Giardiasis and Cryptosporidium species infections are important causes of chronic diarrhea, but other causative factors need to be further studied, including comorbid conditions and immunosuppressive agents.

The first report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Microtus fuscus (Qinghai vole) and Ochotona curzoniae (wild plateau pika) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area, China.

Cryptosporidium is one of the most important genera of intestinal zoonotic pathogens, which can infect various hosts and cause diarrhoea. There is little available information about the molecular characterisation and epidemiological prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Microtus fuscus (Qinghai vole) and Ochotona curzoniae (wild plateau pika) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area of Qinghai Province, Northwest China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine Cryptosporidium species/genotypes and epidemiological prevalence in these mammals by detecting the SSU rRNA gene by PCR amplification. The Cryptosporidium spp. infection rate was 8.9% (8/90) in Qinghai voles and 6.25% (4/64) in wild plateau pikas. Positive samples were successfully sequenced, and the following Cryptosporidium species were found: C. parvum, C. ubiquitum, C. canis and a novel genotype in Qinghai voles and C. parvum and a novel genotype in wild plateau pikas. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium infections in M. fuscus and wild O. curzoniae in Northwest China. The results suggest the possibility of Cryptosporidium species transmission among these two hosts, the environment, other animals and humans and provide useful molecular epidemiological data for the prevention and control of Cryptosporidium infections in wild animals and the surrounding environments. The results of the present study indicate the existence of Cryptosporidium species infections that have potential public health significance. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium multi-species infections in these animal hosts.

Molecular detection and prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in two types of domestic farm animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) in China.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infections in young cattle and sheep in the north-eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA), north-western China. A total number of 454 faecal samples (389 from cattle and 65 from sheep) were collected and investigated to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Cryptosporidium spp. infections detected in cattle (n = 56 positive samples) and sheep (n = 4 positive samples) were as following: C. andersoni (16/56, 28.6%) was the dominant species, followed by C. canis (9/56, 16.1%), C. bovis (9/56, 16.1%), C. hominis (8/56, 14.3%), C. struthionis (7/56, 12.5%), C. ryanae (5/56, 8.9%), and C. serpentis (2/56, 3.6%). Two Cryptosporidium species were detected in sheep: C. parvum (2/4) and C. canis (2/4). There were no mixed infections. C. hominis, C. struthionis, and C. serpentis are reported in domestic animals for the first time at the QTPA of China and our results indicate an anthropozoonotic transmission of C. hominis. The identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic animals warrants better care of the farm animals in order to avoid contamination in vulnerable animal and human populations.

Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium species among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan.

ObjectivesTo address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study evaluates the PCR-based prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infection and molecular characteristics of isolates among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan.MethodsA total of 357 and 329 fresh faecal samples were collected from household cats and pet shop kittens, respectively, with or without clinical signs of infection. A nested PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium species. After specific DNA fragments (approximately 826 base pairs) were confirmed, the amplicons were sequenced to determine species.ResultsSeven (2.0%) household cats and one (0.3%) pet shop kitten tested positive for the presence of Cryptosporidium species. In household cats, there was a significant difference in prevalence between cats aged <1 year (4.6%) and those aged ⩾1 year (0.4%). No significantly different prevalence was observed with regard to faecal condition in either household cats or pet shop kittens. A total of eight Cryptosporidium species isolates, seven from household cats and one from a pet shop kitten, were identified as Cryptosporidium felis.Conclusions and relevanceThe present study demonstrates the risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium species from household cats and pet shop kittens to humans is low in Japan.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors among AdultPre-ART and ART Patients in Goncha Siso Enesie Woreda, East Gojjam,Northwest Ethiopia, 2014

Background: The prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites is expected to be high among Human Immune Deficiency Virus infected populations in developing countries. For many years, intestinal infections caused by opportunistic organisms have been represented as a major problem in immune compromised patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Methods: Institution based comparative cross sectional study design was conducted in Gendewoyn health center, Goncha Siso Enesie woreda from March to June 2014. A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants to obtain information on socio demographic characteristics and their source of drinking water. For the laboratory test using a direct saline, Dobell’s iodine separate wet mount, formal ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (Zn) method was applied. The minimum sample size for this quantitative study was 312. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify factors of intestinal parasite infection and odds ratios, 95% CI and p-value were computed to measure the presence and strength of associations. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in pre-ART and on-ART was 53.7% and 36.5%, respectively with significant decrease of intestinal parasite in the ART era (p<0.006). Majority of Cryptosporidium species infections were found in the pre-ART patients and significantly associated for lower CD4<500 cells/mm3. Absence of toilet (AOR=1.80; 95% CI=1.090-2.975), source of water (AOR=8.260; 95% CI=4.659-14.642), rural residence (AOR=2.292, 95% CI=1.386-3.788); CD4 counts (AOR=1.559; 95% CI=1.093-2.722) HAART status: pre ART patients (AOR=2.13, CI, 1.167-3.905) have significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Conclusion and recommendations: The most prevalent parasite in the pre-ART subjects were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (15.7%) followed by Enteamoeba histolytica (14.8%) while on ART patients the most prevalent parasites were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (8.8%) and cyst of Enteamoeba histolytica (7.4%). The present study revealed the importance of examining pre-ART and on ART patients for intestinal parasite infections. This study reminded health professionals regarding the occurrence of these parasites in this population. Routine examination of stool samples for parasitic infections could significantly benefit pre-ART and on ART patients for early treatment.

The Occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum in Dairy Calves and the Influence of Management Practices

Cryptosporidium species infections are associated with the clinical manifestation of diarrhea, which can possibly generate economic losses associated with morbidity and mortality depending on the type of property management used. Additionally, animals with diarrhea eliminate large quantities of oocysts via the feces, thus contributing to the dispersion of oocysts in the environment and favoring the infection of susceptible hosts. The study aimed to determine the rate of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in 79 calves under one year of age at a dairy farm in southern Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, in association with the cattle raising management practices. During the study period, two different management practices (A and B) were adopted. Under practice A, 21.9% of the samples (7/32) were Cryptosporidium spp. positive according to microscopic diagnosis. After switching to practice B, the percentage of infected animals decreased to 8.5% (4/47). Although diarrhea was reported in 13.9% (11/79) of the calves studied, there was no correlation with Cryptosporidium spp. infection (p>0.05). Cryptosporidium parvum, which is considered to have high zoonotic potential, was identified in this study. This fact is of great importance with regard to public health because of the environmental contamination of the area surrounding the property, which increases the risk to both human and animal populations. Additionally, the implementation of some changes in farm management practices contributed to a decrease in the percentage of infected animals, thereby reducing the dissemination of oocysts in the environment.

Molecular detection and characterization of Cryptosporidium species in household dogs, pet shop puppies, and dogs kept in a school of veterinary nursing in Japan

Members of Cryptosporidium species, which are protozoan parasites, are prevalent worldwide and can cause diarrhoea in both humans and animals, including dogs. In addition, the Cryptosporidium species harboured in dogs have the potential for zoonotic transmission. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infection and perform molecular characterization of isolates in household dogs, pet shop puppies, and dogs kept in a school of veterinary nursing in Japan. Fresh faecal samples were collected once from 529 household dogs (aged from 2 months to 18 years old, from 9 veterinary clinics located in 6 different regions), 471 pet shop puppies (≤3 months old, from 4 pet shops located in 2 different regions), and 98 dogs (aged from 2 to 11 years old) kept in a veterinary nursing school. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium species, and 111 random samples of PCR amplicons (approximately 500-bp) were sequenced for the molecular characterization of the isolates. The prevalences of Cryptosporidium species in household dogs, pet shop puppies, and veterinary nursing school dogs were 7.2%, 31.6%, and 18.4%, respectively. In household dogs, no significant correlation was observed between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and the age (≤6 months vs. >6 months), living conditions (indoor vs. outdoor), faecal conditions (formed vs. unformed), and location of residence. In pet shop puppies, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species was not related to faecal condition; however, the prevalence significantly differed among the pet shops. All of the 111 sequence samples (26 from household dogs, 75 from pet shop puppies, and 10 from veterinary nursing school dogs) were identified as Cryptosporidium canis. The present study demonstrates a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infections in pet shop puppies and dogs of a veterinary nursing school in Japan. However, because Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are the most common causes of human infections, it is likely that the risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium species from dogs to humans is low.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium species infections among children and cattle in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundGiardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common causes of protozoan diarrhea that lead to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium species infections among children and cattle, and to assess the potential risk of zoonotic transmission.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2009 in Girar Jarso and Dera Districts of North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A total of 768 stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount with saline and formalin ether concentration methods. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method was used for the detection of Cryptosporidium species. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 15.ResultsOut of 384 children examined, 53 (13.8%) and 28 (7.3%) were positive for Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections, respectively. Similarly, of the total 384 cattle examined, 9 (2.3%) were positive for Giardia duodenalis and 30 (7.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium infection. The prevalence of giardiasis was significantly higher among children who had close contact with cattle 33 (18.7%) compared to children who had no contact with cattle 20 (9.6%) (P < 0.05). Higher number of Cryptosporidium infection was also recorded in children who had close contact with cattle 15 (8.5%). Difference in prevalence of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis among children was not statistically significant between males and females. On the other hand, difference in the prevalence of giardiasis among children was statistically significant between age groups.ConclusionsHigher prevalence of Giardia duodenalis infection detected among children was significantly associated with contact with cattle and manure that the children had. Further analysis using molecular techniques is needed to explain the existence of zoonotic transmission in the study area.

Breast Milk Parasite-Specific Antibodies and Protection From Amebiasis and Cryptosporidiosis in Bangladeshi Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

In this prospective cohort study, the presence of parasite-specific immunoglobulin A in breast milk was associated with protection of Bangladeshi infants from cryptosporidiosis and amebiasis. Our findings suggest that passive immunity could be harnessed for the prevention of Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium species infection in children living in endemic regions.

Mycotic keratoconjunctivitis in 12-day-old red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

KERATITIS and conjunctivitis have been recorded in association with avian poxvirus infection in red-legged partridges ( Alectoris rufa ) (Gortazar and others 2002), Pasteurella species infection in chickens (Ojo and...

Cryptosporidium species infection in pigs in East Anglia

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS is a common enteric disease in human beings and a wide range of animal species; Cryptosporidium parvum is the main species responsible for zoonotic infection in the UK ([Xiao...

Cryptosporidium muris in a Texas Canine Population

Molecular technology has led to the discovery of previously unrecognized Cryptosporidium species in new hosts, such as C. canis in humans. The notion that dogs may transmit Cryptosporidium species to humans has significant public health implications, and additional studies are merited. The purpose of this study was to examine a group of kenneled dogs to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infection and to identify parasite species. Prevalence of active infection was 71%. Six positive samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify the Cryptosporidium species. Restriction digest patterns identified C. muris as the infecting species in all six dogs; species identity was confirmed by genetic sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a naturally occurring C. muris infection in a canine host. The finding of C. muris in asymptomatic canines supports the notion of dogs as potential sources of human infection.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species infections in pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease

This study reports the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species in cats showing signs of gastrointestinal disease. Records from a United Kingdom commercial diagnostic laboratory between December 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Of 1355 cats, Cryptosporidium species oocysts were found in 13 cats (1%), Giardia species trophozoites in 74 (6%), and Isospora felis oocysts in 46 (3%). In a second group of 48 cats, prevalence of Giardia species was 15% using an immunoassay for detection of antigen compared to 4% detected with microscopy. Prevalence of Giardia (9%) and Isospora (9%) species was higher in cats less than 6 months old. Gender and breed did not affect prevalence. There was a trend for Cryptosporidium and Isospora species infections to be detected in late autumn and early winter. Regional differences in prevalence were not detected. None of these organisms show a characteristic pattern of clinical signs. This study demonstrates that enteric protozoal infection is common in domestic cats showing signs of alimentary disease.