Prevalence Of Cryptosporidium Spp Research Articles

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Protozoal Infection in Zoo Animals in China.

Zoo animals, harboring zoonotic gastrointestinal protozoal diseases, pose potential hazards to the safety of visitors and animal keepers. This study involved the collection and examination of 400 fresh fecal samples from 68 animal species, obtained from five zoos. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of common gastrointestinal protists. PCR or nested PCR analysis was conducted on these samples to detect four specific parasites: Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis spp. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 0.5% (2/400), G. duodenalis was 6.0% (24/400), Blastocystis spp. was 24.5% (98/400), and E. bieneusi was 13.5% (54/400). G. duodenalis, Blastocystis spp., and E. bieneusi were detected in all of the zoos, exhibiting various zoonotic genotypes or subtypes. G. duodenalis-positive samples exhibited three assemblages (D, E, and B). Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST8, ST10, ST13, and ST14) and one unknown subtype (ST) were identified. A total of 12 genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including SC02, BEB6, Type IV, pigEBITS 7, Peru8, PtEb IX, D, CD9, EbpC, SCBB1, CM4, and CM7. Moreover, significant differences in the positive rates among different zoos were observed (p < 0.01). The findings indicate that zoo animals in China are affected by a range of intestinal protozoa infections. Emphasizing molecular identification for specific parasite species or genotypes is crucial for a better understanding of the zoonotic risk. Preventing and controlling parasitic diseases in zoos is not only vital for zoo protection and management but also holds significant public health implications.

First Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Endemic Cyprus Mouflon (Ovisgmelini ophion).

Cryptosporidiumis an intestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects domesticated and wild animals. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterisation ofCryptosporidiumin the endemic Cyprus mouflon. The mouflon is strictly protected by national and international legislation. Its main distribution is Paphos State Forest and surrounding areas, where it may share the same water sources as free-ranging domestic goats. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence ofCryptosporidiumspp. and genotypes in mouflon and free-ranging goats within the mouflon range. Faecal samples of 70 mouflons and 34 free-ranging goats were screened forCryptosporidiumby PCR amplification and sequencing. Only one sample (1/70) belonging to a mouflon was PCR positive forCryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the18SrRNA locus, this species was identified asCryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). No positive sample was detected in the free-ranging goats (0/34). This is the first report on the molecular identification of thisCryptosporidiumspecies in a Cyprus mouflon. The results indicate that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Cyprus mouflon is low.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp, Cystoisospora belli and Cyclospora cayetanesis in patient infected with HIV in the Municipality of Veracruz, Mexico.

Introducción: El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) infecta y destruye células CD4+ del sistema inmunitario conduciendo gradualmente a una inmunodeficiencia. Las parasitosis oportunistas gastrointestinales son causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes VIH+. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de los parásitos oportunistas Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp. y Cystoisospora belli en pacientes con VIH en el municipio de Veracruz. México. Material y métodos: Se recolectaron 230 muestras no seriadas de heces de pacientes con VIH. Los extendidos fueron análizados por método directo y tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada. Resultados: Se encontró una prevalencia de parasitosis del 92.17%, en el 85.22% se identificó a Cryptosporidium spp. y Cyclospora cayetanensis, como mono-parasitismo o en asociación entre ellos, y con otros parásitos no oportunistas. Cryptosporidium spp. fue el parásito de mayor prevalencia (72.60%), seguido de C. cayetanensis (57.78%), Endolimax nana (36.52%), Blastocystis spp. (17.83%) y el Complejo Entamoeba (7.83%). No se identificaron muestras con Cystoisospora belli. Conclusiones: Hubo un aumento en la prevalencia de Cryptosporidium spp. y una disminución en el Cystoisospora belli en la población VIH+ del municipio de Veracruz. Aún con el mayor acceso a tratamiento antiretroviral en Mexico, las parasitosis tiene una alta prevalencia y se require del monitoreo de parásitos oportunistas mediante técnicas adecuadas para evitar el subdiagnóstico y el riesgo de comorbilidad y mortalidad que representan en la población VIH+.

Title: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. Oocysts in Soil Samples in Different Parts of Sari, North of Iran

Title: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. Oocysts in Soil Samples in Different Parts of Sari, North of Iran

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Wild Rodents of Southwestern Iran Using 18s rRNA Gene Nested-PCR-RFLP and Sequencing Techniques.

Background. Rodents could act as reservoir for Cryptosporidium spp. specially C. parvum, a zoonotic agent responsible for human infections. Since there is no information about Cryptosporidium infection in rodents of Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran, hence, this survey was performed to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in this region. Materials and Methods. One hundred rodents were trapped from different regions of Ahvaz city. Intestine contents and fecal specimens of rodents were studied using both microscopy examination to identify oocyst and nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for 18s rRNA gene detection. Eventually restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method using SspI and VspI restriction enzymes was carried out to genotype the species and then obtained results were sequenced. Results. Three out of 100 samples were diagnosed as positive and overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3% using both modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining under light microscope and nested-PCR (830 bp) methods. Afterwards, PCR-RFLP was performed on positive samples and C. parvum pattern was identified. Finally PCR-RFLP findings were sequenced and presence of C. parvum was confirmed again. Conclusions. Our study showed rodents could be potential reservoir for C. parvum. So an integrated program for control and combat with them should be adopted and continued.

Incidence of Calf Morbidity and Mortality at CIG Dairy Farms of Muktagacha Upazila in Mymensingh District

Calf morbidity and mortality are important causes of economic losses on dairy farms worldwide. An investigation on the incidence of calf morbidity and mortality was conducted on 92 purposively selected CIG (Common Interest Group) dairy farms in Muktagacha upazila of Mymensingh district. A total of 119 calves from the farms were longitudinally followed from August 2014 to November 2014 for major health problems. Representative fecal samples from diarrhoeic calves were tested to identify gastro-enteropathogens associated with diarrhea by rapid detection test kit (Bio K 306). The overall incidence risk of morbidity and mortality were 56.17% and 6.29%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was diarrhea with incidence risk of 34.82% followed by navel ill (7.22%) and pneumonia (6.29%). In addition, fever, arthritis, pica and foot and mouth disease were encountered. The main causes of death in calf were pneumonia (3.739%) and FMD (1.78%). A variety of infectious agents are implicated in calf diarrhea and co-infection of multiple pathogens is not uncommon. The overall prevalence of microorganisms associated with diarrhea was 69.2% in which Clostridium perfringens was the highest (38.5%) within the first month of age. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp within first month of age was 7.7%. In this study, mixed infection with Clostridium perfringens and Cryptosporidium spp or Corona virus was found in 7.7% of diarrheic calves within 10 days of the age. It is now established that calf morbidity and mortality are an important limiting factors for the success of modern dairy farms and accordingly vigorous and comprehensive research should be taken to minimize the problem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23715Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 37-43

Cryptosporidium identification in HIV-Infected Humans. Experience from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan parasite affecting HIV/AIDS patients. To determine the prevalence and the species of Cryptosporidium spp by developing a rapid and efficient real-time PCR-RFLP test. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected adults from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stool specimens were examined by microscopic evaluation and real-time PCR-RFLP. Out of 242 HIV-infected adults, 10 (4.1%) cases of Cryptosporidium were identified by microscopic examination. Using PCR-RFLP, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 5.4% (n = 13). All the 13 cases of Cryptosporidium spp had the stage of AIDS of HIV infection. Extracted DNA was amplified by nested PCR targeting a 1030-bp fragment of the 18s RNA gene. RFLP analysis identified one C. parvum, four C. hominis and one non determined Cryptosporidium. The capacity to detect C. parvum, C. hominis and non-determined Cryptosporidium was present among our HIV-infected patients.

Cryptosporidiosis and Isosporiasis among HIV-positive individuals in south Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundCryptosporidium spp and I. belli are intestinal opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. A decline in the incidence of these opportunistic infections due to HAART was reported. We aim to investigate these parasites among HAART naïve and experienced HIV patients in south Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out among 268 HIV- positive patients between January and September, 2007. Interview with questionnaires and document reviews were used to collect data. Stool samples were obtained from each patient and parasites were examined by direct, formol-ether and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for Cryptosporidium spp and I. belli. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out. Level of significance was set at p-value of 0.05.ResultsA total of 268 patients participated in the study. The mean age was 34.0 (±1 SD of 8.34) years. Females constituted 53.4% (143) of the study participants. Half of the study participants were on HAART; majorities (85.8%) of such patients were within the first year of treatment. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 34.3% (92/268) and I. belli was 1.5% (4/268). Dual infection was detected in two patients (0.75%). The crude analysis revealed significant reduction in the odds of Cryptosporidium spp infection among patients who have started HAART (crude OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.35, 0.98). The adjusted analysis remained in the same direction but has lost significance (Adj OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.35, 1.24). No differences in the risk of developing infection with Cryptosporidium spp were observed between groups based on most recent CD4 counts, sex, duration on HAART and age (p > 0.05 for all variables). Patients with Cryptosporidium spp were more likely to report vomiting [Adj OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.22, 5.41)], weight loss [Adj OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.15, 3.81)] and chronic diarrhea [Adj OR 3.35 (95%CI 1.05, 10.63)].ConclusionThere is high burden of infection with Cryptosporidium spp among HIV infected individuals in southern Ethiopia but that of I. belli is low. We recommend considering infection with Cryptosporidium spp in HIV infected people with chronic diarrhea, weight loss and vomiting for HAART naïve patients and/or for patients who are within the first year of starting HAART.

P2.018 Cryptosporidiosis and Cyclosporidiasis, Two Major Infections in HIV Positive Patients, in Bukavu, D.R.Congo

Background There are little data on the prevalence and clinical outcomes of coccidian parasites infection in HIV positive patients in Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Opportunistic Infections Clinic of the Provincial Hospital of Bukavu, from April 2010 to October 2011. HIV patients attending the clinic, aged 15 years and above were included after obtaining their consent, the CD4 count and patient details were recorded, stool samples were collected according to the WHO procedure. A single stool sample was collected and conserved in formalin - ether 10% and transported to the Provincial Laboratory of Bukavu for analysis. A consecutive sample of 108 patients was collected. Smears were stained according to the modified ziehl neelsen procedure and examined at x100 magnification using an oil immersion microscope. Data were analysed with EPI-INFO 3.5. Differences with P-values Results 58.3% were female. Mean (±SD) age 40 ± 15.7 years old. Stools were diarrheic in 66.7%. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 57.9% (95% CI: 41.8 – 76.1), Cyclospora cayetanensis 31.6% (95% CI: 19.3 – 47.5). 63.9% of patients were on antiretroviral therapy. Patients with CD4 counts Conclusions Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis are highly prevalent in HIV patients with advanced diseases and major causes of chronic diarrhoea. Dual infection is related to very low CD4 count.

Intestinal protozoan infections among HIV positive persons with and without Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) in selected ART centers in Adama, Afar and Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia

Background: In developing countries, gastroenteritis caused by intestinal parasites may be complicated and is a major cause of morbidity, in general, and kills millions of AIDS patients annually. Thus, the consequences of parasitic diseases are among the major health problems in tropical developing countries. Methods: A total of 200 HIV positive patients on and without-ART aged from 18 to 65 years, of both sexes participated in the study. Each study participant was provided with a faecal collection vial containing 10% formalin for microscopic examination of ova, larvae, and cysts. For detection of Cryptosporidium spp, lsospora belli and Cyclospora spp, the modified Zeihl-Neelsen staining method was used. Results: Most (60%) of the study participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Out of those, only two (1.5%) were diagnosed with an opportunistic parasite, and 96 (48%) of the non-ART study participants were infected with at least one other intestinal parasite species. The prevalence was 16% for Giardia lamblia, 13% for Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar, 8% for Cryptosporidium spp, 5% for Isospora belli, 1.5% for Blastocystis hominis, 2.5% for Ascaris lumbricoides and 2% for Hymnolepis nana. Diarrhoea was significantly associated with cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and isosporiasis. Significant association was observed between lower CD4+ T cell count (<200 cells/μL) and the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp, Isospora belli, and Blastocystis hominis. The three parasites were significantly prevalent in HIV sero-positive patients not on -ART. Conclusion: The finding showed that patients under ART had lower prevalence of diarrheogenic protozoan parasites suggesting that ART through improvement of the immune status of patients may have contributed to controlling parasites in HIV/AIDS patients.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. In calves and different water resources

The study was planned to show the prevalence of Cryotosporidium spp. in calves and water sources in Salahaddin governorate. The study included 137 faecal samples of calves in the villages and indoor husbandry from Al-Ishaky private farm, 87 males and 50 females for period from beginning of July 2000 to end of April 2001. The age of calves was ranging from one month to one year. Water samples were collected from tap water, panel of Tikrit city, pond water of rain, river water and sewage water. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts was done by modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Carbol Fuccin Dimethyl Sulfoxide Methods, Direct Immunofluorescent Test was also used in water samples. The rate of infection in calves was (37.95%); in males (40.2%) being higher than females (34%). The distribution of infection was highest among calves below one month (43.2%) of age. The highest rate of Cryptosporidium was in summer (50%) and the lowest was in winter (18.5%). In the number of oocysts per liter of filtrated tap water was (0.2 oocysts/ liter), which was lower than infiltrated water of Tikrit planet (3 oocysts/ liter), pond water (20 oocysts/ liter), river water (6 oocysts/ liter) and farm water (40 oocysts/ liter). In sewage water, oocyst was isolated only in one sample (0.1 oocyst/ liter). There was a strong correlation between turbidity of water samples and number of oocysts detected; as water samples with highest turbidity contained greatest number of oocysts.

Prevalence and determinants of &lt;i&gt;Cryptosporidium&lt;/i&gt; spp. infection in smallholder dairy cattle in Iringa and Tanga Regions of Tanzania

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1 126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21% in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.