Prevalence Of Cryptosporidium Research Articles

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pigs in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic parasite that can infect a variety of hosts, including pigs and humans, through water and food. Many studies on Cryptosporidium infection in pigs have been reported worldwide. However, the meta-analysis of Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in China has not been published. This study retrieved articles related to Cryptosporidium in pigs in China by using four databases: Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, VIP Chinese journal database and Wanfang Data. We retrieved 40 studies related to Cryptosporidium infection in China, and those articles were harvested from the inception to 1 January 2020. We estimated that the overall prevalence of pigs with Cryptosporidium in the selected period was 12.2% (4,349/30,404). In the sampling year subgroup, the prevalence rate after 2010 was the lowest at 8.7% (2,087/18,100). In Northern China, the Cryptosporidium prevalence was 47.9% (34/71). By contrast, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Southwestern China was only 6.9% (778/6,445). The infection rate of Cryptosporidium in diarrhoea pigs of 15.6% (74/384) was higher than that in non-diarrhoea pigs at 10.8% (378/2,840). Among the four age groups, the prevalence of weaning pigs of 16.2% (530/3,243) was the highest, and the difference was significant (p<.05). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in extensive farming was 25.7% (660/3,121), which was significantly higher than in intensive farming 8.7% (566/6,336), and the prevalence of infection was related to the farming modes (p<.05). We also analysed the impact of different geographic factor subgroups (longitude, latitude, precipitation, temperature, humidity, climate and altitude) on the prevalence of pigs. The results showed that cryptosporidiosis was widespread in pigs in China. We suggest that appropriate control schemes should be developed according to the differences in breeding patterns and geographic conditions in different regions, and effective management measures should be developed to reduce the spread between pigs.

Food and waterborne protozoan parasites: The African perspective

Parasitic food-borne diseases, particularly those caused by the protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Entamoeba are increasingly becoming common and have received considerable attention in the last two decades. The ability of the transmission stages of the parasites to survive in the environment for prolonged periods, globalization of the food industry and changes in eating habits have contributed to the numbers of human infections. This systematic scoping review highlights these important water- and foodborne parasites in the African context, detailing the burden in African water sources, wastewater/effluents and fresh produce. A scoping review search targeting African countries was conducted in Medline, Web of science and African journals online as well as back referencing from included studies covering the period 1990 to January 2020. Out of 1134 studies, 68 were included in the review. The articles covered 17 out of 54 African countries. There were 39/68 studies reporting on water sources while the rest reported on fresh produce. Cryptosporidium prevalence ranged from 6 to 100% in surface water, 4 to 100% in tap water and up to 100% in wastewater and sludge. In fresh produce, Cryptosporidium was reported from five countries with prevalence of 0.8–75%. Giardia was reported in 47 out of 68 articles; prevalence ranged from 2.4% in surface water; 1% to over 70% in tap water; 28–100% in wastewater and 2% - 99% in fresh produce. Prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis was lower. Prevalence of Entamoeba was 78% in surface water; 100% in wastewater and up to 99% in fresh produce. This study finds that Africa is no exception to the risk presented by the subject parasites from water and/or food sources. Routine screening for these parasites particularly at household level and provision of adequate and safe drinking water would help to control the parasites.

Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium parvum in Neonatal Dairy Calves in Xinjiang, China.

Cryptosporidium parvum has been identified as a major cause of diarrhea and diarrhea-associated deaths in young children and neonatal calves. Infections can remain asymptomatic but may lead to malnutrition and persistent growth retardation. To assess the relationship between C. parvum genetic diversity and pathogenicity in neonatal dairy calves and determine the cause of diarrhea among these calves, 232 fecal samples from neonatal dairy calves on 12 farms in Xinjiang, China, were characterized for Cryptosporidium presence based on the small subunit rRNA gene. The Cryptosporidium prevalence was 38.4% (89/232), and three species were detected with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, including C. parvum (the significantly dominant species), C. ryanae, and C. bovis. Cryptosporidium prevalence was significantly higher in neonatal dairy calves with diarrhea (52.6%, 51/97) than in calves without diarrhea (28.1%, 38/135). All C. parvum-positive samples were analyzed based on the 60 KDa glycoprotein gene, and IIdA15G1, IIdA20G1, IIdA14G1, and IIdA19G1 were successfully subtyped. These data indicate that C. parvum may be a major contributor to diarrheal disease in neonatal dairy calves, and C. parvum subtypes from neonatal dairy calves in Xinjiang exhibited high genetic diversity.

Genotyping and identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from free–range Tibetan yellow cattle and cattle–yak in Tibet, China

To assess the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in natural grazing local breed cattle, 513 fecal samples from Tibetan yellow cattle and cattle–yaks were tested for these pathogens. Cryptosporidium, G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi in Tibetan yellow cattle prevalence were 0.7% (3/442), 3.8% (17/442) and 2.5% (11/442), respectively. Cryptosporidium bovis (n = 3), G. duodenalis assemblages A (n = 2) and E (n = 15) were identified based on sequence analysis. Among three E. bieneusi genotypes, I (n = 7), EbpC (n = 2) and CHC8 (n = 2) detected, EbpC was classified into Group 1, which has a significant zoonotic importance, whereas genotypes I and CHC8 belonged to Group 2. None of these pathogens was identified in cattle–yaks. The presence of zoonotic C. bovis, assemblage A and EbpC indicates Tibetan yellow cattle may be a potential spread source of intestinal pathogens with a zoonotic transmission risk. The relationships between natural free–range mode and the prevalence or genetic diversity of these pathogens need be confirmed in further studies.

Prevalence and Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species and Genotypes in Four Farmed Deer Species in the Northeast of China.

Cryptosporidiosis is a major public health problem in humans and animals. Information on the prevalence and molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium in farmed deer in northeastern China is limited. In this study, the prevalence of these parasites was investigated in four farmed deer species, including 125 reindeer, 109 red deer, 86 sika deer, and 18 Siberian roe deer by nested PCR amplification of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. C. ubiquitum isolates were subtyped using nested PCR and sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 7.1%, with 15.1% for sika deer, 4.0% for reindeer, 4.6% for red deer, and 5.6% for roe deer. C. ubiquitum (n = 4), C. xiaoi (n = 2), and Cryptosporidium deer genotype (n = 18) were identified. All four C. ubiquitum isolates belonged to the XIIa subtype (n = 4). This study confirms that Cryptosporidium deer genotype is widely occurring in deer in the investigated areas. Presence of zoonotic C. ubiquitum XIIa subtype indicates that farmed deer represent potential source of zoonotic cryptosporidia and might pose a threat to human health.

Prevalence and Molecular Genotyping of Cryptosporidium Spp. in Diarrheic Patients from Bandar Abbas City, Southern Iran

Background: Cryptosporidium species are recognized as one of the most important gastrointestinal pathogens of humans and livestock. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sub-genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. among diarrheic patients in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. Methods: Diarrheic fecal samples were collected from 170 patients in three hospitals of Bandar Abbas, Iran, from October 2018 to May 2019. Initial parasitological identification of Cryptosporidium spp. was performed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. For molecular analysis, the positive specimens and the suspected ones of Cryptosporidium spp. were evaluated by sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and the relationship between the variables and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. assessed by the chi-square test. To assess the degree of agreement between PCR and ZN staining, Cohen’s kappa-index was applied. Results: Of the 170 diarrheic patients, 98 (57.6%) were male, and 72 (42.4%) were female. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. by parasitological examination was 1.8% (3/170). However, using PCR, Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 12% (6/50) of the positive microscopically samples (3 samples) and 47 suspected specimens. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene showed that all of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum in which all subtypes belonged to allele family IId. Two distinct nucleotide sequences obtained from this study were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers MN820453 and MN820454. Conclusions: The predominance of C. parvum (subtype family IId) in this study emphasizes the importance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium transmission in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran.

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Brandt's Vole in China.

Cryptosporidium spp. are important intestinal parasites that infect humans and various animals, including wildlife. Currently, few epidemiological data in wild rodents, especially in voles, are available. In the present study, a total of 678 Brandt's vole feces samples were collected from Maodeng Livestock Farm and East Ujimqin, Inner Mongolia. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 18.7%. Significant differences were not found between genders but between locations and weight groups. Moreover, three known species/genotypes, C. suis, Cryptosporidium environmental sequence and muskrat genotype II, and a novel Cryptosporidium species/genotypes of Brandt's vole was identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in Brandt's vole worldwide. These findings imply Brandt's voles might be a potential source of human cryptosporidiosis.

First report of Cryptosporidium spp. infection and risk factors in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China.

Cryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that can inhabit in the gastrointestinal tract of various hosts. Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep may pose a threat to the survival and productivity, causing considerable economic losses to the livestock industry. However, it is yet to know whether black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China are infected with Cryptosporidium. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in Yunnan province, China. A total of 590 fecal samples were obtained from black-boned goats and black-boned sheep from five counties in Yunnan province, and the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium were determined by amplification of the 18S rDNA fragment using the nested PCR. The overall Cryptosporidium prevalence was 13.2% (78/590), with 18.0% (55/305) in black-boned goats and 8.1% (23/285) in black-boned sheep. The age and sampling site were identified as main factors that result in significant differences in Cryptosporidium prevalence. Three species, namely C. muris, C. xiaoi, and C. ubiquitum, were identified in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in the present study, with C. muris (46/78) as the predominant species. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China, and the findings will facilitate better understanding, prevention, and control of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in vegetables in Iran: a nineteen-years meta-analysis review.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two major protozoa reported from vegetables and environment. The prevalence of these parasites supposes to be different regarding the climate zones. This review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in vegetables according to the major climate zones in Iran. The results showed pooled prevalence 7% (95% CI: 2%, 14%) and 4% (95% CI: 3%, 6%) for Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp., respectively. The prevalence of Giardia spp. in mountain, desert and semi-desert, and Mediterranean regions was 4% (95% CI: 2%, 6%), 5% (95% CI: 3%, 8%) and 7% (95% CI: 1%, 18%), respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. was reported 8% (95% CI: 0%, 65%), 6% (95% CI: 0%, 18%) and 4% (95% CI: 0%, 77%) from mountain, desert and semi-desert, and Mediterranean climate zones, respectively. This review suggests the higher prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Mediterranean and mountain regions, respectively.

Prevalence and Genotypes of Cryptosporidium in Wildlife Populations Co-Located in a Protected Watershed in the Pacific Northwest, 2013 to 2016.

Between October 2013 and May 2016, 506 scat samples were collected from 22 species of wildlife located in a protected watershed of a major municipal water supply in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the wildlife scat was 13.8% (70/506), with 15 species of wildlife found positive for Cryptosporidium. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium varied among species of wildlife, with higher prevalences observed in cougars (50.0%), mountain beavers (40.0%), and bobcats (33.3%), but none of these species are riparian-dependent. Genotyping of Cryptosporidium by sequencing PCR amplicons from the 18S rRNA gene were successful for seven species of wildlife, including bobcat, unknown predator, black-tailed deer, deer mouse, snowshoe hare, mountain beaver, and western spotted skunk. BLAST and phylogenetic analyses indicated that multiple species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium were present, with some isolates possibly co-circulating within and between wildlife populations in this protected watershed. Evidence of oocyst exchange between infected prey and their predators was also found. During the study period, several zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and genotypes that are uncommon in humans were detected in bobcat (99.58% identical to Cryptosporidium felis), unknown predator (100% identical to Cryptosporidium canis), snowshoe hare (100% identical to Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype), and mountain beaver (100% identical to Cryptosporidium ubiquitum). Novel sequences were also found in mountain beaver. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of a unique genotype or species of Cryptosporidium in mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa).

The first report of Cryptosporidium testudinis in Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) in China.

Several Cryptosporidium species that infect reptiles, especially squamates, are well described, but there is limited data about Cryptosporidium species infecting crocodilians. In this study, we assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites using traditional microscopic examination and describe the prevalence and Cryptosporidium species in the captive-bred Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) in eastern China using molecular methods. The results of microscopic examination showed that no intestinal parasites were detected among the 491 fecal samples examined from the Chinese alligators. The overall prevalence for Cryptosporidium was 0.41% (2/491) by PCR detection using the SSU rRNA locus. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA, COWP, and actin genes revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium testudinis, which has been isolated primarily from chelonians. This is the first detection of the specific DNA of C. testudinis in the feces of the Chinese alligator. This study expands our knowledge of the Cryptosporidium species involved in crocodiles, and more extensive studies are necessary to confirm the validity of C. testudinis in crocodiles.

Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Wild Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Luxembourg Using an ELISA Approach.

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause enteric infection in a wide range of mammals, including humans. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive species in many parts of the world and studies have shown that they can be infected with Cryptosporidium spp. both outside and in their original distribution area. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. antigens in the faeces of raccoons in Luxembourg. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested 81 faeces samples, collected between 2014 and 2018, for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. coproantigens. Samples with an optical density equal to or greater than 0.15% were considered positive. Antigens were detected in 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI 6.68-21.26) of the tested samples. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection between the sexes and age categories. Cryptosporidium spp.-positive raccoons were found in 7 of the 12 Luxembourg administrative districts (Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Mersch, Remich, Vianden and Wiltz). The results show that Cryptosporidium infections are not uncommon in Luxembourg raccoons and suggest possible transmission of Cryptosporidium by raccoons.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigs in Xinjiang, China

Cryptosporidium spp. are distributed ubiquitously worldwide, and pigs are considered as one of the main reservoir hosts. Eight hundred one porcine fecal specimens were collected from seven intensive pig farms in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Cryptosporidium spp. were screened via PCR amplification of the small ribosomal subunit RNA gene, and 143 specimens (17.9%, 143/801) from all seven farms tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium prevalence in the pigs differed significantly among farms (p < 0.01). The highest Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence in post-weaned pigs was 39.5% (111/281), followed by fattening pigs (23.2%, 30/129), pre-weaned pigs (1.2%, 2/169), and sows (0/222). Significant differences were observed between age groups (p < 0.01). C. suis was the predominantly identified species (62.9%, 90/143), followed by C. scrofarum (35.7%, 51/143), and C. parvum (1.4%, 2/143). Two C. parvum specimens were subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene sequences and were identified as IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. parvum infection in pigs in China. The identification of three Cryptosporidium species, including zoonotic C. parvum in pigs in Xinjiang raises concern for the health of both swine animals and personnel in the pig industry.

Intestinal Protozoan Parasitic Infections in Immunocompromised Child Patients with Diarrhea.

Intestinal protozoan parasites are common causes of infectious diarrhea in children receiving anticancer therapy or undergoing transplantation. Additionally, immunosuppression therapy in such patients may exacerbate the symptoms related to these parasitic infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and diagnostic importance of parasitic protozoan infections in children treated for malignancies or undergoing transplantation, and to highlight the control of intestinal parasitic infections for immunosuppressed patients at a hospital in İzmir, Turkey. In total, 82 stool samples from 62 patients were analyzed by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of coccidian parasites. Our results showed that Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora were present in 22.5% (14/62), 9.6% (6/62), and 3.2% (2/62) of the cases using either method, respectively. The prevalence of these coccidian parasites identified with both methods was 35.4% (20/62). Other intestinal parasites (Blastocystis, Giardia, and Entamoeba coli) were detected in 10 patients. PCR analysis showed the presence of all coccidian parasites in the same stool sample for one patient. Finally, both PCR and microscopic examination of the stools revealed that there is a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora in immunocompromised children. These examinations allowed an early start of appropriate antibiotic treatments and led to an increased percentage of correctly treated patients.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in yaks (Bos grunniens) in Naqu, China

The intestinal protozoan specie, Cryptosporidium causes serious diarrheal syndrome in humans and animals worldwide. However, limited knowledge is known about the infection caused by this specie in yaks in Naqu. About 950 serum and 150 fecal samples were collected and assayed by using commercial ELISA kits and nPCR detection methods to find the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in yaks. Results found that 103 out of 950 (10.8%) serums were uncovered against C. parvum antibodies. In different regions, the prevalence of C. parvum in yaks were in a range from 9.1% to 16.7%, with obvious difference among the three areas (P < 0.001). In male and female yaks, the prevalence of C. parvum was found to be 7.2% and 13.3% respectively (P < 0.001); and a significant difference (P < 0.001) with a range of 9.8%–18.2% was observed among different age groups. Out of 150 fecal samples, only 2 (1.3%) positive samples were detected via nPCR. The positive samples were sequenced and identified to be C. bovis. The two isolates were clustered to cattle and yak clade separately. Our results highlight the prevalence and epidemiological status of Cryptosporidium spp. in yaks which may contribute towards the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease in Naqu, China.

A retrospective epidemiological analysis of human Cryptosporidium infection in China during the past three decades (1987-2018).

BackgroundCryptosporidiosis is an emerging infectious disease of public health significance worldwide. The burden of disease caused by Cryptosporidium varies between and within countries/areas. To have a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological status and characteristics of human Cryptosporidium infection in China since the first report in 1987, a retrospective epidemiological analysis was conducted by presenting differences in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium by province, year, population, living environment and season and possible transmission routes and risk factors as well as genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium in humans.Methodology/Principal findingsA systematic search was conducted to obtain epidemiological papers of human Cryptosporidium infection/cryptosporidiosis from PubMed and Chinese databases. Finally, 164 papers were included in our analysis. At least 200,054 people from 27 provinces were involved in investigational studies of Cryptosporidium, with an average prevalence of 2.97%. The prevalence changed slightly over time. Variable prevalences were observed: 0.65–11.15% by province, 1.89–47.79% by population, 1.77–12.87% and 0–3.70% in rural and urban areas, respectively. The prevalence peak occurred in summer or autumn. Indirect person-to-person transmission was documented in one outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in a pediatric hospital. 263 Cryptosporidium isolates were obtained, and seven Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. hominis (48.3%), C. andersoni (22.43%), C. parvum (16.7%), C. meleagridis (8.36%), C. felis (3.04%), C. canis (0.76%) and C. suis (0.38%).Conclusions/SignificancesThis systematic review reflects current epidemiological status and characteristics of Cryptosporidium in humans in China. These data will be helpful to develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent occurrence of human Cryptosporidium infection/cryptosporidiosis in China as well as have a reference effect to other countries. Further studies should focus on addressing a high frequency of C. andersoni in humans and a new challenge with respect to cryptosporidiosis with an increasing population of elderly people and patients with immunosuppressive diseases.

Frequency and Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium Species among Immunocompromised Patients Referred to Hos-pitals, Central Iran, 2015-16

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in different groups of immunocompromised patients admitted to the referral hospitals in center of Iran during 2015-2016. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 immunocompromised patients (HIV+/AIDS, Lymphoma, Leukemia and organ transplants) in referred hospitals from central parts of Iran including Isfahan, Markazi, Yazd and Chaharmahale Bakhtiari provinces. Stool samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium species, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques followed by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods. The total rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3.46% (12/346) in the patients, however, the prevalence of the parasite, was 4.6% (4/87) in HIV+/AIDS patients, 3.6% (6/168) in patients with blood malignancy and 2.1% (2/91) in organ transplant recipients. The SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all microscopic-positive samples was effectively amplified by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequences, exposed the existence of two Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis 91.6% (11/12) and C. parvum 8.3% (1/12). The predominance of C. hominis in the present study may be certifies the importance of anthroponotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in center of Iran.

Factors Associated With Cryptosporidium Infection Among Adult HIV Positive Population in Contact With Livestock in Namwala District, Zambia.

Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease globally. In Zambia, the burden of Cryptosporidium infection in the general human population is unknown and factors associated with it are unclear. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and identify factors associated with its infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive individuals in contact with livestock in Namwala district of Zambia. Three hundred and twenty six stool samples were collected from HIV infected individuals presenting at local health centers in Namwala district of Zambia between August 2015 and June 2016. The Meriflour Cryptosporidium/Giardia test kit was used to test for presence of oocysts. Demographic information such as age and sex and information on hypothesized risk factors was collected using a structured questionnaire. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 9.5% (95% CI = 6.7–13.2%); 13.3% and 7.1% among male and female participants, respectively. Males were 2.5 times more likely to be infected than females whereas the divorced had higher odds of being infected (OR = 14.8). Participants who kept animals had a higher prevalence (11.4%) than those that did not (7.0%). Those that shared water with neighbors were 5.7 times more likely to be infected than those who did not. We conclude that Cryptosporidium infection is prevalent among HIV positive adults in Namwala district and infection is associated with sex, marital status and sharing water sources among neighbors. Community sensitization is required to create awareness and reduce human exposure to Cryptosporidium infection.

Prevalence and genotypic identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces of China

BackgroundCryptosporidium and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are two important pathogens with zoonotic potential that cause enteric infections in a wide range of hosts, including humans. Both are transmitted from animals to humans by direct contact or through contaminated equipment. Bears are frequently found in Chinese zoos as ornamental animals as well as farmed as commercial animals, and are therefore in close contact with zoo- or farm-keepers, but the prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in bears is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to provide data on the occurrence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in Asiatic black bears from Heilongjiang and Fujian, China. From May 2015 to December 2017, 218 fresh fecal specimens were collected from captive Asiatic black bears in Heilongjiang (n = 36) and Fujian (n = 182), China. Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi were examined by PCR amplification of the partial small subunit of ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, respectively. C. andersoni-positive isolates were subtyped through PCR analysis of the four minisatellite/microsatellite (MS1, MS2, MS3 and MS16) loci.ResultsThe overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi were 2.4% (4/218) and 6.4% (14/218), respectively, with 2.8% (1/36) and 22.2% (8/36) in the Heilongjiang Province, and 1.6% (3/182) and 3.3% (6/182) in the Fujian Province. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium species: C. andersoni (n = 3) and a genotype termed Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (n = 1). All three identified C. andersoni belonged to the MLST subtype A4, A4, A4, A1. Two known E. bieneusi genotypes D (n = 4) and SC02 (n = 10) were identified, both of which belong to zoonotic Group 1.ConclusionsThis is the first report of C. andersoni and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV in bears. The discovery of the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi genotype D in bears highlights its significant zoonotic potential and potential threat to human health.

Genotypic Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Egyptian Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background: Liver cirrhotic patients usually suffer from compromised immunity which makes them more susceptible to pathogens including Cryptosporidium. Objective: To detect the genotypic prevalence of Cryptosporidium species among cirrhotic liver Egyptians. Also, to explore the association between the parasite and grades of liver cirrhosis and related patient's data. Material and Methods: From September 2015 to January 2017, a cross-sectional study was carried out on a study group of 60 cirrhotic patients (HCV and HBV positive) attending the outpatient clinics of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious diseases Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, as well as a control matched group of 60 subjects. Collected stool samples were examined coproscopically and using the copro-nPCR assay. Results: Only Cryptosporidium parvum was molecularly detected in 3.3% of liver cirrhotic patients among patients with HCV, suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and grade C liver cirrhosis. None of them were microscopically detected. The mean age of liver cirrhotic patients and controls was 46 years. None of the studied demographic, environmental or clinical data showed statistically significant association with molecular detection of Cryptosporidium (P-value >0.05). Cryptosporidium was not detected in any of the control groups. Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum among patients with progressive liver cirrhosis (suffering from HCC and with grade C cirrhosis). Copro-nPCR is more sensitive than coproscopy for the detection of Cryptosporidium infection. Our findings indicate the need for molecular searching of Cryptosporidium in this population to avoid delay in its final diagnosis. Keywords: Cryptosporidium; Liver cirrhosis; Copro-nPCR; Prevalence.