Report Of Cryptosporidium Research Articles

The Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Marmota himalayana (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau area, China.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are well-known important intestinal zoonotic pathogens that can infect various hosts and cause diarrhoeal diseases. We aimed to determine the epidemiological prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana, class Marmota) in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Area of Qinghai Province, Northwest China. Overall, 243 Himalayan marmot fecal samples were collected in 2017 and in 2019 and a two-step nested PCR technique was performed to amplify the fragments of the SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium and 18S ribosomal RNA gene of Giardia. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium was performed with the primary primers NDIAGF2 and N-DIAGR2, the secondary primers CPB-DIAGF and CPB-DIAGR. Similarly, molecular characterization of Giardia was used the first primers Gia2029 and Gia2150c, the secondary primers RH11 and RH4. The positive PCR products were sequenced and the sequences were processed by Clustal Omega and BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis was achieved by NJ method in MEGA. The infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was 4.9% (12/243) and 0.8% (2/243) in M. himalayana, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. are characterized as novel genotypes Cryptosporidium marmot genotype I (n=3) and Cryptosporidium marmot genotype II (n=9); G. duodenalis assemblage A (n=2) was found in M. himalayana. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections in M. himalayana in Qinghai of Northwest China. The results indicate the existence of Cryptosporidium species and G. duodenalis infections that may have a potential public health significance.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in pet dogs in Xinjiang, China.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are opportunistic zoonotic protozoa transmitted through several routes. In this study, a total of 604 fecal samples were collected from pet dogs in Xinjiang, China to detect the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis by PCR amplification of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. The incidence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. or G. duodenalis was 5.3% (32/604). Among the collection sites, a higher number ofCryptosporidium spp. or G. duodenalis positive dogs were detectedin Hotan (9.9%, 21/213) and Shihezi (9.8%, 4/41) were higher than those in Aksu (4.5%, 1/22), Urumqi (2.1%, 4/191), and Korla (1.5%,2/137). Among the sources, dogs in pet shops (7.4%, 19/256) showed a significantly higher incidence rate than those in pet hospitals (3.0%, 4/134) and pet kennels (2.3%, 5/214). When the data were examined by age, dogs < 1year of age (6.1%, 28/459) were more likely to be infected by Cryptosporidium spp. or G. duodenalis than older (≥ 1year) dogs (2.8%, 4/145). No significant differences were observed when animals were grouped by sex (5.0%, 14/278 for males; 5.5%, 18/326 for females). Sequence analysis revealed that the Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 10) in dogs were identified as C. canis. The G. duodenalis detectedbelonged to assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 14), and D (n = 7). Among the identified 22 G. duodenalis isolates, eight samples were subtyped according toβ-giardin (bg)and the results were consistent with the identified assemblages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections in domesticated canines in Xinjiang, China. The C. canis and G. duodenalis assemblage A identified in pet dogs in the present study were previously associated with infections in humans, indicating the potential for zoonotic transmission.

A meta-analysis of Cryptosporidium species in humans from southern Africa (2000-2020).

The epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in southern Africa is largely unknown. The disease is associated with diarrhea and nutritional deficiencies, leading to severe morbidity and mortality among immune-compromised patients. This study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection among immune-compromised humans in southern Africa over the past 20 years. Reports of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in humans published between 2000 and 2020 using Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid Medline, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Web of Science literature databases were obtained. Inclusion criteria of sorted articles for Cryptosporidium spp. infection were standardized using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. A total of 22 eligible studies were sorted for meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in southern African countries with reports was 16.8% (95% CI 9.7–25.3). Sub-group analysis showed a pooled prevalence of 25.2, 20.5, and 17.9% among HIV/AIDS patients, children, and diarrhoeic individuals, respectively. Pooled prevalence was highest in South Africa and lowest in Zimbabwe across examined individuals. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in diarrhoeic patients was highest in individuals from Botswana (17.6%) which is significantly different (Χ2 = 9.337; P = 0.002) from South Africans (12.7%). South African individuals with HIV/AIDS showed the highest pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections than other countries. The high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections among immune-compromised patients in southern Africa showed that the pathogen is of significant importance in this region. Continuous studies on the genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. isolates and associated risk factors are needed across southern Africa to identify the predominant subtypes in humans.Graphic abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-021-01436-4.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Free-Ranging Introduced Monk Parakeets from Santiago, Chile.

Simple SummaryMonk Parakeets are medium-sized parrots that were internationally traded as pets and that as a byproduct have become invasive species in 19 countries. This is the case of Chile, where Monk Parakeets have thrived in the city of Santiago. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that can affect the digestive system of a wide variety of animals, including humans and birds. This study sought to determine the occurrence of these parasites within Monk Parakeets from the city of Santiago. To do this, 207 fecal samples from Monk Parakeet nestlings that were captured during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 were analyzed. Environmental data related to the trees in which the nestlings were captured was studied in order to the determine the existence of areas more prone to have infected parakeets and whether certain environmental variables influence the presence or absence of these parasites in Monk Parakeets. In total, 33 samples were positive to the presence of one or both parasites. Of the 33, 10 nestlings (30%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and 25 (76%) with Giardia spp. Two nestlings were infected with both parasites (6%). Environmental analyses revealed that pruned trees might constitute a protective factor against infection with these parasites. These findings emphasize Monk Parakeet’s potential role as a disease disseminator, especially in urban environments.Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are medium-sized parrots that due to international pet trade currently exist as invasive species in 19 countries globally. Such is the case of Chile, where Monk Parakeets have thrived in the city of Santiago. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are worldwide distributed gastrointestinal parasites whose potential hosts include birds and humans. The present study sought to determine the presence of these pathogens in Monk Parakeets from Santiago. During the austral summers of 2017 and 2018, 207 Monk Parakeet nestlings were captured, and fecal samples were studied via microscopical analyses. Environmental data related to the trees in which the nestlings were captured were analyzed to establish the existence of infection clusters. Associations between spatial clusters, environmental variables, and the presence or absence of these pathogens were explored. In total, 33 samples were positive to the presence of one or both protozoa. Of the 33, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 10 nestlings (30%) while Giardia spp. cysts were detected in 25 (76%). Two nestlings presented poly-parasitism (6%). Statistical analyses established pruned trees as a potential protective factor against infection with these parasites. The present study corresponds to the second report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Monk Parakeets in Chile and the first worldwide report of Giardia spp. in these birds, emphasizing Monk Parakeet’s potential role as a reservoir and pathogen disseminator, especially in urban environments.

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet snakes in Beijing, China.

Few reports of Cryptosporidium spp. in snakes in China have been published. To determine the infection rate and document the presence of Cryptosporidium in pet snakes using molecular methods, 273 fecal samples were collected from eight species of pet snakes from 13 pet households in Beijing, China, and were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Cryptosporidium was detected from 17 of 273 (6.2%) samples, and nine out of 13 households tested positive for Cryptosporidium with a range of 3.3 to 33.3% among households showing significant difference (p < 0.01). The infection rate of Cryptosporidium for females and males was 6.5% (13/201) and 5.6% (4/72), respectively, showing no significant difference (p > 0.05). Six out of eight pet snake species tested positive for Cryptosporidium with a range of 4.2 to 9.1% among species, showing no significant difference (p > 0.05). Two Cryptosporidium species were identified: Cryptosporidium serpentis in 10 samples and Cryptosporidium varanii in seven samples. No zoonotic Cryptosporidium species occur in our study populations.

Cryptosporidium spp. in Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 (Columbiformes: Columbidae) free-living pigeons from urban areas in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Cryptosporidium spp. are parasites with zoonotic potential that cause intestinal diseases, generally intense diarrheal, on their hosts, which tend to be immunocompromised. Large populations of pigeons in urban environments can lead to greater human exposure to Cryptosporidium spp., as this bird is considered a potential reservoir and is able to transmit several pathogens. This study aimed in determining the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in feces of free-living pigeons (Columba livia) found in urban areas in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, south of Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 50) were collected from young and adult pigeons captured in different locations in the urban area and the parasitological diagnosis was performed through Ritchie's modified technique and Kinyoun's technique. Among the 50 samples, 18% (IC95% 9.7-30.8) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. with a low number of oocysts being detected on fecal smears. Our results confirmed the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in feces of free-living pigeons from the urban area of the city of Pelotas. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in feces of pigeons in south Brazil. This data has epidemiological significance because the oocysts could be from zoonotic species, which consequently shows that humans might be exposed to infection.

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.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in experimental rats in China.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are ubiquitous protozoan parasites that infect a broad range of hosts. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was detected in 355 fecal samples of laboratory experimental rats from four experimental rat rearing facilities in China by PCR amplification of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. The G. duodenalis positive samples were further characterized in the β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. The overall infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 0.6% (2/355) and 9.3% (33/355), respectively, with no co-infection. Among the four facilities, only the rats in Zhengzhou1 were found positive for the two pathogens. Undetermined Cryptosporidium genotype was observed in one sample and C. ubiquitum in another sample. Assemblage G was identified in all the 33G. duodenalis positive isolates at SSU rRNA gene, out of which 19, 20, and 21 isolates were also subtyped as assemblage G at tpi, gdh and bg gens, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis infections in laboratory experimental rats in China. The infections of these pathogens in laboratory animals should be monitored routinely since they may interfere the biological experiments in these animals.

Prevalence and species identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in the newborn dairy calves from Muang District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.

Aim:This study aims to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection and to identify the species of Cryptosporidium spp. in newborn dairy calves between December 2016 and March 2017 in Muang District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 fecal samples from newborn dairy calves of the ages 1 day up to 28 days were collected and the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was examined microscopically using the modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast staining technique. Then, Cryptosporidium species were identified using nested polymerase chain reaction amplification of 18S rRNA gene and sequencing.Results:The modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast staining revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 51% (102/200). Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene identified two species, namely, Cryptosporidium bovis (n=11) and Cryptosporidium ryanae (n=11) and one isolated strain could not be identified.Conclusion:This study indicated that newborn dairy calves aging up to 4 weeks were highly infected with Cryptosporidium spp., and the infection mostly occurred in diarrheic dairy calves. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves in Khon Kaen Province and the results provide baseline information for further studies and control of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy calves in the study area.

First report of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in sheep population of Ladakh, India.

Ladakh is the high altitude (11,184 ft above sea level) cold desert region in the state of Jammu & Kashmir (India), where winter temperature goes below - 35°C. A total of 37 faecal samples were collected from local Changthangi and Russian merino sheep of the Leh region of Ladakh, having the history of diarrhoea and emaciation, followed by death. Of the 37samples collected, 20 (54.05%) showed presence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection on faecal smear examination after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The number of samples positive for Cryptosporidium sp. infection on faecal smear examination was 7 and 13 for Russian Merino and local Changthangi sheep, respectively. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection was similar in both sexes, 11/20 (55%) in females and 9/20 (45%) for males. The Age-wise occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in different age groups was found to be: 50% in less than 2year age group and 50% in more than 2year age group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in adult sheep from India. The survival of the parasite at such freezing temperature gives the insight about its cold-resistant nature.

New insights into the detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium with emphasis in Brazilian studies: a review.

ABSTRACTCryptosporidium spp. is a pathogenic protozoan present in the gastrointestinal tract of several hosts. This protozoan was originally classified as within the Coccidia Class and has recently been reclassified to gregarine based on studies that observed the evolutionary phases from the process of excision and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Molecular biology techniques have become diagnostic tools and have also been used to understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., since several species of this genus are very similar morphologically and morphometrically. Molecular techniques have been used in the identification of parasites, at the species and subtypes levels and to study disease transmission. The laboratory diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis can be made by parasite detection methods, such as optical microscopy, antigens or genetic material detection, as well as serum antibodies raised to Cryptosporidium spp. Molecular methods were developed and allowed, not only an extensive revision of the taxonomy, but also an improvement in the laboratory diagnosis. In Brazil, there are few reports of Cryptosporidium spp. outbreaks in humans and all of them took place in nurseries. A few epidemiological studies developed in Brazil have used molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., as well as genotyping studies of their species and subtypes. The use of real-time PCR, together with microscopy and immunochromatography techniques, would result in a more precise diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. The analysis of genotypes, subtypes and clonality of Cryptosporidium could be useful to understand and define the prognosis and severity of infections.

Cryptosporidium spp. in Aratinga jandaia, Diopsittaca nobilis and Pionus menstruus in Brazil

Background: Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan in public health and veterinary medicine that often causes diarrhea in an array of hosts in developed/developing countries. Infection of the gastrointestinal system is the most common, but the respiratory system and other sites can also be affected, especially in birds and immunocompromised individuals. Transmission occurs through ingestion or inhalation of oocysts. The number of wild animals, including those in the class of birds, infected with this parasite has grown in recent years. This study aimed to report parasitism by Cryptosporidium spp. in captive-raised birds of family Psittacidae at the Rio City Zoo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Thirty-three pools of fecal samples of the species Amazona aestiva, Amazona amazonica, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara auricollis, Ara canga, Ara glaucogularis, Ara macao, Ara manilapa, Ara maracana, Ara rubrogenys, Aratinga erythrogenys, Aratinga cactorum, Aratinga auerea, Aratinga mitrata, Aratinga auricapilla, Aratinga jandaia, Aratinga wagleri, Aratinga leucophthalmus, Brotogeris acuticaudata, Cynoliseus patagonus, Caracopsis vasa, Diopsittaca nobilis, Graydidascalus brachyurus, Muopsitta monachus, Nangayus nenday, Pionites melancephala, Pionites leucogaster, Pionus menstruus, Pionus chalcopteus, Pionus maxiliani, Pyrrhura perlata, Pyrrhura leucotis, and Triclharia malachitacea, kept in separate enclosures, were analyzed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detection of parasitic antigens. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was conducted in order to identify the species Cryptosporidium in the positive samples targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and analysis of the DNA amplicons. Cryptosporidium spp. antigen was detected in three (9%) of the thirtythree pools assessed, corresponding to the following species of family Psittacidae: Jandaya parakeet (Aratinga jandaya), Red-shouldered macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis), and Blue-headed parrot (Pionus menstruus). Positivity of the three samples was confirmed by qPCR analysis, but it was not possible to identify the species of Cryptosporidium by this technique.Discussion: Zoonotic diseases, such as cryptosporidiosis, have been reported in wild and captive-bred animals worldwide. Several species of the class of birds are parasitized by Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in order Psittaciformes has been described in some species raised in captivity in Brazil; however, no reports of Cryptosporidium spp. infecting the following species of order Psittaciformes: Jandaya parakeet (Aratinga jandaia), Red-breasted macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis), and Blue-headed parrot (Pionus menstrus), were found in the specific scientific literature. The present study detected infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in three species of order Psittaciformes using ELISA and confirmed the positivity of the samples by qPCR, but the species of Cryptosporidium could not be identified. These infected birds should be carefully investigated, with identification of the species and analysis of their zoonotic potential, because they can be sources of environmental contamination and infection for the caregivers, visitors, and other animals of the Zoo. This is the first report of parasitism by Cryptosporidium spp. in these species of family Psittacidae in Brazil.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in poultry from Brazil

Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium. Infections in birds are mainly caused by C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, and C. galli. C. meleagridis is the third most common cause of cryptosporidiosis in humans and the only Cryptosporidium species known to infect both birds and mammals. One hundred and fifty-five fecal specimens from different poultry species (chicken, turkey, ostrich, helmeted guinea fowl, quail, pheasant, and emu) were collected at local markets in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Twenty-three (14.8%) birds (20 chickens, 2 quails, and 1 turkey) were found Cryptosporidium-positive. This constitutes the first report of Cryptosporidium in turkeys from Brazil. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified C. meleagridis in chickens (15), a turkey (1), and a quail (1), C. baileyi in chickens (4) and a quail (1), and a mixed infection C. meleagridis/C. baileyi in a chicken (1). This is the first report of C. meleagridis in turkeys and quails from Brazil. Using the gp60 gene, three subtype families were identified, IIIa, IIIb and IIIg. Within subtype family IIIg, four subtypes were identified in chickens, two novel (IIIgA25G3R1 and IIIgA21G3R1) and two previously reported (IIIgA22G3R1 and IIIgA24G2R1). Within subtype family IIIb two subtypes were identified, IIIbA24G1R1 in a chicken and IIIbA23G1R1 in a quail. A novel subtype in the family IIIa was identified (IIIaA22G3R1) in a turkey. The finding of C. meleagridis subtypes previously identified in humans (IIIgA22G3R1, IIIbA24G1R1 and IIIbA23G1R1) indicates that they can be potentially zoonotic. Further subtyping studies that clarify genetic diversity of C. meleagridis are required to better understand host specificity, source of infection, and transmission dynamics of C. meleagridis.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. in aquatic mammals in northern and northeastern Brazil.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoans that can infect humans and wild and domestic animals. Due to the growing importance of diseases caused by protozoan parasites in aquatic species, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. in aquatic and marine mammals in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil. We collected 553 fecal samples from 15 species of wild-ranging and captive aquatic mammals in northern and northeastern Brazil. All samples were analyzed by the Kinyoun technique for identification of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Giardia sp. cysts were identified by means of the centrifugal-flotation technique in zinc sulfate solution. Subsequently, all samples were submitted for direct immunofluorescence testing. The overall frequency of infection was 15.55% (86/553) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 9.04% (50/553) for Giardia sp. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in samples from 5 species: neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis (15.28%), giant otter Pteronura brasiliensis (41.66%), Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis (9.67%), Amazonian manatee Trichechus inunguis (16.03%), and Antillean manatee T. manatus (13.79%). Giardia sp. was identified in L. longicaudis (9.23%), P. brasiliensis (29.16%), pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps (100%), dwarf sperm whale K. sima (25%), S. guianensis (9.67%), T. inunguis (3.81%), and T. manatus (10.34%). This is the first report of Cryptosporidium spp. in L. longicaudis, P. brasiliensis, and S. guianensis, while the occurrence of Giardia sp., in addition to the 2 otter species, was also identified in manatees, thus extending the number of hosts susceptible to these parasitic agents.

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium Infection in Java Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora) in Northern China.

Cryptosporidiosis is a cosmopolitan parasitosis that affects a wide range of hosts including birds. As information concerning Cryptosporidium in birds is limited, the present study examined the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in Java sparrows in Beijing and Shangqiu, northern China. Three hundred and fifty fecal samples were collected from Java sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora, 225 white Java sparrows and 125 gray Java sparrows) in Beijing and Shangqiu in October 2015, and the samples were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall Cryptosporidium prevalence is 13.42% (47/350), with 16.44% (37/225) in white Java sparrows and 8.00% (10/125) in gray Java sparrows. Cryptosporidium prevalence was 9.82% (16/163) in Java sparrows from Beijing and 16.58% (31/187) in Java sparrows from Shangqiu. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in females and males was 40.63% (26/64) and 7.34% (21/286), respectively. The Cryptosporidium prevalence in Java sparrows of different ages varied from 10.47% to 16.33%. Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene revealed that all the samples represented C. baileyi. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium in gray Java sparrows in China, which extend the host range for C. baileyi. These results provide baseline information for further studies of molecular epidemiology and control of Cryptosporidium infection in poultry in China.

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia shedding by captured rangeland goats.

Faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium and Giardia by captured rangeland goats was investigated using a longitudinal study with four faecal samples collected from 125 male goats once monthly for four months, commencing immediately after capture and transport to a commercial goat depot (feedlot). Goats were composite breed and aged approximately 9-12months on arrival. Faecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium and Giardia presence and concentration using quantitative PCR and sequencing at the 18S ribosomal RNA locus (Cryptosporidium), and glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin loci (Giardia). Longitudinal prevalence for Cryptosporidium was 27.2% (point prevalence range 3-14%) with 3 species identified: C. xiaoi (longitudinal prevalence 13.6%), C. ubiquitum (6.4%) and C. parvum (3.2%). Sub-typing at the gp60 locus identified C. ubiquitum XIIa, C. parvum IIaA17G2R1 and C. parvum IIaA17G4R1. This is the first report of the zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIaA17G4R1 in goats. The pattern of genotypes shed in faeces changed over the duration of study with C. ubiquitum identified only at the first and second samplings, and C. parvum identified only at the fourth sampling. Longitudinal prevalence for Giardia duodenalis was 29.6% (point prevalence range 4-12%) with all positives sub-typed as assemblage E. Only 2/125 goats were identified to be shedding Cryptosporidium or Giardia on more than one occasion. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium and Giardia genotypes in captured rangeland goats. Faecal shedding of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and potentially zoonotic G.duodenalis has implications for food safety and effluent management. Keywords: Cryptosporidium; Giardia; Rangeland goats; zoonotic.

Detection of Cryptosporidium hominis and novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes in wild and captive Pteropus hosts in Australia

Spillover of zoonotic pathogens from wildlife to humans has been identified as a primary threat to global health. In contrast, the process of reverse pathogen transmission (zooanthroponosis), whereby pathogens move from humans into wildlife species is still largely unexplored. Globally, increasing urbanisation and habitat loss are driving many wildlife species into urban and regional centres. In Australia, large numbers of flying foxes now live in close proximity to humans, increasing the risk of zooanthroponosis. The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an emerging zoonotic parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrates yet there are limited studies on transmission potential of Cryptosporidium between humans and urban wildlife. To explore the presence of zooanthroponosis in flying foxes in Australia the occurrence and diversity of Cryptosporidium was investigated in urbanised wild and captive flying foxes. PCR screening of faecal samples (n=281) from seven wild sites and two captive facilities identified the presence of Cryptosporidium in 3.2% (95% CI 1.5% to 6.0%) of faecal samples. In faecal samples from wild sites Cryptosporidium occurrence was 1.7% (95% CI 0.3% to 4.8%) versus 5.9% (95% CI 2.2% to 12.4%) in samples from captive individuals, with no significant difference between captive and wild sites (p=0.077). Multilocus sequencing using three loci, 18s rDNA, actin and gp60 was used to identify Cryptosporidium in flying fox species. The host specific Cryptosporidium hominis was identified in faecal samples from two captive flying foxes, and one of these samples was confirmed as C. hominis at both actin and gp60. Sequencing of the 18s rDNA also revealed four novel Cryptosporidium genotypes in wild and captive individuals, actin and gp60 amplification and sequencing were unreliable for all four novel genotypes. These novel genotypes have been designated Cryptosporidium bat genotypes VIII–XI. This first report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Australian flying foxes indicates zooanthroponotic transmission of Cryptosporidium from humans to flying foxes within a captive environment and extends the diversity of this globally important parasite.

Camel calf diarrhoea in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Camel calf diarrhoeic disease results from complex infectious agents. In the present study, 33 calves presenting diarrhoea were sampled for Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Coronavirus and Rotavirus. The prevalence rates were 15.1%, 9%, 6% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of diarrhoea was found to be 8.1% in calves' less than 3 months. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium and Coronavirus of Saudi camels. (Resume d'auteur)

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in recycled waters used for irrigation and first description of Cryptosporidium parvum and C. muris in Greece.

Here, we present the first time findings regarding the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in sewage waters and the first molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in Greece. Biological treatment plants from three regions in Greece have been investigated. The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts was by modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast (MZN-AF) and by immunofluorescence microscopy (IFT) for Cryptosporidium and Giardia (oo)cysts, whereas nested PCR based on the SSU rDNA assay was used for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium followed by sequencing for the genetic characterization of the species. In total, 73 samples (37 raw sewage samples and 38 of treated water samples) were collected and analyzed. Of the 73 water samples, 4 samples were Cryptosporidium-positive by IFT and staining, 12 samples were Cryptosporidium-positive by nested PCR; 9 samples were Giardia-positive by IFT. We showed that Cryptosporidium cysts are found both in the input and the discharge of the biological treatment plants. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene resulted in the determination of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium muris Greek isolates. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium and Giardia occurrence in wastewaters and the first molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species in Greek environments. As the treated water is used for irrigation, or it is discharged into the sea, our findings indicate that biological treatment facilities constitute a possible risk for public health because the related species are prevalent in humans; the results invite for further epidemiological investigations to evaluate the real public health risk in Greece.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cetaceans on the European Atlantic coast.

The occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated in cetacean specimens stranded on the northwestern coast of Spain (European Atlantic coast) by analysis of 65 samples of large intestine from eight species. The parasites were identified by direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and by PCR amplification of the β-giardin gene, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the SSU-rDNA gene of Giardia and the SSU-rDNA gene of Cryptosporidium. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 7 (10.8 %) and 9 samples (13.8 %), respectively. In two samples, co-infection with both parasites was observed. Giardia duodenalis assemblages A, C, D and F, and Cryptosporidium parvum were identified. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Kogia breviceps and Stenella coeruleoalba and also the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. in B. acutorostrata and of C. parvum in S. coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus. These results extend the known host range of these waterborne enteroparasites.