Age-related detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium suis and Cryptosporidium scrofarum in pre- and post-weaned piglets and adult pigs in Japan

Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Japan

Cryptosporidium species, causing diarrheal illnesses in humans and animals worldwide, are under investigation for their molecular epidemiology in Japan. The study focuses on detecting Cryptosporidium species in humans, animals, water, and the environment, revealing three species in people: C. parvum, C. meleagridis, and C. hominis. Subtype IIa of the C. parvum gp60 gene is prevalent, indicating potential zoonotic transmission. Animal studies identified sixteen species, mainly cattle and pets, with C. parvum (subtype IIa) common in cattle and C. canis and C. felis prevalent in pets. Additionally, C. bovis and C. ryanae were found in cattle and sika deer. Knowledge gaps exist, particularly in water and environmental source typing, with limited research revealing five species and five genotypes, suggesting a significant role of water in transmission. Further research is needed to understand the molecular diversity and transmission dynamics across humans, animals, water, and the environment in Japan.

Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Potentially Zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Eastern Spain

The protozoans Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. While both are commonly documented in domestic animals, few studies have analysed their presence in wildlife. To assess the prevalence of both parasites in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Valencian Community (eastern Spain), 498 wild boar faecal samples were collected from 2018 to 2022. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected by performing a nested PCR targeting a 578 bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. For G. duodenalis, a qPCR amplifying a fragment of 62 bp from the SSU rRNA was employed. Positive samples were genotyped for glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes. Different epidemiological factors were considered potential modulating variables in the transmission of both parasites. G. duodenalis prevalence was 1.20%, while Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence reached 21.7%. Coinfection was observed in 0.2%. Genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates only detected genotype E. Two species of Cryptosporidium spp. were identified: Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis. The results of this study demonstrate that the exposure to Cryptosporidium spp. in wild boars is high, particularly among young individuals belonging to the Typical Mediterranean climate. Moreover, the probability of infection is dependent on both the season and the density of wild boars. On the other side, exposure to G. duodenalis seems scarce and is influenced, in turn, by the climate. Both Cryptosporidium species detected in the present study have been reported in humans. Due to wild boar increasing in number and their colonisation of urban and peri-urban areas, this could represent an inherent health risk for the human population.

Global prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium spp. are significant opportunistic pathogens causing diarrhoea in humans and animals. Pigs are one of the most important potential hosts for Cryptosporidium. We evaluated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pigs globally using published information and a random-effects model. In total, 131 datasets from 36 countries were included in the final quantitative analysis. The global prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pigs was 16.3% (8560/64 809; 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.0–17.6%). The highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pigs was 40.8% (478/1271) in Africa. Post-weaned pigs had a significantly higher prevalence (25.8%; 2739/11 824) than pre-weaned, fattening and adult pigs. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was higher in pigs with no diarrhoea (12.2%; 371/3501) than in pigs that had diarrhoea (8.0%; 348/4874). Seven Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium scrofarum, Cryptosporidium suis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium muris, Cryptosporidium tyzzeri, Cryptosporidium andersoni and Cryptosporidium struthioni) were detected in pigs globally. The proportion of C. scrofarum was 34.3% (1491/4351); the proportion of C. suis was 31.8% (1385/4351) and the proportion of C. parvum was 2.3% (98/4351). The influence of different geographic factors (latitude, longitude, mean yearly temperature, mean yearly relative humidity and mean yearly precipitation) on the infection rate of Cryptosporidium in pigs was also analysed. The results indicate that C. suis is the dominant species in pre-weaned pigs, while C. scrofarum is the dominant species in fattening and adult pigs. The findings highlight the role of pigs as possible potential hosts of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis and the need for additional studies on the prevalence, transmission and control of Cryptosporidium in pigs.

First Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Pigs in Hubei Province of China

The zoonotic protozoa parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. Pigs are reservoir hosts for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, which can transmit cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis to humans and other animals. The current study sought to investigate the infection rates and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in pigs in Hubei of China. The nested PCR and sequence analyses of the small ribosomal subunit RNA (SSU rRNA) gene for Cryptosporidium spp. and the β-giardin (bg) gene for G. duodenalis was utilized to screen for the infection of those parasites in a total of 826 fresh fecal samples. Both Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infection rates were 0.97% (8/826). Of the genotyped positive isolates, 6/8 (75%) were C. scrofarum and 2/8 (25%) were C. suis, while two zoonotic species G. duodenalis assemblage E and assemblage A were also detected in 7/8 (87.5%) isolates and 1/8 (12.5%) isolates, respectively. The findings suggest that both of those parasites in pig in intensive farms of Hubei province, China, pose a potential public health risk.

Burdens of Ascaris spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in farm pigs in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, intestinal parasites significantly affect the health and production of pigs.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the prevalence of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana.

METHOD

Faecal samples from two hundred (200) pigs on four different farms (labelled A, B, C, D) were processed using the Kinyoun modified Ziehl-Neelsen method for Cryptosporidium and the Formol-ether sedimentation method for Ascaris and microscopically examined to identify parasites to the genus level.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium in the pigs was 76% and 77%, respectively. The weaners had the highest Ascaris prevalence (96.15%) with the piglets recording the least (59.25%). On the other hand, the piglets had the highest prevalence (88.89%) for Cryptosporidium with the boars, sows and weaners recording 75.86%, 75.42% and 73.08% respectively. The prevalence of Ascaris was high in farm D (78.57%) while Cryptosporidium was highest in farm C (86.11%). Generally, there was a significant difference (p = 0.044) in the mean distribution of Cryptosporidium in the pigs.

CONCLUSION

The high burden of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium infections in the pigs suggest the need to adopt and implement effective control measures.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from domestic pigs in Argentina

Cryptosporidiosis in pigs is caused by different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes, with C. suis and C. scrofarum considered porcine specific species. There is scarce information on Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in South America. A total of 520 individual faecal samples were obtained from 1, 2, 3 and 4 week old piglets (n = 130 from each age group), from 13 Argentinean intensive pig farms. The diagnosis of species of Cryptosporidium combined microscopy and molecular techniques. Genotyping from samples with Cryptosporidium oocysts at microscopy was performed by genus-specific and species-specific nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene fragments, and sequencing. Microscopic analysis detected Cryptosporidium oocysts in 47/520 (9%) faecal samples from 11/13 (85%) farms, with farm infection rates between 0 and 17.5%. Presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was associated with diarrhea. The proportion of microscopically positive samples was not associated with piglet age. A total of 15/47 (32% of samples with oocyst compatible structures) were positive by genus and species-specific nested PCR. Species-specific PCR and sequencing showed presence of C. suis, C. scrofarum, and both species in 3, 8 and 4 samples, respectively. The proportion of positive samples on each specific PCR was similar between age groups, being C. suis proportion slightly higher in 4 week old piglets. The use of molecular tools allowed the confirmation of C. suis and C. scrofarum infection in Argentinean pigs. Cryptosporidiosis was widely distributed in the main pig husbandry area from Argentina, with a low to moderate intra farm infection rate.

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.

Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission

Cryptosporidium species infect domestic animals, livestock, and humans. These protozoan parasites are frequently reported as major environmental contaminants in many countries despite their differing climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. This review focuses on the research findings that relate to Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and associated risk factors relating to animals, contaminated water sources, and humans in Japan. Adequate knowledge of these factors is essential for understanding the economic and public health importance of cryptosporidiosis in Japan so that effective control strategies against it are implemented. Cryptosporidium infections are highly prevalent in animals in Japan. Among the different animal species, cattle infections stand out because of their economic importance and zoonotic potential. Living circumstances in Japan restrain Cryptosporidium transmission between humans, but there is evidence to suggest that animals, especially those in close contact with humans, can be potential sources of human infections. Water sampling studies have provided clues about how environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium oocysts can cause infections in livestock and wild animals. There is some evidence of person-to-person transmission of cryptosporidiosis, but only occasionally and under certain circumstances. By identifying the major role played by animals in Cryptosporidium transmission to people in Japan, we highlight the urgent need for disease control against this pathogen.

Molecular detection of porcine Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in Peninsular Malaysia and epidemiological risk factors associated with potentially zoonotic genotypes

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an emerging opportunistic pathogen infecting humans, and both domestic and wild pigs are known to harbour zoonotic genotypes. There remains a paucity of information on the prevalence and epidemiology of this enteropathogen in Southeast Asia. The present study was undertaken to determine the molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection among commercially farmed pigs in Malaysia. Faecal samples were collected from 450 pigs from 15 different farms and subjected to nested PCR amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene of E. bieneusi. Phylogenetic analysis involved 28 nucleotide sequences of the ITS region of E. bieneusi. An interviewer-administered questionnaire provided information on the animal hosts, farm management systems and environmental factors and was statistically analysed to determine the risk factors for infection. The prevalence of E. bieneusi infection was relatively high (40.7%). The highest prevalence (51.3%) was recorded among the piglets, while the adults showed the lowest level of infection (31.3%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age of the pigs, distance of the farm from human settlement and farm management system were significant risk factors of infection. Three genotypes (EbpA, EbpC and Henan-III) detected among the pigs are potentially zoonotic. The high prevalence of E. bieneusi among locally reared pigs, the presence of zoonotic genotypes and the spatial distribution of pig farms and human settlements warrant further investigation on the possibility of zoonotic transmission.

Detections of gastrointestinal parasites, including Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., in cattle of Banten province, Indonesia

Gastrointestinal parasites can induce low productivity in livestock by causing acute or chronic enteritis. Veterinarians make great efforts to design rational and effective hygienic protocols for both the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Although prevalences can vary depending on the examined areas or the ages of the hosts, and the methods used for detections, it is helpful to accumulate data across many areas to evaluate parasitic distribution. A coprological survey in cattle was conducted in Tangerang, Banten Province of Indonesia, in order to determine the prevalence of the parasites, including those of diarrhea-associated diseases. Furthermore, the risk of transmission of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. to human was genetically analyzed. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 87 of 109 cattle samples, including 85 carrying Eimeria spp., 36 carrying Fasciola gigantica, 35 carrying Strongyloides spp., 33 carrying Paramphistomum spp., and 15 carrying Capillaria spp. Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., parasites with zoonotic potential, were detected in 9 and 1 cattle samples, respectively. Molecular analyses identified the G. intestinalis isolate as a member of Assemblage E, which has been recently detected in humans in another country. These results may be helpful in understanding the hygienic risk affecting the livestock productivity and zoonotic potential of cattle in Indonesia.

Molecular identification and epidemiological comparison of Cryptosporidium spp. among different pig breeds in Tibet and Henan, China

Background

Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts, and causing moderate to severe diarrhea in humans. Cryptosporidium infections are frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide, but little research has been done on local pig breeds such as Tibetan pigs and Yunan Black pigs and imported pig breeds such as Landrace pigs in China. Therefore, a total of 1089 pig fecal samples from four intensive farms in four areas of China, including Tibetan pigs from Gongbujiangda County (n = 180) and Mainling County (n = 434), Tibet, Yunan Black pigs from Sanmenxia, Henan Province (n = 246), and Landrace pigs from Kaifeng, Henan Province (n = 229), and were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium with microscopy and nested PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA gene.

Results

The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in 1089 fecal samples of three different pig breeds was 2.11% (23/1089), and the infection rates of Tibetan pigs, Yunan Black pigs, and Landrace pigs were 0.49% (3/614), 0.41% (1/246), and 8.30% (19/229), respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in weaned piglets (1–2 months) (4.36%, 21/482) than in younger and older age groups (p < 0.01). Sequence analysis of positive samples revealed that there was no mixed infection in our study population, which included 12 cases of C. suis mono-infections (52.17%, 12/23) and 11 cases of C. scrofarum mono-infections (47.83%, 11/23). C. suis was identified in one pre-weaned piglet (< 1 month) and 11 weaned piglets (1–2 months), while C. scrofarum was only detected in 10 weaned piglets (1–2 months) and one finished pig (> 2 months).

Conclusions

This is the first report on the identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in Tibetan pigs, and our findings also elucidate the occurrence and distribution of Cryptosporidium in three different pig breeds in Tibet and Henan, China. More molecular epidemiological studies are required to better clarify the prevalence and public health significance of Cryptosporidium in different pigs.

Report of fatal mixed infection with Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis in neonatal calves

In the production and management of beef and dairy cattle, controlling diarrhea is one of the important concerns. Pathogenic agents of the disease, protozoan parasites including Cryptosporidium spp., are difficult to control, making prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of diarrhea. In the present study, we investigated a farm with a history of calf deaths over a period of 10 years in order to determine the cause of disease and to clarify the detailed distribution of the pathogens. In four examined calves that were reared in calf pens, all were positive with Cryptosporidium and/or Giardia, while the other breeding stock and adult cattle were negative. Molecular analyses revealed that the isolates from calves were C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 as a zoonotic and G. intestinalis assemblage E. Other pathogenic bacteria and diarrhea-causing viruses were not detected. After treating the calf pens with boiling water and milk of lime (Ca[OH]2), oocysts of C. parvum and cysts of G. intestinalis were not found and no additional calves died. This is the first report to describe the mixed infection of both parasites in Japan.

Occurrence, clinical involvement and zoonotic potential of endoparasites infecting Swiss pigs

In order to estimate the diversity, clinical involvement and zoonotic potential of parasites in pigs submitted for diagnosis to the PathoPig project of the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, faeces (n=125) from suckling piglets (n=39), weaners (n=60) and piglets beginning fattening (n=26) from 74 Swiss farms were examined by 3 coproscopical methods (i.e. sedimentation/zinc chloride-flotation; SAFC and Ziehl-Neelsen staining). Samples microscopically positive for Cryptosporidium were further tested by PCR/sequencing for species assessment. The most frequently detected parasite was Balantidium coli, a facultative pathogenic ciliate with zoonotic potential, in 5.1, 36.7 and 50.0% of suckling, weaners and fatteners and 43.2% of farms; however, no association with disease was observed. Isospora (syn. Cystoisospora) suis infections were detected in 13.3 and 11.1% of suckling piglets with and without diarrhoea, and in 10.0 and 13.3% of weaners and fatteners with diarrhoea, respectively, and were significant associated with emaciation. Cryptosporidium infections were detected in 10.3, 15.0 and 19.2% of sucklings, weaners and fatteners, respectively, and in 18.9% of the farms. Interestingly, two age-related species were identified: C. suis in younger piglets (2 to 6weeks) and C. scrofarum in older ones (6 to 17weeks). None of the pigs infected with C. scrofarum (n=8), but 3 of 4 piglets infected with C. suis (co-infection with I. suis in 2 cases) had diarrhoea. The zoonotic species C. parvum was not detected, nevertheless, sporadic cases of human infection with the porcine-adapted species have been reported. Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis and Strongylida were rarely detected (<4%) in all age categories.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Danish organic pig farms: Seasonal and age-related variation in prevalence, infection intensity and species/genotypes

Although pigs are commonly infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis, including potentially zoonotic species or genotypes, little is known about age-related infection levels, seasonal differences and genetic variation in naturally infected pigs raised in organic management systems. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess seasonal and age-related variations in prevalence and infection intensity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, evaluate zoonotic potential and uncover correlations between species/genotypes, infection intensity and faecal consistency. Shedding of oocysts and cysts ((oo-)cysts) was monitored at quarterly intervals (September 2011-June 2012) in piglets (n = 152), starter pigs (n = 234), fatteners (n = 230) and sows (n = 240) from three organic farms in Denmark. (oo-)Cysts were quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy; and 56/75 subsamples from Cryptosporidium infected pigs were successfully analysed by PCR amplification and partial sequencing of the small subunit (SSU) 18S rRNA and hsp70genes, while 13/67 Giardia subsamples were successfully analysed by amplification and partial sequencing of the 18S rRNA and the gdh genes. Altogether, Cryptosporidium or Giardia infections were observed in 40.9% (350/856) and 14.0% (120/856) of the pigs, respectively, including 8.2% (70/856) infected with both parasites. Prevalence, intensity of infections and presence of Cryptosporidium species varied significantly between age-groups; 53.3% piglets, 72.2% starter pigs, 40.4% fatteners and 2.9% sows were infected with Cryptosporidium, whereas 2.0% piglets, 27.4% starter pigs, 17.8% fatteners and 5.0% sows were infected with Giardia. The overall prevalence was stable throughout the year, except for dual-infections that were more prevalent in September and December (p < 0.05). The infection intensity was age-related for both parasites, and dual-infected pigs tended to excrete lower levels of oocysts compared to pigs harbouring only Cryptosporidium. Likewise, pigs infected with Cryptosporidium scrofarum excreted fewer oocysts (mean CPG: 54,848 ± 194,508CI: 9085-118,781) compared to pigs infected with Cryptosporidium suis (mean OPG: 351,035 ± 351,035CI: 67,953-634,117). No correlation between faecal consistency and (oo-)cyst excretion levels was observed. Of the successfully genotyped isolates, 38/56 (67.9%) were C. scrofarum and 18/56 (32.1%) were C. suis, while the livestock specific G. duodenalis Assemblage E was detected in 11/13 (84.6%) isolates and the potentially zoonotic Assemblage A was identified in 2/13 (15.4%) isolates. Piglets exclusively hosted C. suis, with one exception, while starter pigs and fatteners predominantly hosted C. scrofarum. As organic pigs are partly reared outdoors, environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium and Giardia is inevitable. Nevertheless, the present data indicate that the potential public health risk associated with both of these parasites in Danish organic pig production seems to be negligible.

Cryptosporidium suis infection in post-weaned and adult pigs in Shaanxi province, northwestern China

Cryptosporidium spp., ubiquitous enteric parasitic protozoa of vertebrates, recently emerged as an important cause of economic loss and zoonosis. The present study aimed to determine the distribution and species of Cryptosporidium in post-weaned and adult pigs in Shaanxi province, northwestern China. A total of 1,337 fresh fecal samples of post-weaned and adult pigs were collected by sterile disposable gloves from 8 areas of Shaanxi province. The samples were examined by Sheather's sugar flotation technique and microscopy at × 400 magnification for Cryptosporidium infection, and the species in positive samples was further identified by PCR amplification of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. A total of 44 fecal samples were successfully amplified by the nested PCR of the partial SSU rRNA, with overall prevalence of 3.3%. The average prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in each pig farms ranged from 0 to 14.4%. Species identification by sequencing of SSU rRNA gene revealed that 42 (3.1%) samples were Cryptosporidium suis and 2 (0.15%) were Cryptosporidium scrofarum. C. suis had the highest prevalence (7.5%) in growers and the lowest in breeding pigs (0.97%). C. suis was the predominant species in pre-weaned and adult pigs, while C. scrofarum infected pigs older than 3 months only. A season-related difference of C. suis was observed in this study, with the highest prevalence in autumn (5.5%) and the lowest (1.7%) in winter. The present study provided basic information for control of Cryptosporidium infection in pigs and assessment of zoonotic transmission of pigs in Shaanxi province, China.

Cryptosporidiumspecies in humans and animals: current understanding and research needs

Cryptosporidiumis increasingly recognized as one of the major causes of moderate to severe diarrhoea in developing countries. With treatment options limited, control relies on knowledge of the biology and transmission of the members of the genus responsible for disease. Currently, 26 species are recognized as valid on the basis of morphological, biological and molecular data. Of the nearly 20Cryptosporidiumspecies and genotypes that have been reported in humans,Cryptosporidium hominisandCryptosporidium parvumare responsible for the majority of infections. Livestock, particularly cattle, are one of the most important reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Domesticated and wild animals can each be infected with severalCryptosporidiumspecies or genotypes that have only a narrow host range and therefore have no major public health significance. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques will significantly improve our understanding of the taxonomy and transmission ofCryptosporidiumspecies, and the investigation of outbreaks and monitoring of emerging and virulent subtypes. Important research gaps remain including a lack of subtyping tools for manyCryptosporidiumspecies of public and veterinary health importance, and poor understanding of the genetic determinants of host specificity ofCryptosporidiumspecies and impact of climate change on the transmission ofCryptosporidium.

The prevalence and diversity of intestinal parasitic infections in humans and domestic animals in a rural Cambodian village

In Cambodia, intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent in humans and particularly in children. Yet, information on potentially zoonotic parasites in animal reservoir hosts is lacking. In May 2012, faecal samples from 218 humans, 94 dogs and 76 pigs were collected from 67 households in Dong village, Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Faecal samples were examined microscopically using sodium nitrate and zinc sulphate flotation methods, the Baermann method, Koga Agar plate culture, formalin-ether concentration technique and Kato Katz technique. PCR was used to confirm hookworm, Ascaris spp., Giardia spp. and Blastocystis spp. Major gastrointestinal parasitic infections found in humans included hookworms (63.3%), Entamoeba spp. (27.1%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (24.3%). In dogs, hookworm (80.8%), Spirometra spp. (21.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (14.9%) were most commonly detected and in pigs Isospora suis (75.0%), Oesophagostomum spp. (73.7%) and Entamoeba spp. (31.6%) were found. Eleven parasite species were detected in dogs (eight helminths and three protozoa), seven of which have zoonotic potential, including hookworm, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Toxocara canis, Echinostoma spp., Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. Five of the parasite species detected in pigs also have zoonotic potential, including Ascaris spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Balantidium coli and Entamoeba spp. Further molecular epidemiological studies will aid characterisation of parasite species and genotypes and allow further insight into the potential for zoonotic cross transmission of parasites in this community.