1
|
Wang J, Wang Y, Huang W, Zhang T, Yu K, Chen J, Zhou L, Cao W, Xu J, Ma J, Huang H, Zhao W. Molecular prevalence, subtype distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in wild rodents and shrews inhabiting Zhejiang province of China. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1427490. [PMID: 39015103 PMCID: PMC11250077 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1427490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, rodents and shrew populations constitute crucial elements of diverse environments and animal communities. It is imperative to study their population dynamics to mitigate any potential negative impact on humans, as they can be involved in the transmission of critical zoonotic agents, such as Blastocystis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and genetic composition of Blastocystis in wild rodents and shrews residing in the Zhejiang provinces of China. Methods A total of 652 wild rodents and and shrews were captured from three different regions in Zhejiang Province from April 1st to October 31, 2023. The DNA was isolated by collecting fresh feces from the intestines of each rodent or and shrew. Rodent and shrew species were examined by vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) analysis and PCR amplification. Blastocystis was also found in all fecal samples using PCR analysis and sequencing of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Results Among all the samples, 6.6% (43/652) showed a positive result for Blastocystis. In the results, 6 species of rodent and shrew were identified with Blastocystis, including Apodemus agrarius (n = 36) (2.8%), Niviventer confucianus (n = 75) (17.3%), Rattus losea (n = 18) (5.6%), R. norvegicus (n = 155) (2.6%), R. tanezumi (n = 86) (3.5%), and Suncus murinus (n = 282) (7.4%). The existence of 6 Blastocystis subtypes, ST4 (n = 33), ST1 (4), ST7 (n = 3), ST2 (n = 1), ST3 (n = 1), and ST5 (n = 1), were confirmed by sequence analysis. Discussion Based on the molecular data obtained, the wild rodents and shrews under investigation were found to be concurrently infected with zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis, including ST1 to ST5 and ST7. This suggests that these animals could potentially pose a zoonotic threat to humans and other animals susceptible to Blastocystis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianshe Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huicong Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu L, Wang L, Tan F, Zhao W, Zeng F. Molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. infections in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning province, China: High prevalence and dominance of ST4. Parasite 2024; 31:33. [PMID: 38912917 PMCID: PMC11195528 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Wild rodents are key carriers of various human pathogens, including Blastocystis spp. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis among wild rodents in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China. From November 2023 to February 2024, 486 rodents were captured in these regions. Fresh feces were collected from the intestines of each rodent for the isolation of DNA and PCR amplification of the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene to identify rodent species. Subsequently, PCR analysis and sequencing of the partial small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were utilized to detect Blastocystis in all fecal samples. Of the total samples, 27.4% (133/486) were found to be Blastocystis positive. The results revealed the presence of four species of rodents infected with Blastocystis, 32.3% (63/195) in Rattus norvegicus, 15.1% (16/106) in Mus musculus, 20.2% (18/89) in Apodemus agrarius, and 37.5% (36/96) in Cricetulus barabensis. Sequence analysis confirmed the existence of five Blastocystis subtypes: ST1 (n = 4), ST2 (n = 2), the ST4 (n = 125, the dominant subtype), ST10 (n = 1), and a novel ST (n = 1). The identified zoonotic subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST4, and ST10) highlight the possible role played by wild rodents in the transmission of Blastocystis to humans, thereby elevating the chances of human infection. Meanwhile, the discovery of novel sequences also provides new insights into the genetic diversity of this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Public Health and Laboratory Medicine, Yiyang Medical College Yiyang 413002 China
| | - Long Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
| | - Feng Tan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
| | - Fansheng Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Laboratory Medicine, Yiyang Medical College Yiyang 413002 China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao W, Ren G, Wang L, Xie L, Wang J, Mao J, Sun Y, Lu G, Huang H. Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. among children who have diarrheia or are asymptomatic in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Parasite 2024; 31:12. [PMID: 38450718 PMCID: PMC10918642 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., a significant zoonotic parasite with a global distribution, was the focus of this study, which aimed to investigate its prevalence and genetic diversity among diarrheic and asymptomatic children in Wenzhou, China. We collected 1,032 fecal samples from Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou, China, comprising 684 from children with diarrhea and 348 from asymptomatic children. Genomic DNA extracted from these samples was used to detect Blastocystis spp. by PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, applying the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis spp. were detected in 67 (6.5%) of the fecal samples. The prevalence rate of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheic children (8.8%; 60/684) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic children (2.0%; 7/348) (χ 2 = 17.3, p < 0.001). Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene identified five known Blastocystis spp. subtypes, ST1 (n = 12), ST2 (n = 5), ST3 (n = 35), ST4 (n = 12), and ST7 (n = 3). ST1 and ST3 were present in both diarrheic and asymptomatic children, while ST2, ST4, and ST7 were exclusive to diarrheic children. Intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms were identified, comprising four variations in ST1 (ST1-1 to ST1-4), five in ST3 (ST3-1 to ST3-5), two in ST4 (ST4-1 and ST4-2), and two in ST7 (ST7-1 and ST7-2). Notably, ST1-2 to ST1-4, ST3-3 to ST3-5, and ST7-1 and ST7-2 represent newly identified variations. The composition and genetic characteristics of subtypes among children in this region suggest various sources of infection, including human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Guangxu Ren
-
Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Long Wang
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Lisha Xie
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jiayang Wang
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jialiang Mao
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Yanbin Sun
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Gang Lu
-
Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Huicong Huang
-
Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li T, Feng H, Zheng Y, Lv J, Zhang C, Yang X, Liu X. First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis in free-living wild birds from urban Xinxiang, China. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2357-2362. [PMID: 37458877 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common enteric protist infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife worldwide. However, data on the prevalence and subtype diversity of Blastocystis in free-living wild birds in urban districts are rare. In this study, a total of 138 fresh fecal samples from free-living wild birds were collected from three universities and three communities in Xinxiang, China, to explore the infection rate, Blastocystis subtypes present and zoonotic potential of this protist. Blastocystis presence was determined with nested-PCR amplification based on the partial small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. Presence was detected from one community (Wupu) at an overall rate of 1.5% (2/136). Further DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses identified two ruminant-associated subtypes, ST10 (n = 1) and ST24 (n = 1), implying a cross-species transmission of Blastocystis from ruminants. This is the first report on the infection of ST10 and ST24 in free-living wild birds in an urban area in China. As potentially zoonotic subtypes, the occurrence of ST10 and ST24 suggests that these free-living birds could play a role in spreading Blastocystis to humans in Xinxiang.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Huimei Feng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yingxu Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Junjun Lv
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mi JX, Liu KL, Ding WL, Zhang MH, Wang XF, Shaukat A, Rehman MU, Jiao XL, Huang SC. Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of wild wintering whooper swans (Cygnus Cygnus), captive black swans (Cygnus Atratus), and mute swans (Cygnus Olor) in Sanmenxia Swan National Wetland Park of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93731-93743. [PMID: 37515622 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28876-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota, a complex ecosystem, is involved in the physiological activities of hosts and the development of diseases. Birds occupy a critical ecological niche in the ecosystem, performing a variety of ecological functions and possessing a complex gut microbiota composition. However, the gut microbiota of wild and captive birds has received less attention in the same region. We profiled the fecal gut microbiome of wild wintering whooper swans (Cygnus Cygnus; Cyg group, n = 25), captive black swans (Cygnus Atratus; Atr group, n = 20), and mute swans (Cygnus Olor; Olor group, n = 30) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to reveal differences in the gut microbial ecology. The results revealed that the three species of swans differed significantly in terms of the alpha and beta diversity of their gut microbiota, as measured by ACE, Chao1, Simpson and Shannon indices, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and non-metricmulti-dimensional scaling (NMDS) respectively. Based on the results of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and random forest analysis, we found that there were substantial differences in the relative abundance of Gottschalkia, Trichococcus, Enterococcus, and Kurthia among the three groups. Furthermore, an advantageous pattern of interactions between microorganisms was shown by the association network analysis. Among these, Gottschalkia had the higher area under curve (AUC), which was 0.939 (CI = 0.879-0.999), indicating that it might be used as a biomarker to distinguish between wild and captive black swans. Additionally, PICRUSt2 predictions indicated significant differences in gut microbiota functions between wild and captive trumpeter swans, with the gut microbiota functions of Cyg group focusing on carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, cofactor, and vitamin metabolism pathways, the Atr group on lipid metabolism, and the Olor group on cell motility, amino acid metabolism, and replication and repair pathways. These findings showed that the gut microbiota of wild and captive swans differed, which is beneficial to understand the gut microecology of swans and to improve regional wildlife conservation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xian Mi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kai-Li Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen-Li Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue-Fei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Aftab Shaukat
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rehman
- Directorate Planning & Development, Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Quetta, Balochistan, 87500, Pakistan
| | - Xi-Lan Jiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|