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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Detection and Molecular Characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. Circulating in Wild Small Mammals from Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030515. [PMID: 36766405 PMCID: PMC9913638 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are important diarrhea-causing protozoan parasites worldwide that exhibit broad host ranges. Wild small mammals can harbor host-adapted and potentially zoonotic species of both parasites. The aim of this study was to investigate Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in wild rodents and shrews in Portugal, focusing on the protist's occurrence and genetic diversity. Molecular screening by PCR at the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene locus of 290 fecal samples from wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), southwestern water voles (Arvicola sapidus), Cabrera's voles (Microtus cabrerae), Lusitanian pine voles (Microtus lusitanicus), Algerian mice (Mus spretus) and greater white-toothed shrews (Crocidura russula) in Northeast Portugal revealed the low occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. (1%) and high occurrence of Giardia spp. (32.8%). The analysis revealed that "species" was the only significant factor associated with the increasing probability of Giardia spp. infection, with the highest prevalence reported in southwestern water voles and Lusitanian pine voles. Cryptosporidium and Giardia species determination at the SSU rRNA gene locus revealed C. muris and G. microti as the only circulating species, respectively. Subtyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and beta-giardin (bg) genes provided evidence of the high genetic diversity within the G. microti clade. This study suggests that rodent-adapted G. microti occurs to a large extent in cricetid hosts and supports the limited role of wild rodents and shrews as natural sources of human infections in Northeast Portugal regarding the investigated parasites. Moreover, this is the first record of G. microti in southwestern water voles, Lusitanian pine voles, Algerian mice, wood mice and Cabrera's voles and C. muris in Cabrera's voles. Finally, this study improves the database of sequences relevant for the sequence typing of G. microti strains and provides new insights about the epidemiology of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents and shrews, two parasite genera of high importance for public and animal health.
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Rego L, Castro‐Scholten S, Cano C, Jiménez‐Martín D, Köster PC, Caballero‐Gómez J, Bailo B, Dashti A, Hernández‐Castro C, Cano‐Terriza D, Vioque F, Maloney JG, Santín M, García‐Bocanegra I, Carmena D, González‐Barrio D. Iberian wild leporidae as hosts of zoonotic enteroparasites in Mediterranean ecosystems of Southern Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 70:223-237. [PMID: 36533513 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Wild lagomorphs including rabbits and hares can act as natural carriers or reservoirs of bacterial and parasitic zoonotic diseases. However, little is known on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild leporids. We examined faecal samples from European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, n = 438) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis, n = 111) collected in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia in southern Spain during 2012-2021. We searched for the presence of DNA from the main intestinal protist and microsporidial pathogens of veterinary and public health concerns using molecular methods (PCR followed by Sanger and next-generation sequencing). Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent species found (27.8%, 153/550; 95% CI: 24.1-31.8), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (1.3%, 7/550; 95% CI: 0.5-2.6), Blastocystis sp. (1.1%, 6/550; 95% CI: 0.4-2.4) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (0.2%, 1/550; 95% CI: 0.0-10.1). All samples tested negative for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of sub-assemblage BIV (n = 1) within G. duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium cuniculus (n = 6) and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 1) within Cryptosporidium. The presence of ruminant-adapted C. andersoni is indicative of a potential cross-species transmission event, although a spurious infection (mechanical carriage) cannot be ruled out. Samples assigned to C. cuniculus belonged to the gp60 subtype families Va (n = 3) and Vb (n = 2). The six Blastocystis-positive samples were identified as ST2 (n = 3) and ST1 + ST2 (n = 3). Our molecular results suggest that wild rabbits and hares were primarily infected by leporid-adapted species of eukaryotic pathogens. However, the occasional findings of zoonotic G. duodenalis sub-assemblage BIV, Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis could be of public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rego
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro‐Scholten
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Carmen Cano
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez‐Martín
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Caballero‐Gómez
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC) University Hospital Reina Sofía, University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández‐Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies University of Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - David Cano‐Terriza
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Maryland USA
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Maryland USA
| | - Ignacio García‐Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - David González‐Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
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Vioque F, Dashti A, Santín M, Ruiz-Fons F, Köster PC, Hernández-Castro C, García JT, Bailo B, Ortega S, Olea PP, Arce F, Chicharro C, Nieto J, González F, Viñuela J, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Wild micromammal host spectrum of zoonotic eukaryotic parasites in Spain. Occurrence and genetic characterisation. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2926-e2942. [PMID: 35752461 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Micromammals have historically been recognized as highly contentious species in terms of the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. Limited information is currently available on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild micromammals. We examined 490 faecal samples, grouped into 155 pools, obtained from 11 micromammal species captured in 11 Spanish provinces for the presence of DNA from Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. The presence of Leishmania spp. was investigated in individual spleen samples. All micromammal species investigated harboured infections by at least one eukaryotic parasite, except Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex coronatus and Sciurus vulgaris, but the sample size for these host species was very low. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent species found (3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-5.7), followed by G. duodenalis (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6) and E. bieneusi (2.6%, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). All pooled faecal samples tested negative for Blastocystis sp. Leishmania infantum was identified in 0.41% (95% CI: 0.05-1.46) of the 490 individual spleen samples analysed. Sequence analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium andersoni (5.9%), C. ditrichi (11.7%), C. muris (5.9%), C. parvum (5.9%), C. tyzzeri (5.9%), rat genotypes CR97 (5.9%) and W19 (5.9%), vole genotypes V (11.7%) and VII (5.9%) and Cryptosproridium spp. (35.3%) within Cryptosporidium (n = 17). Known genotypes C (66.7%) and Peru11 (25.0%) and a novel genotype (named MouseSpEb1, 8.3%) were detected within E. bieneusi (n = 12). None of the G. duodenalis-positive samples could be genotyped at the assemblage level. Molecular data indicate that wild micromammals were primarily infected by rodent-adapted species/genotypes of eukaryotic pathogens and thereby have a limited role as a source of human infections. The presence of ruminant-adapted species C. andersoni along with finding C. parvum is indicative of an overlap between domestic/peri-domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- EnvironmentalMicrobial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesus T García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Research on Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Arce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e51. [PMID: 35856271 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The influence of climate on parasite distribution has been demonstrated in different regions worldwide. Despite its small size, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) constitutes a 'biodiversity laboratory' due to the huge climatic differences between municipalities. Feral cats may represent a threat to biodiversity due to their predatory behaviour. In addition, they may be a source of pathogens zoonotic to humans. To study the climatic/seasonal influence and prevalence of feral cat parasites throughout the island, a total of 290 stool samples from 29 feral cat colonies were analysed following standard concentration protocols (sodium chloride, formol-ether and zinc sulphate). In total, 13 feline parasitic taxa were found, with the most common species being Ancylostoma spp., which, together with Toxocara spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia spp., are considered a concern for human health. Nematodes were the most common parasites in all areas. Nematodes and protozoans were significantly more prevalent in temperate mild (75.0% and 30.0%) than in dry desert areas (29.3% and 18.7%). In contrast, cestodes were significantly more prevalent in dry desert than in temperate mild areas (26.0% and 13.3%). Only protozoans exhibited statistically significant seasonal patterns, mostly in the wet season. Data reported in this study endorse the usage of small and diverse islands such as Gran Canaria to study the climatic influence on parasitic communities in wild/feral animals. Cat colonies require better management to reduce their threat to endemic wildlife, domestic animals and public health, being invasive species that harbour zoonotic parasites.
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Asghari A, Motazedian MH, Asgari Q, Shamsi L, Sarkari B, Shahabi S, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B. Occurrence, genetic characterization, and zoonotic importance of Giardia duodenalis in various species of rodents (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 85:101812. [PMID: 35429925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a well-known flagellated parasite and the causative agent of protozoal diarrhea in animals and humans worldwide. Current study was aimed at determination of G. duodenalis prevalence, genetic variation and zoonotic significance in various species of rodents in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. In brief, 120 fecal specimens were collected from rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus) during May up to November 2021 and microscopically examined for Giardia cysts. Further molecular characterization of positive samples was done by nested-PCR, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. A total prevalence of 3.3% (4/120) was observed in rodents, with highest rate in black rats [5% (2/40)]. Regarding brown rats and house mice, only one sample was found to be positive, showing 2.5% and 2.5% prevalence, respectively. It is noteworthy that Giardia B and G assemblages were found in black rats (one case/genotype), whereas the only positive samples from brown rats and house mice were characterized as assemblage G. The major findings of the present study were the presence of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic Giardia assemblages in examined rats in Shiraz and the potential of black rats to harbor Giardia infection to humans. These concerns should be taken seriously in terms of public health. Nevertheless, the true epidemiology and assemblage distribution of Giardia is still open to question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Giardia duodenalis in Wildlife: Exploring Genotype Diversity in Italy and across Europe. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010105. [PMID: 35056053 PMCID: PMC8777849 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragmented data are so far available on genotype diversity of G. duodenalis in wildlife in different countries in Europe, in particular, in Italy. In the present study, G. duodenalis sequences obtained from different Italian wild animals [12 porcupines (Hystrix cristata), 4 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 1 wolf (Canis lupus italicus), 6 Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra)] were compared with those available from wild host species in Europe to add new data on the geographic distribution of Giardia assemblages/sub-assemblages and their transmission patterns among natural hosts. Thirty-eight sequences were obtained by MLG analysis (SSU-rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes) and subsequently compared by phylogenetic and network analyses with those from wild species monitored in the last decades in Europe. The results revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic (A-AI, A-AII from wild boar; B from porcupine) and host-adapted (D from wolf; E, A-AIII from chamois) assemblages and sub-assemblages and represent the first report for Italian wild boar. The analysis did not find any evidence of spatial or host segregation for specific genetic variants, mostly shared between different hosts from different European countries. However, conflicting evidence was found in genotypic assignment, advocating for data improvement and new genomic approaches.
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Ryan UM, Feng Y, Fayer R, Xiao L. Taxonomy and molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium and Giardia - a 50 year perspective (1971-2021). Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1099-1119. [PMID: 34715087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia are significant causes of diarrhoea worldwide and are responsible for numerous waterborne and foodborne outbreaks of diseases. Over the last 50 years, the development of improved detection and typing tools has facilitated the expanding range of named species. Currently at least 44 Cryptosporidium spp. and >120 genotypes, and nine Giardia spp., are recognised. Many of these Cryptosporidium genotypes will likely be described as species in the future. The phylogenetic placement of Cryptosporidium at the genus level is still unclear and further research is required to better understand its evolutionary origins. Zoonotic transmission has long been known to play an important role in the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, and the development and application of next generation sequencing tools is providing evidence for this. Comparative whole genome sequencing is also providing key information on the genetic mechanisms for host specificity and human infectivity, and will enable One Health management of these zoonotic parasites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una M Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ronald Fayer
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, BARC-East, Building 173, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Cai W, Ryan U, Xiao L, Feng Y. Zoonotic giardiasis: an update. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4199-4218. [PMID: 34623485 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal parasite in various hosts, with the disease giardiasis being a zoonosis. The use of molecular typing tools has improved our understanding of the distribution and zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis genotypes in different animals. The present review summarizes recent data on the distribution of G. duodenalis genotypes in humans and animals in different areas. The dominance of G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in humans and common occurrence of host-adapted assemblages in most domesticated animals suggests that zoonotic giardiasis is probably less common than believed and could be attributed mainly to contact with or contamination from just a few species of animals such as nonhuman primates, equines, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and beavers. Future studies should be directed to advanced genetic characterization of isolates from well-designed epidemiological investigations, especially comparative analyses of isolates from humans and animals living in the same household or community. This will likely lead to better understanding of zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis in different environmental and socioeconomic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Cai
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Monastiri A, Martín-Carrillo N, Foronda P, Izquierdo-Rodríguez E, Feliu C, López-Roig M, Miquel J, Ar Gouilh M, Serra-Cobo J. First Coronavirus Active Survey in Rodents From the Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:708079. [PMID: 34485436 PMCID: PMC8416442 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.708079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century five new coronaviruses inducing respiratory diseases in humans have been reported. These emergences has promoted research on coronaviruses in wildlife. We started the first eco-epidemiological study to screen the presence of coronaviruses circulating in mice and rats of four Canary Islands. Between 2015 and 2019, we obtained fecal samples of three rodent species (150 Mus musculus, 109 Rattus rattus and 1 Rattus norvegicus) captured in urban and rural areas. Fecal samples were analyzed by nRT-PCR and the resulting sequences were compared to known diversity using Bayesian phylogenetic methods. We only found coronavirus RNA in house mice from El Hierro (10.53%), Tenerife (7.02%) and Lanzarote (5.26%) islands. All coronaviruses detected belong to the species Murine coronavirus belonging to the genus Betacoronavirus and subgenus Embecovirus, being all positive house mice captured in anthropogenic environment. The phylogenetic analysis shows that murine coronaviruses from the Canary Islands are related to European murine coronaviruses. Albeit data are still scarce in the region, the most probable origin of M. coronavirus present in the Canary Islands is continental Europe. According to temporal Bayesian phylogenetics, the differentiation between Canary and continental viruses seems to be quite recent. Moreover, murine coronaviruses from El Hierro, Tenerife and Lanzarote islands tend to segregate in different clades. This enlightens the potential role of rodents or other possibly invasive species in disseminating infectious diseases to remote places through exchanges with the continent. It is important to consider these aspects in the sanitary control of islands, for health and biodiversity preservation concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Monastiri
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biology, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Martín-Carrillo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Department of Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Department of Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Elena Izquierdo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- Department of Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Carles Feliu
- Department of Biology, Health and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc López-Roig
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biology, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Miquel
- Faculty of Biology, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Health and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- Normandie Université, EA2656, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Adaptation Microbienne, Caen, France
- University Hospital of Caen, Virology Department, Caen, France
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biology, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Real-Time PCR for Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Giardia spp. in Wild Rodents. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081610. [PMID: 34442688 PMCID: PMC8398015 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis in humans is a gastrointestinal disease transmitted by the potentially zoonotic Giardia duodenalis genotypes (assemblages) A and B. Small wild rodents such as mice and voles are discussed as potential reservoirs for G. duodenalis but are predominantly populated by the two rodent species Giardia microti and Giardia muris. Currently, the detection of zoonotic and non-zoonotic Giardia species and genotypes in these animals relies on cumbersome PCR and sequencing approaches of genetic marker genes. This hampers the risk assessment of potential zoonotic Giardia transmissions by these animals. Here, we provide a workflow based on newly developed real-time PCR schemes targeting the small ribosomal RNA multi-copy gene locus to distinguish G. muris, G. microti and G. duodenalis infections. For the identification of potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage types A and B, an established protocol targeting the single-copy gene 4E1-HP was used. The assays were specific for the distinct Giardia species or genotypes and revealed an analytical sensitivity of approximately one or below genome equivalent for the multi-copy gene and of about 10 genome equivalents for the single-copy gene. Retesting a biobank of small rodent samples confirmed the specificity. It further identified the underlying Giardia species in four out of 11 samples that could not be typed before by PCR and sequencing. The newly developed workflow has the potential to facilitate the detection of potentially zoonotic and non-zoonotic Giardia species in wild rodents.
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Galán-Puchades MT, Trelis M, Sáez-Durán S, Cifre S, Gosálvez C, Sanxis-Furió J, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. One Health Approach to Zoonotic Parasites: Molecular Detection of Intestinal Protozoans in an Urban Population of Norway Rats, Rattus norvegicus, in Barcelona, Spain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030311. [PMID: 33799948 PMCID: PMC7998591 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattus norvegicus, the brown or Norway rat, is the most abundant mammal after humans in urban areas, where they live in close proximity to people. Among rodent-borne diseases, the reservoir role of Norway rats of zoonotic parasites in cities has practically been ignored. Considering the parasitic diseases in the One Health approach, we intended to identify and quantify the zoonotic intestinal protozoans (ZIP) in an urban population of R. norvegicus in the city of Barcelona, Spain. We studied the presence of ZIP in 100 rats trapped in parks (n = 15) as well as in the city’s sewage system (n = 85) in the winter of 2016/17. The protozoans were molecularly identified by means of a multiplex PCR (AllplexTM Gastrointestinal Panel-Parasite Assay). We also investigated the presence of co-infections among the species found. Four ZIP were identified, presenting significant prevalences in sewers, specifically Blastocystis (83.5%), Giardia duodenalis (37.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (34.1%), and Dientamoeba fragilis (14.1%). Several co-infections among the detected ZIP were also detected. The reservoir role of ZIP that Norway rats play in cities as well as the role rats may play as sentinels of zoonotic parasites affecting humans in urban areas are strongly backed up by our findings. The increasing worldwide urbanization, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic are factors that are producing an increase in human–rat interactions. Our results should be considered a warning to the authorities to intensify rat control and surveillance in public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-962544536; Fax: +34-963544769
| | - María Trelis
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Susana Cifre
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Joan Sanxis-Furió
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
- CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
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13
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Cui Z, Wang D, Wang W, Zhang Y, Jing B, Xu C, Chen Y, Qi M, Zhang L. Occurrence and Multi-Locus Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Coypus ( Myocastor coypus) in China. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020179. [PMID: 33562408 PMCID: PMC7914982 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a major gastrointestinal parasite found globally in both humans and animals. This work examined the occurrence of G. duodenalis in coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China. Multi-locus analysis was conducted to evaluate the level of genetic variation and the potential zoonotic role of the isolates. In total, 308 fecal samples were collected from seven farms in China and subjected to PCR screening to reveal G. duodenalis. Notably, G. duodenalis was detected in 38 (12.3%) specimens from assemblages A (n = 2) and B (n = 36). Positive samples were further characterized by PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. Multi-locus genotyping yielded 10 novel multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) (one MLG and nine MLGs for assemblages A and B, respectively). Based on the generated phylogenetic tree, AI-novel 1 clustered more closely with MLG AI-2. Furthermore, within the assemblage B phylogenetic analysis, the novel assemblage B MLGs were identified as BIV and clustered in the MLG BIV branch. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in coypus in China. The presence of zoonotic genotypes and subtypes of G. duodenalis in coypus suggests that these animals can transmit human giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Cui
- Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-Detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (Z.C.); (D.W.)
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
| | - Deguo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-Detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (Z.C.); (D.W.)
| | - Wen Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
| | - Bo Jing
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
| | - Chunyan Xu
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
| | - Yuanchai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China; (W.W.); (Y.Z.); (B.J.); (C.X.)
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (L.Z.)
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (L.Z.)
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14
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Hancke D, Suárez OV. Co-occurrence of and risk factors for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in brown rats from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:903-912. [PMID: 33113252 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A rodent survey was conducted in different landscape units of the city of Buenos Aires (Argentina) to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Rattus norvegicus and to, ultimately, assess the biotic, environmental and meteorological factors that explain the variations of the likelihood of infection for both parasites in an urban environment. The results of this study revealed a ubiquitous presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in R. norvegicus within an urban environment with the likelihood of infection depending on environmental and meteorological conditions for both parasites. The overall prevalence was greater for Cryptosporidium (p = 50.4%) than for Giardia (20.3%). The prevalence for both parasites separately was higher in parks compared to shantytowns and scrap metal yards. Generalized Linear Mixed Models revealed that the occurrence of these parasites separately, at an individual level, was positively related with rainfall variables and that the effect of temperature depended on the landscape unit. The similarities in the transmission modes, which are affected by common extrinsic factors, may facilitate the co-occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in urban rats. Rattus norvegicus is recognized as a good model for epidemiological studies and the results of this work suggest that, from an epidemiological point of view, the probability of contact with infectious oocysts and cysts of these parasites can be modulated through environmental management and healthy behaviour towards risk factors. The information presented here will be useful to improve the understanding of the dynamics of zoonotic diseases within urban environments and to contribute to the decision-making of new and effective prophylactic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hancke
- Dto. de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olga Virginia Suárez
- Dto. de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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De Liberato C, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Sagrafoli D, Ferraro D, Guadano Procesi I, Berrilli F. Giardia microti in pet Microtus guentheri: Evidence of a parasite never detected in Italy. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102207. [PMID: 33059116 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Giardia includes several species distinguished by morphological, biological and molecular features. Currently, eight species within the genus are retained as valid. In Italy no identification of Giardia species other than Giardia duodenalis has been so far reported. Fecal samples were collected from two Günther's Voles (Microtus guentheri) positive to Giardia cysts by microscopic investigation and immunofluorescence. The voles were born in Milan (Northern Italy) from two gravid females imported from the Netherlands and kept for sale in a pet shop in Varese (Northern Italy). Positive feces were subjected to a nested PCR to amplify a 18S rRNA fragment for molecular characterization. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare the obtained sequence with those of all other Giardia species available in GenBank for the 18S locus, using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method by R software. Sequence analyses unambiguously identified the isolates as belonging to G. microti, showing 99% of identity with those of its isolates available in GenBank. A well-defined cluster, supported by significant bootstrap values and corresponding to the G. microti cluster, including sequences obtained from M. guentheri, was evidenced in the ML tree, confirming species assignment. The present finding represents the first report of G. microti from pet animals in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy.
| | - Margherita Montalbano Di Filippo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Sagrafoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ferraro
- Private practitioner, Clinica Veterinaria "Città di Luino", Via Voldomino 11, 21016, Luino, Varese, Italy
| | - Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Ryan U, Zahedi A. Molecular epidemiology of giardiasis from a veterinary perspective. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 106:209-254. [PMID: 31630759 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of eight Giardia species are accepted. These include: Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia), which infects humans and animals, Giardia agilis, Giardia ardeae, Giardia psittaci, Giardia muris, Giardia microti, Giardia peramelis and G. cricetidarum, which infect non-human hosts including amphibians, birds, rodents and marsupials. Giardia duodenalis is a species complex consisting of eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B the dominant assemblages in humans. Molecular studies to date on the zoonotic potential of Giardia in animals are problematic and are hampered by lack of concordance between loci. Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) are predominantly infected with G. duodenalis assemblage E, which has recently been shown to be zoonotic, followed by assemblage A. In cats and dogs, assemblages A, B, C, D and F are commonly reported but relatively few studies have conducted molecular typing of humans and their pets and the results are contradictory with some studies support zoonotic transmission but the majority of studies suggesting separate transmission cycles. Giardia also infects a broad range of wildlife hosts and although much less well studied, host-adapted species as well as G. duodenalis assemblages (A-H) have been identified. Fish and other aquatic wildlife represent a source of infection for humans with Giardia via water contamination and/or consumption of undercooked fish and interestingly, assemblage B and A predominated in the two molecular studies conducted to date. Our current knowledge of the transmission dynamics of Giardia is still poor and the development of more discriminatory typing tools such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Giardia isolates is therefore essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Helmy YA, Spierling NG, Schmidt S, Rosenfeld UM, Reil D, Imholt C, Jacob J, Ulrich RG, Aebischer T, Klotz C. Occurrence and distribution of Giardia species in wild rodents in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:213. [PMID: 29587877 PMCID: PMC5870188 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2802-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardiasis is an important gastrointestinal parasitic disease in humans and other mammals caused by the protozoan Giardia duodenalis. This species complex is represented by genetically distinct groups (assemblages A-H) with varying zoonotic potential and host preferences. Wild rodents can harbor potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B, and the rodent-specific assemblage G. Other Giardia spp. found in these animals are Giardia muris and Giardia microti. For the latter, only limited information on genetic typing is available. It has been speculated that wild rodents might represent an important reservoir for parasites causing human giardiasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and distribution of Giardia spp. and assemblage types in wild rodents from different study sites in Germany. RESULTS Screening of 577 wild rodents of the genera Apodemus, Microtus and Myodes, sampled at eleven study sites in Germany, revealed a high overall Giardia prevalence. Giardia species determination at the SSU rDNA gene locus revealed that Apodemus mice, depending on species, were predominantly infected with one of two distinct G. muris sequence types. Giardia microti was the predominant parasite species found in voles of the genera Microtus and Myodes. Only a few animals were positive for potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis. Subtyping at the beta-giardin (bg) and glutamine dehydrogenase (gdh) genes strongly supported the existence of different phylogenetic subgroups of G. microti that are preferentially harbored by distinct host species. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the preference of G. muris for Apodemus, and G. microti for Microtus and Myodes hosts and argues for a very low prevalence of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages in wild rodents in Germany. It also provides evidence that G. muris and G. microti subdivide into several phylogenetically distinguishable subgroups, each of which appears to be preferentially harbored by species of a particular rodent host genus. Finally, the study expands the database of sequences relevant for sequence typing of G. muris and G. microti isolates which will greatly help future analyses of these parasites' population structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra A Helmy
- Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Department Panel Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Animal Hygiene, Zoonoses and Animal Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41511, Egypt
| | - Nastasja G Spierling
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schmidt
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany.,German Society of Tissue Transplantation, Kruppstraße 98, 45145, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike M Rosenfeld
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Daniela Reil
- Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Toni Aebischer
- Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Klotz
- Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Deng L, Luo R, Liu H, Zhou Z, Li L, Chai Y, Yang L, Wang W, Fu H, Zhong Z, Cao S, Peng G. First identification and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in pet chipmunks (Eutamias asiaticus) in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:199. [PMID: 29558980 PMCID: PMC5859636 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated parasite that causes diarrhea in humans and other animals. Although G. duodenalis is found in companion animals worldwide, information regarding the prevalence and genetic characteristics of G. duodenalis in pet chipmunks in China is limited. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypes of G. duodenalis in pet chipmunks in Sichuan province, southwestern China, as well as to assess zoonotic potential of revealed assemblages. Results A total of 279 fecal samples were collected from pet chipmunks in seven pet shops and one breeding facility in Sichuan province, southwestern China. The prevalence of G. duodenalis was 8.6% (24/279), as determined by nested PCR detection of the beta giardin (bg) gene. Giardia duodenalis assemblages and subtypes were determined using multilocus genotyping of the bg, triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci. Two assemblages were identified: potentially zoonotic assemblage A (54.2%, 13/24) and rodent-specific assemblage G (45.8%, 11/24). A total of 24, 17 and 17 sequences of the bg, gdh and tpi loci, respectively, were successfully obtained, which formed four, four and three subtypes, respectively. Moreover, four assemblage A (MLGs A1-A4) and three assemblage G (MLGs G1-G3) multilocus genotypes were identified. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated G. duodenalis in pet chipmunks in China. Detection of assemblage A in pet chipmunks and in previous studies in humans suggests a possible role of chipmunks as a reservoir for human giardiasis in Sichuan Province, China. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2790-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Run Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Ziyao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Yijun Chai
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Leli Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Wuyou Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Hualin Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Suizhong Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China.
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Deng L, Li W, Zhong Z, Liu X, Chai Y, Luo X, Song Y, Wang W, Gong C, Huang X, Hu Y, Fu H, He M, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wu K, Cao S, Peng G. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis in racehorses from the Sichuan province of southwestern China. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189728. [PMID: 29261753 PMCID: PMC5738084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis, a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasite, is one of the most common causes of protozoal diarrhea in both humans and animals worldwide. Although G. intestinalis has been detected in many animals, information regarding its prevalence and genotype in Chinese racehorses is scarce. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of G. intestinalis in racehorses and performed molecular characterization of the pathogen to assess its zoonotic potential. Two hundred and sixty-four racehorse fecal samples from six equestrian clubs located in different regions of the Sichuan province of southwestern China were examined. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the gene encoding triose-phosphate isomerase (tpi) showed the prevalence of G. intestinalis to be 8.3% (22/264), and the prevalence in different clubs varied from 3.6% to 13.5%. Three assemblages were identified in the successfully sequenced samples, including the potentially zoonotic assemblages A (n = 5) and B (n = 14), the mouse-specific assemblage G (n = 3), and a mixed A and B assemblage. Sequence analysis of tpi, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and beta giardin (bg) loci revealed that the majority of sequences isolated from assemblage A were identical to the subtype AIV and assemblage B isolates showed variability among the nucleotide sequences of the subtype BIV. Using the nomenclature for the multilocus genotype (MLG) model, one each of multilocus genotypes A (MLG1) and B (MLG2) were identified, with MLG2 being a novel genotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate G. intestinalis in Chinese racehorses. The presence of both animal and human assemblages of G. intestinalis in racehorses indicated that these animals might constitute a potential zoonotic risk to human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Yijun Chai
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xue Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuan Song
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wuyou Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chao Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiangming Huang
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yanchun Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hualin Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Min He
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ya Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kongju Wu
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Suizhong Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Kilonzo C, Li X, Vodoz T, Xiao C, Chase JA, Jay-Russell MT, Vivas EJ, Atwill ER. Quantitative Shedding of Multiple Genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia by Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in a Major Agricultural Region on the California Central Coast. J Food Prot 2017; 80:819-828. [PMID: 28387527 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are abundant and widely distributed rodents in North America that occupy diverse habitats, including agricultural landscapes. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common parasites in wildlife including deer mice, which may play a role in on-farm contamination of produce. An important step in assessing the risk of produce contamination by Cryptosporidium and Giardia shed by deer mice is to determine the prevalence, levels, and genotypes of (oo)cysts in mouse feces. A total of 63 (30.3%) and 53 (25.5%) of 208 deer mice trapped on 12 farms on the California Central Coast were positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively. Of these mice, 41 (19.7%) contained both parasites. The odds of Cryptosporidium shedding were 2.5 to 5 times higher for mice trapped in autumn than for mice trapped in summer or spring. Female mice had a higher prevalence and two- to threefold higher levels of Cryptosporidium and Giardia compared with male mice. Female adults and female juveniles had the highest rates of contamination of the environment with Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively. We estimated that 20 infected deer mice inhabiting 1 ha of a typical leafy green produce farm in the study region could shed approximately 5.3 × 108 Cryptosporidium and 10.5 × 108 Giardia, respectively, per day into the environment. The small-subunit rRNA gene loci from a subset of protozoan isolates were sequenced and compared with existing sequences in GenBank. Multiple genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were found, and BLAST analyses suggest that Giardia and the majority of Cryptosporidium genotypes in deer mice circulate within various rodent populations, but some Cryptosporidium isolates possess zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Kilonzo
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616.,Western Center for Food Safety, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA.,Present address: One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xunde Li
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616.,Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA
| | - Tamara Vodoz
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616
| | - Chengling Xiao
- Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA
| | - Jennifer A Chase
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616
| | - Michele T Jay-Russell
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA
| | - Eduardo J Vivas
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616.,Western Center for Food Safety, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA.,Present address: RTI, LLC, 17745 Metcalf Avenue, Stilwell, KS 66085, USA
| | - Edward R Atwill
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616.,Western Center for Food Safety, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA.,Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California-Davis, 1477 Drew Avenue, Suite 101, Davis, California 95618, USA
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Genotyping and subtyping of Giardia and Cryptosporidium isolates from commensal rodents in China. Parasitology 2015; 142:800-6. [PMID: 25579244 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014001929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two important zoonotic intestinal parasites responsible for diarrhoea in humans and other animals worldwide. Rodents, as reservoirs or carriers of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are abundant and globally widespread. In the present study, we collected 232 fecal specimens from commensal rodents captured in animal farms and farm neighbourhoods in China. We collected 33 Asian house rats, 168 brown rats and 31 house mice. 6.0% (14/232) and 8.2% (19/232) of these rodents were microscopy-positive for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. All 14 Giardia isolates were identified as Giardia duodenalis assemblage G at a minimum of one or maximum of three gene loci (tpi, gdh and bg). By small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequencing, Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 12) and Cryptosporidium muris (n = 7) were identified. The gp60 gene encoding the 60-kDa glycoprotein was successfully amplified and sequenced in nine C. parvum isolates, all of which belonged to the IIdA15G1 subtype. Observation of the same IIdA15G1 subtype in humans (previously) and in rodents (here) suggests that rodents infected with Cryptosporidium have the potential to transmit cryptosporidiosis to humans.
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