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Hao Y, Liu A, Li H, Zhao Y, Yao L, Yang B, Zhang W, Yang F. Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:155. [PMID: 38528567 PMCID: PMC10964600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06219-3] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in domestic animals and villagers. METHODS A total of 116 fecal samples from villagers and 686 fecal samples from domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China, were analyzed for two parasites using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting various genetic loci and DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. RESULTS By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans was 0.9% (1/116), with one species of C. parvum (n = 1) detected; among domestic animals, the prevalence was 2.6% (18/686), with five species identified: C. suis (n = 7) and C. scrofarum (n = 7) in pigs, C. meleagridis (n = 1) in chickens, C. andersoni (n = 1) in cattle, and C. canis (n = 2) in foxes. C. parvum and C. canis were further subtyped as IIdA19G1 and XXa4 on the basis of gp60 gene. Regarding G. duodenalis, based on the SSU rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes, the prevalence in domestic animals was 5.1% (31/608), with three assemblages identified: A (n = 1) in pigs, D (n = 1) in foxes, and E (n = 27) in geese, cattle, pigs, ducks, and sheep, along with mixed infection of A + E (n = 1) in one pig and B + E (n = 1) in one sheep. No G. duodenalis was detected in humans (0/116). CONCLUSIONS The present results show that no overlap of subtypes between animals and villagers was found in Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, indicating a minor role of domestic animals in infecting humans in this population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in domestic animals highlights the need for special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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Liang Y, Liu YY, Mei JJ, Zheng WB, Liu Q, Gao WW, Zhu XQ, Xie SC. Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in Cattle in Representative Areas of Shanxi Province, North China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2929. [PMID: 37760332 PMCID: PMC10525831 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Both Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal protozoa, which can cause zoonotic diseases and economic losses to livestock industry. To evaluate the prevalence and genetic population structure of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in beef and dairy cattle in Shanxi Province, north China, a total of 795 fecal samples were collected from beef and dairy cattle in three representative counties in Shanxi Province, and these fecal samples were examined using molecular approaches based on 18S small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp., respectively. Among 795 cattle fecal samples, 23 were detected as Cryptosporidium-positive and 103 were detected as Blastocystis-positive, and the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Shanxi Province was 2.9% and 13.0%, respectively. For Cryptosporidium spp., DNA sequence analysis indicated that all 23 positive samples were identified as C. andersoni. Furthermore, five known subtypes (ST1, ST10, ST14, ST21 and ST26) and three unknown subtypes of Blastocystis sp. were detected among 103 positive samples using DNA sequence analysis. This study reported the occurrence and prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Shanxi Province for the first time, which extends the geographical distribution of these two zoonotic parasites and provides baseline data for the prevention and control of these two important zoonotic parasites in cattle in Shanxi Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Ya-Ya Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Jin-Jin Mei
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-Y.L.); (J.-J.M.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Yang X, Wang J, Huang S, Song J, Fan Y, Zhao G. Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli in Dairy Goat Kids with Diarrhea in Partial Regions of Shaanxi Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2922. [PMID: 37760322 PMCID: PMC10526037 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli are important diarrheal pathogens threatening the health of humans and various animals. Goats, especially pre-weaned goat kids, that carry these pathogens are important reservoirs related to human infection. In the present study, PCR-based sequencing techniques were applied to characterize Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in 202 fecal samples of diarrheal kids for Guanzhong dairy goats from five locations in Shaanxi Province. The positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli were 37.6% (76/202), 16.3% (33/202), 55.4% (112/202) and 78.7% (159/202) in these goat kids, respectively. Co-infection of two to four pathogens was found in 114 of 202 fecal samples. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in the positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were found among locations and age groups. Furthermore, two Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. xiaoi), two G. duodenalis assemblages (E and A), nine E. bieneusi genotypes (CHG3, CHG1, BEB6, CHG5, CHG2, SX1, CHG28, COS-II and CD6) and two E. coli pathotypes (EPEC and EHEC) were identified. As for Cryptosporidium, two (IIdA19G1 and IIdA19G2) and two (XXIIIa and XXIIIg) subtypes were recognized in samples positive for C. parvum and C. xiaoi, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS locus of E. bieneusi indicated that all nine genotypes of E. bieneusi identified in this study belonged to the group 2. Four virulence factors (ehxA, eae, stx2 and stx1) of EPEC and EHEC were found in E. coli strains. Collectively, this study explored the colonization frequency of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in diarrheal kids of Guanzhong dairy goats in Shaanxi Province and expanded our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Junwei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Shuang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yingying Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Ministry of Education, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province, Yangling 712100, China
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Chen Y, Huang J, Qin H, Wang L, Li J, Zhang L. Cryptosporidium parvum and gp60 genotype prevalence in dairy calves worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106843. [PMID: 36738819 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a significant zoonotic pathogen that often occurs in dairy cattle. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in dairy calves worldwide to help improve global animal husbandry and public policy implementation. Published articles were obtained from PubMed and Web of Science from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2021. The prevalence of C. parvum infection in dairy calves was estimated using a random effects model, and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression. In total, 118 datasets were included in the final quantitative analysis. The results showed that the global prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves was 21.9% (7755/42,890; 95% confidence interval: 19.9-23.9%). C. parvum infection was high in pre-weaned dairy calves (24.9%, 6706/29,753) and diarrhea dairy calves (33.6%, 1637/6077). In countries with low dairy stocking density (<10 cows/farm), the prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves was also relatively low (15.2%, 1960/16,584). Three subtype families [IIa (72.2%, 2293/3177), IId (27.4%, 872/3177), and IIl (0.4%, 12/3177)] were detected in dairy calves globally from selected studies. C. parvum IIa was the dominant zoonotic subtype. In the IIa subtype family of C. parvum, the proportions of subtypes from high to low (top nine) were IIaA15G2R1 (32.4%, 742/2293), IIaA18G3R1 (11.8%, 271/2293), IIaA13G2R1 (8.2%, 187/2293), IIaA16G1R1 (6.4%, 147/2293), IIaA20G1R1 (3.5%, 81/2293), IIaA16G3R1 (3.4%, 78/2293), IIaA17G2R1 (2.7%, 62/2293), IIaA18G1R1 (2.5%, 58/2293), and IIaA15G1R1 (2.4%, 56/2293). In the IId subtype family of C. parvum, the proportions of subtypes (top four) were IIdA19G1 (36.0%, 314/872), IIdA15G1 (27.3%, 238/872), IIdA20G1 (16.2%, 141/872), and IIdA14G1 (13.0%, 113/872). Furthermore, IId is commonly found in China (771/872). The study results indicated that the IIa subtype family is globally prevalent, while IId is found in Asia, Europe, and Africa and IIl is only found in Europe. Diarrhea in dairy calves is associated with C. parvum infection and a significantly higher prevalence is observed in diarrheic calves. Age and stock density are two significant risk factors in the prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves. The prevention and control of this zoonosis in dairy calves should receive greater attention, especially in regions with a high degree of intensive dairy farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jianying Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Sharma AK, Gururaj K, Sharma R, Goel A, Paul S, Sharma DK. Development of duplex real-time PCR for quick detection of cryptosporidiosis in goats. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:45-57. [PMID: 36254550 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3759] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. is the most important foodborne and waterborne pathogens and a leading cause of mortality from foodborne and waterborne gastrointestinal diseases. In neonates of domestic animals, it is associated with consistent diarrhea and dehydration. Cryptosporidium infection begins with the ingestion of sporulated oocytes disseminated by carrier animals that consistently contaminate the environment. Many diagnostic tests are available including microscopy and antigen trap-ELISA, but none of the diagnostic tests available currently cannot differentiate between active and passive infection in the host. In the current study, to address this challenge an mRNA-based duplex TaqMan® probe PCR was developed to target the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene and 18SSU rRNA gene in a single tube that can detect metabolically active cryptosporidial oocysts. The mRNA transcripts are the direct indicator of any actively replicating cell and they will help decipher the active stages of its lifecycle in a host. This diagnostic assay was standardized by computing transcript copy number-based limit of detection (LOD). For COWP and 18SSU rRNA genes, the LOD was 7.08 × 1004 and 5.95 × 1005 , respectively. During active infections, the oocyst wall protein will be active and so its COWP gene transcripts will act as a marker for active infection. While transcripts for 18SSU rRNA are constitutively expressed in cryptosporidial life cycle. This current diagnostic assay will be a quantitative marker that will help assess the active stages of Cryptosporidium infection in neonates. The disease dynamics will help better understand to formulate the control strategies and contain infection among healthy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Kumar Sharma
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - K Gururaj
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rama Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Souvik Paul
- Animal Health Section, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Sharma
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Aboelsoued D, Abdel Megeed KN. Diagnosis and control of cryptosporidiosis in farm animals. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1133-1146. [PMID: 36457776 PMCID: PMC9606155 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01513-2] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a pathogenic protozoan parasite infecting the gastrointestinal epithelium of human and animal hosts. In farm animals, cryptosporidiosis causes significant economic losses including deaths in newborn animals, retarded growth, increased labor involved and high cost of drugs. The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples is traditionally dependent on examination of stained slides by light microscope or by advanced microscopical tools such as: electron microscopy and phase contrast microscopy. Immunological diagnosis using either antibody or antigen detection could offer high sensitivity and specificity. Examples for these tests are Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunochromatographic tests, Immunochromatographic lateral flow (ICLF), Immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and Flow cytometry coupled with cell sorting. Molecular methods could differentiate species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and help in studying the epidemiological features of this parasite with rapid, simple and sensitive procedures. Nanotechnology-based platforms could improve the sensitivity and specificity of other detection methods like: ELISA, ICLF, IFA and polymerase chain reaction. As the available prophylactic and therapeutic drugs or natural products treatments are insufficient and no approved vaccines are available, the best approach to control this parasite is by following firm hygienic measures. Many vaccine attempts were performed using hyperimmune colostrum, live or attenuated vaccines, recombinant and Deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines. Also, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 technology could help in Cryptosporidium genome editing to improve drug and vaccine discovery. Another approach that could be useful for assigning drug targets is metabolomics. Probiotics were also used successfully in the treatment of acute diarrhea and they proved a limiting effect on cryptosporidiosis in animal models. In addition, nanotherapy-based approaches could provide a good strategy for improving the potency of any type of drugs against Cryptosporidium and give good anti-cryptosporidial effects. In conclusion, accurate diagnosis using advanced techniques is the key to the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kadria Nasr Abdel Megeed
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
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Guo Y, Ryan U, Feng Y, Xiao L. Emergence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum in China. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:335-343. [PMID: 34972653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is a major public health problem in industrialized nations; in those countries it is caused mainly by Cryptosporidium parvum IIa subtypes that are prevalent in dairy calves. Because of the short history of intensive animal farming in China, strains of C. parvum are found only on some dairy farms in this country and are the IId subtypes. However, the prevalence of C. parvum is increasing rapidly, with IIa subtypes recently detected in a few grazing animals, and both IIa and IId subtypes are emerging in humans. As animal farming intensifies, China may follow in the footsteps of industrialized nations where zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is rampant. One Health and biosecurity measures are urgently needed to slow down the dispersal of autochthonous IId subtypes and imported IIa subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Guo
- 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
| | - 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.
| | - 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.
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Comparison of Three Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting the SSU rRNA Gene, the COWP Gene and the DnaJ-Like Protein Gene for the Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091131. [PMID: 34578163 PMCID: PMC8472038 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As qualified microscopy of enteric parasitoses as defined by high diagnostic accuracy is difficult to maintain in non-endemic areas due to scarce opportunities for practicing with positive sample materials, molecular diagnostic options provide less investigator-dependent alternatives. Here, we compared three molecular targets for the real-time PCR-based detection of Cryptosporidium spp. From a population of 1000 individuals comprising both Ghanaian HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients and military returnees after deployment in the tropics, stool samples were assessed for Cryptosporidium spp. by real-time PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall (COWP) gene, and the DnaJ-like protein gene (DnaJ), respectively. In declining order, sensitivity of 100% for the SSU rRNA gene PCR, 90.0% for the COWP PCR and 88.8% for the DnaJ PCR, respectively, as well as specificity of 99.6% for the COWP PCR and 96.9% for both the SSU rRNA gene PCR and the DnaJ PCR, respectively, were recorded. Substantial agreement (kappa value 0.663) between the three assays was observed. Further, an accuracy-adjusted Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence of 6.0% was calculated for the study population. In conclusion, none of the assessed real-time PCR assays were associated with perfect test accuracy. However, a combination of highly sensitive SSU rRNA gene PCR for screening purposes and more specific COWP PCR for confirmatory testing should allow reliable diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in stool samples even in low prevalence settings.
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