Occurrence, risk factors and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in dogs and cats in Guangzhou, southern China: high genotype diversity and zoonotic concern

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in eleven wild rodent species in China: Common distribution, extensive genetic diversity and high zoonotic potential

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common zoonotic pathogens in humans and animals. Although rodents are important parts of the ecosystem and common hosts for these pathogens, little is known of the distribution, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in wild rodents. A total of 442 fecal samples were collected from eleven wild rodent species in three provinces of China, and analyzed for these pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. The infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and E. bieneusi were 19.9% (88/442), 19.8% (75/378) and 12.2% (54/442), respectively. Altogether, 23 known Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified and their distribution varied among different sampling locations or rodent species. Subtyping of the zoonotic Cryptosporidium species identified two novel subtype families XVe and XVf in C. viatorum, the subtype family XIIh and a novel subtype family XIIj in C. ubiquitum, and the subtype family IId in C. parvum. Three Giardia species were identified, including G. microti (n = 57), G. muris (n = 15) and G. duodenalis (n = 3), with G. duodenalis assemblages A and G identified in brown rats in urban areas of Guangdong. In addition, 13 E. bieneusi genotypes including eight known and five novel ones were identified, belonging to Groups 1, 2, 10, 14 and 15. Within nine genotypes in the zoonotic Group 1, common human-pathogenic genotypes D, Type IV, PigEbITS7 and Peru8 were detected only in brown rats and Lesser rice-field rats in urban areas of Guangdong. Apparent host adaptation and geographical differences were observed among Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and E. bieneusi genotypes in wild rodents in the present study. Furthermore, the zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and E. bieneusi genotypes commonly found here suggest a high zoonotic potential of these pathogens in wild rodents, especially in brown rats in urban areas. Hygiene and One Health measures should be implemented in urban streets and food stores to reduce the possible direct and indirect transmission of these rodent-related pathogens.

Occurrence and genetic characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species in humans and can affect over 200 animal species. Considering possible increasing risk of human E. bieneusi infection due to close contact with pet dogs and identification of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes, 589 fresh fecal specimens of pet dogs were collected from Yunnan Province, China to determine the occurrence of E. bieneusi, characterize dog-derived E. bieneusi isolates, and assess their zoonotic potential at the genotype level. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Twenty-nine specimens (4.9%) were positive. A statistical difference was observed in occurrence rates of E. bieneusi in pet dogs among 11 sampling sites by Fisher's exact test. Fifteen genotypes were identified and all of them phylogenetically belonged to zoonotic group 1, including four known genotypes (EbpC, D, Peru 8, and Henan-III) and 11 novel genotypes. Genotype Henan-III was reported in dogs for the first time. The finding of known genotypes found previously in humans and novel genotypes falling into zoonotic group 1 indicates that dogs may play a role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in the investigated areas.

Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates detected in stray cats of İzmir, Türkiye

The phylum Microsporidia includes obligate intracellular parasites that can infect humans and various animals. To date, 17 different species within the phylum have been reported to infect humans. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is one of the most frequently detected species in humans. Identification of E. bieneusi as well as its genotypes in humans and animals is important to reveal their role in transmission to each other. Cats are blamed as the source of E. bieneusi transmission to humans. In this study, we aimed to genotype 170 E. bieneusi positive samples isolated from stool of stray cats living in İzmir province of Türkiye. According to the results, 47 samples were amplified by nested PCR protocol targeting ITS region and successfully sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of zoonotic genotype D and type IV in stray cats, which are also frequently detected in humans. Among the E. bieneusi genotypes detected, the prevalence of type IV (93.6%; 44/47) was very high compared to genotype D. Overall, the identification of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi supports that stray cats can play an important role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in İzmir.

Molecular prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in stray cats of İzmir, Türkiye

The phylum Microsporidia contains obligate single celled parasites that can infect many vertebrate hosts including humans. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is considered as the most diagnosed species in humans. E. bieneusi has also been detected in many animals such as cats, dogs and cattle. Among these animals, cats are carriers of type D and IV which are the most common human pathogenic genotypes of E. bieneusi. In Türkiye, the prevalence of E. bieneusi in stray cats is not well known. Therefore, in this study, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi in stray cats (n = 339) was determined by Real-Time PCR targeting ribosomal DNA ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region of E. bieneusi. Initially, the analytical sensitivity of Real-Time PCR was determined by a plasmid control and then E. bieneusi DNA was investigated in fecal samples of stray cats. The results showed that the analytical sensitivity of Real-Time PCR targeting ITS region of E. bieneusi was ≤1 copy plasmid/reaction. Analysis of fecal samples revealed that the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi was 50.15% (170/339). Overall, these results showed that the Real-Time PCR successfully detected E. bieneusi in cat's fecal samples and stray cats can be an important source for transmission of E. bieneusi to humans and other animals.

Molecular detection and prevalence of human-pathologic Enterocytozoon bieneusi among pet birds in Mosul, Iraq

Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been classified as an emerging infectious organism (microsporidium) due to the global increase in the number of cases infecting both humans and animals. The goal of this study was to use the polymerase chain reaction method to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection among pet birds in Mosul, Iraq. Faecal samples from a total of six hundred and twenty-eight pet birds belonging to fifteen (15) different species were analyzed by targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rRNA gene. Of the total number of pet birds sampled, 203 tested positive for the parasite, representing 32.32% (95% CI = 28.75-36.06) of the sampled population. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the prevalence of E. bieneusi infection among the different species of pet birds, with the highest prevalence recorded among Eurasian bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) (64.06%; 95% CI = 55.48-72.02), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) (48.72%; 95% CI = 40.93-56.55), Fischer's lovebirds (Agapornis fischeri) (25.00%; 95% CI = 13.45-40.05), and macaws parrots (Ara ararauna) (25.00%; 95% CI = 1.25-75.77). The order, source, and health status of pet birds were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the prevalence of E. bieneusi infection among pet birds in Mosul, Iraq. In conclusion, the level of prevalence of E. bieneusi among pet birds may increase the risk of infection for owners of pet birds in Iraq.

Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from sheep and goats in China

Background

Few studies have molecularly characterized the potential zoonotic protozoa, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in sheep and goats in China, therefore total 472 fecal samples were collected from eight provinces and infection rates of three protozoa were determined by PCR analysis of corresponding loci. All PCR positive samples were sequenced to identify the genotype.

Results

The overall infection rates for Cryptosporidium, G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi were 1.9% (9/472), 20.6% (97/472), and 44.5% (210/472), respectively. C. xiaoi (n = 5), C. ubiquitum (n = 3), and C. anderson (n = 1) were identified in goats. 97 G. duodenalis strains were successfully detected, and assembly E (n = 96) and assembly A (n = 1) were identified. Two novel G. duodenalis multilocus genotype (MLGs) were identified, with one belonging to subgroup AI and the other to subgroup E5. Nine known genotype (BEB6, CD6, CHC8, CHG3, CHG5, Peru6, CHG1, CHG2, and COS-I) and four new genotype (CHG26, CHG27, CHG28, and CHS18) were identified in E. bieneusi, with CHG3 dominant in this group.

Conclusions

The present results highlight the role of sheep and goats as reservoir hosts for this three gastrointestinal pathogens. In summary, we provided a platform for more detailed research on genotyping or subtyping intestinal pathogens to better understand their risks and modes of transmission.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in patients with diarrhea and in animals in the northeastern Chinese city of Yichun: genotyping and assessment of potential zoonotic transmission

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common microsporidia species in humans and animals. Due to lack of effective vaccines and drugs, understanding of its epidemiological status and characteristics in different hosts is an important step in controlling the infection. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans with diarrhea and animals in Yichun, in northeastern China, and assessing the epidemiological role of animals in the transmission of microsporidiosis. A total of 540 fecal samples were collected from diarrheal patients (n = 222) and 11 animal species (n = 318). Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 1.4% (3/222) of diarrheal patients, and genotype D and novel genotypes YCHH1 and YCHH2 were identified. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in wild boars (7.7%), sika deer (8.2%), dogs (3.2%), and ostriches (10.7%), and genotypes D, Type IV, Peru6, BEB6 and novel genotypes YCHA1, YCHA2 and YCHA3 were identified. Genotypes YCHH1, YCHH2 and YCHA1 were phylogenetically assigned to group 1, while YCHA2 and YCHA3 to groups 2 and 11, respectively. The finding of genotype D in humans and animals, and the identification of zoonotic genotypes Peru6, Type IV, BEB6 in animal-derived E. bieneusi isolates indicate the potential of zoonotic transmission of microsporidiosis in the investigated area. The observation of the three novel genotypes in group 1 indicates their zoonotic potential.

Successful use of albendazole and fenbendazole therapy in a cat with persistent diarrhea due <i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i>

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, also known as microsporidia, is an obligate, opportunistic, and neglected intracellular pathogen that causes diarrhea in humans. Although identified in the cat feces by epidemiological studies, no association with diarrhea has been demonstrated. We demonstrated a case of chronic enteritis by E. bieneusi in a 1-year-old male Maine Coon cat, neutered with diarrhea for nine months, by histopathological analysis of gastrointestinal biopsies and PCR of feces. The treatment with albendazole (10 days) followed by fenbendazole (5 days) proved to be effective and safe after diagnosis. This description highlights the need to investigate these pathogens in cases of diarrhea due to their importance in public health since they are zoonotic agents.

Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection in Wild Rodents From Six Provinces in China

Enterocytozoon (E.) bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. are the most important zoonotic enteric pathogens associated with diarrheal diseases in animals and humans. However, it is still not known whether E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. are carried by wild rodents in Shanxi, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Inner Mongolia, China. In the present study, a total of 536 feces samples were collected from Rattus (R.) norvegicus, Mus musculus, Spermophilus (S.) dauricus, and Lasiopodomys brandti in six provinces of China, and were detected by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. and ITS gene of E. bieneusi from June 2017 to November 2020. Among 536 wild rodents, 62 (11.6%) and 18 (3.4%) samples were detected as E. bieneusi- and Cryptosporidium spp.-positive, respectively. Differential prevalence rates of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. were found in different regions. E. bieneusi was more prevalent in R. norvegicus, whereas Cryptosporidium spp. was more frequently identified in S. dauricus. Sequence analysis indicated that three known Cryptosporidium species/genotypes (Cryptosporidium viatorum, Cryptosporidium felis, and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype II/III) and two uncertain Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium sp. novel1 and Cryptosporidium sp. novel2) were present in the investigated wild rodents. Meanwhile, 5 known E. bieneusi genotypes (XJP-II, EbpC, EbpA, D, and NCF7) and 11 novel E. bieneusi genotypes (ZJR1 to ZJR7, GXM1, HLJC1, HLJC2, and SDR1) were also observed. This is the first report for existence of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents in Shanxi, Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Shandong, China. The present study also demonstrated the existence of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. in S. dauricus worldwide for the first time. This study not only provided the basic data for the distribution of E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium genotypes/species, but also expanded the host range of the two parasites. Moreover, the zoonotic E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified in the present study, suggesting wild rodents are a potential source of human infections.

Molecular detection and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet dogs in Xinjiang, Northwestern China

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular parasitic fungi that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts. However, the literature is lacking information regarding the presence and diversity of E. bieneusi genotypes in domesticated dogs in Northwestern China. Fecal samples from 604 pet dogs were obtained in 5 cities (Urumqi, Korla, Hotan, Aksu, and Shihezi) in Xinjiang. Screening for E. bieneusi was performed, and isolates were genotyped via nested-PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The infection rate of E. bieneusi was 6.3% (38/604). The prevalence of E. bieneusi infections in adult animals (>1 year, 10.3%, 15/145) was higher than that in younger (≤1 year) dogs (5.0%, 23/459), which was statistically significant (p = 0.021). No significant difference was observed between the different collection sites or between sexes. Eight distinct genotypes were identified, including 5 known genotypes (PtEb IX, EbpC, D, CD9, and Type IV) and 3 novel genotypes (CD11, CD12, CD13). The most prevalent was genotype PtEb IX, being observed in 50.0% (19/38) of the samples, followed by EbpC (31.6%, 12/38), D (5.3%, 2/38), and the remaining genotypes (CD9, Type IV, CD11, CD12, and CD13) were observed in 1 sample (2.6%, 1/38) each. These findings suggest that genotypes PtEb IX and CD9 are canine host-adapted, and likely pose little risk of zoonotic transmission. Moreover, known zoonotic genotypes EbpC, D, and Type IV represent a public health concern and should undergo further molecular epidemiological investigation.

Prevalence and new genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in sheltered dogs and cats in Sichuan province, southwestern China

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of hosts, including humans and companion animals, raising concerns of zoonotic transmission. However, there is limited epidemiological information on the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in sheltered dogs and cats in Sichuan province, southwestern China. A total of 880 fecal samples were collected from shelters in different cities of Sichuan province, including 724 samples from dogs, and 156 samples from cats. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was determined by sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Overall, the prevalence of E. bieneusi was 18% (158/880), and the parasite was detected in 18.8% (136/724) and 14.1% (22/156) of the dogs and cats examined, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of five genotypes in dogs, including three known genotypes CD9 (n = 92), PtEb IX (n = 41), and Type IV (n = 1), and two novel genotypes SCD-1 (n = 1) and SCD-2 (n = 1). Similarly, four genotypes were identified in cats, including CD9 (n = 11), Type IV (n = 6), D (n = 4), and PtEb IX (n = 1). Genotypes D and Type IV have previously been identified in humans and are reported in sheltered dogs and cats in the present study, indicating that these animals could be as potential sources of human microsporidiosis infections.