Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon in Chickens From Ezhou, Hubei, China

The global epidemiology of Microsporidia infection in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international databases from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2022. A total of 34 articles (including 37 datasets) were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Microsporidia infection in birds was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.6-18.1). The highest prevalence of Microsporidia was found in wild waterfowl which was 54.5% (28.1-78.6). In terms of detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 21.2% (95% CI: 12.1-34.4) and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3) for using microscopic and molecular detection methods, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (24/31; 77.42% of the studies) according to PCR-based methods, and genotype D was the highest reported genotype (nine studies). In conclusion, designing strategies for the control and prevention of Microsporidia infection in birds should be recommended.

Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China

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.

The risk of wild birds contaminating source water with zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia is probably overestimated

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important waterborne protozoan parasites that are resistant to disinfectants commonly used for drinking water. Wild birds, especially wild migratory birds, are often implicated in the contamination of source and wastewater with zoonotic diseases, due to their abundance near water and in urban areas and their ability to spread enteric pathogens over long distances. This review summarises the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, with a focus on zoonotic species, particularly in wild and migratory birds, which is critical for understanding zoonotic risks. The analysis revealed that both avian-adapted and zoonotic Cryptosporidium species have been identified in birds but that avian-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in wild migratory birds. Few studies have examined Giardia species and assemblages in birds, but the non-zoonotic Giardia psittaci and Giardia ardeae are the most commonly reported species. The identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, particularly C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in wild migratory birds, is likely due to mechanical carriage or spillback from birds co-grazing pastures contaminated with C. parvum from livestock. Therefore, the role of wild migratory birds in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia to source water is likely overestimated. To address knowledge gaps, it is important to conduct more extensive studies on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a broader range of migratory wild birds. There is also a need to investigate the extent to which zoonotic infections with C. hominis/C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B are mechanical and/or transient, and to assess the load and viability of zoonotic oo/cysts shed in avian faeces. Understanding the contribution of birds to zoonoses is essential for effective disease surveillance, prevention, and control.

Dominant infection of Cryptosporidium baileyi in broiler chickens in Zhejiang Province, China

Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite in chickens. A total of 812 fecal specimens were collected from 11 broiler farms in Zhejiang Province, China, and analyzed by nested PCR amplification based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium was 6.3% (51/812), and five of 11 farms were Cryptosporidium positive. Broilers aged > 90 days accounted for the highest infection rate of 16.1% (6/56), followed by those aged 30-60 days (10.6%, 38/358) and 60-90 days (4/378, 1.1%). Two Cryptosporidium species were identified by sequence analysis, with the predominant species being C. baileyi (96.1%, 49/51) and the minor infection being C. meleagridis (3.9%, 2/51). Based on the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, two C. meleagridis-positive isolates were identified as one known subtype, IIIbA24G1R1. This study indicated the common occurrence of C. baileyi in broiler chickens in this region and low zoonotic transmission potential of Cryptosporidium to humans.

Exploring genetic variability of Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in raw vegetables and fruits: implications for food safety and public health in Mozambique

Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are etiological agents of enteric diseases characterized by diarrhea that can progress to chronicity in humans, especially in children and in immunocompromised patients. This study aims to assess the genetic pattern of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi detected in vegetables and fruits commercialized in Maputo markets, Mozambique and determine their public health importance. Eight study points were sampled: a farmer zone, a wholesale, four retail markets, and two supermarkets in Maputo city, where eight types of horticultural products were purchased. Using nested-PCR methods, 2.8% (9/321) and 1.3% (4/321) of samples monitored were positive for G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, respectively. Based on the analysis of the β-giardin and ITS rRNA sequences of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi detected, respectively, four different sequences of G. duodenalis (three novel sequences: BgMZ1, BgMZ2, and BgMZ3, and one known sequence) all from assemblage B and three genotypes of E. bieneusi (two novel sequences: EbMZ4 and EbMZ5, and one known sequence: KIN-1) from group 1. These microorganisms were found and characterized for the first time in horticultural products in Maputo markets. All identified G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi display high genetic similarity within their β-giardin and ITS rRNA sequences, respectively, having been clustered into assemblages and genotypes with high zoonotic transmission potential. Our study may represent a relevant step in the understanding of these intestinal pathogens in association with fresh vegetables and fruits for human consumption, for a better and broader "One Health" approach.

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.

Cryptosporidiosis: From Prevention to Treatment, a Narrative Review

Cryptosporidiosis is a water- and food-borne zoonotic disease caused by the protozoon parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. C. hominis and C. parvum are the main two species causing infections in humans and animals. The disease can be transmitted by the fecal-oral route as well as the respiratory route. The infective stage (sporulated oocysts) is resistant to different disinfectants including chlorine. Currently, no effective therapeutic drugs or vaccines are available to treat and control Cryptosporidium infection. To prevent cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals, we need to understand better how the disease is spread and transmitted, and how to interrupt its transmission cycle. This review focuses on understanding cryptosporidiosis, including its infective stage, pathogenesis, life cycle, genomics, epidemiology, previous outbreaks, source of the infection, transmission dynamics, host spectrum, risk factors and high-risk groups, the disease in animals and humans, diagnosis, treatment and control, and the prospect of an effective anti-Cryptosporidium vaccine. It also focuses on the role of the One Health approach in managing cryptosporidiosis at the animal-human-environmental interface. The summarized data in this review will help to tackle future Cryptosporidium infections in humans and animals and reduce the disease occurrence.

Longitudinal surveillance of Cryptosporidium spp. in broiler chickens in Xinjiang, northwest China: genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium meleagridis subtypes

Cryptosporidium spp. are common enteric parasites in humans and animals. Herein, 175 faecal specimens were collected from a broiler farm in Xinjiang, China, including seven repeated samplings at 10-day intervals of broilers aged 10 to 70 days. Cryptosporidium was detected and identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium in broilers was 23.4% (41/175), with the highest infection rate of 48.0% (12/25) at 40 days of age, and no infection was detected at 10 days of age. Two Cryptosporidium species were confirmed, namely, C. baileyi (3.4%, 6/175) and C. meleagridis (20%, 35/175). In total, 21 of 35 C. meleagridis isolates were successfully subtyped based on the gp60 gene, and one known subtype, IIIgA22G3R1 (n = 1), and three novel subtypes, IIIbA25G1R1 (n = 10), IIIgA24G3R1 (n = 9) and IIIgA25G2R1 (n = 1), were identified. Our findings highlight the genetic diversity of C. meleagridis in Xinjiang and the potential endemic characteristics of the subtypes.

Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Hotan Black Chickens in China reveals two novel subtypes of Cryptosporidium meleagridis

A total of 617 fecal specimens were collected on 18 Hotan Black chicken farms in Southern Xinjiang, China, and tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate by Cryptosporidium spp. was 11.5% (71/617), and ten of the 18 farms were positive. The infection rate by Cryptosporidium spp. was 14.5% (48/331) in the 30–60 d group, higher than chickens in the <30 d (12.0%, 15/125), 60–90 d (6.9%, 5/72), and >90 d (3.4%, 3/89) groups. Cryptosporidium meleagridis (n = 38) and C. baileyi (n = 33) were confirmed by sequencing analysis. A total of 25 of the 38 C. meleagridis-positive specimens were subtyped successfully at the gp60 gene, including one known subtype (IIIbA23G1R1, n = 1) and two novel subtypes, named IIIbA25G1R1 (n = 20) and IIIbA31G1R1 (n = 4). The results showed that infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in Hotan Black Chickens was common in this area and the distribution of C. meleagridis subtypes had regional characteristics.

Molecular epidemiology and genotype/subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Encephalitozoon spp. in livestock: concern for emerging zoonotic infections

Intestinal parasitic infections have high prevalence rate in many regions especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and genotype/subtype of some intestinal protozoa in livestock in Iran. Stool samples were collected from cattle, sheep, chickens, and horses. The presence of targeted parasites was evaluated using real-time PCR. Genotyping/subtyping of positive samples was characterized using sequencing of the ITS and barcoding region, respectively. Blastocystis sp., 27.7% (48/173) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi 26.0% (45/173) were the most frequent protozoa followed by Encephalitozoon spp., 0.57% (1/173). Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected among samples. Encephalitozoon spp., was detected only in chickens 2.2% (1/45). A statistically correlation was seen between animals and the prevalence of targeted protozoa. E. bieneusi genotypes I (9/38; 23.68%), BEB6 (22/38; 57.89%), D (6/38; 15.79%), and horse1 (1/38; 2.63%) were detected among samples. A statistically significant correlation was seen between the genotypes and animals (P ≤ 0.05). Blastocystis sp., ST1 (1/45; 2.22%), ST5 3/45; 6.66%), ST7 (1/45; 2.22%), ST10 (24/45; 53.33%), and ST14 (16/45; 35.55%) were characterized among samples. There was no significant correlation between certain subtypes and animals (P = 0.173). The presence of zoonotic potential genotypes of E. bieneusi in animals and zoonotic potential subtypes ST1 and ST7 among our samples provide a clue about the transmission dynamic of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. between animals–animals and humans–animals.

Molecular prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium in domestic free-range poultry in Anhui Province, China

Free-range chickens might mediate the spread of Cryptosporidium oocysts to humans and other animals. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in domestic free-range poultry in China. Here, we characterized the prevalence and distribution of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in domestic free-range chickens, ducks, and geese in Anhui Province, China. A total of 1910 fresh fecal samples from three poultry species were examined from 18 free-range poultry farms by nested PCR and analysis of the Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium species was 2.9% (55/1910), with infection rates of 1.3% (11/829) in chickens, 7.3% (36/487) in ducks, and 1.4% (8/594) in geese. C. baileyi (0.6%), C. meleagridis (0.2%), C. galli (0.2%), and C. xiaoi-like genotype (0.2%) were identified in chickens, and only C. baileyi was identified in ducks and geese, with infection rates of 7.4% and 1.3%, respectively. C. baileyi was the most prevalent species. Sequencing of the GP60 gene revealed that the C. meleagridis isolates belonged to the IIIbA26G1R1b subtype. This is the first study to document C. galli and C. xiaoi-like genotype in domestic free-range chickens in China. These findings expand the range of avian hosts known for Cryptosporidium and highlight the need for additional studies to characterize the diversity of Cryptosporidium in avian species.

The Efficacy of Citrus maxima Peels Aqueous Extract Against Cryptosporidiosis in Immunecompromised Mice

INTRODUCTION

 Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic globally distributed parasitic disease caused by protozoan Cryptosporidium where its development is closely related to the host's immune status. New therapeutic agents are a high priority as chemotherapeutics are impractical and vaccines are unavailable for young as well as immune-compromised patients or animals. The current study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the internal white (albedo) and external yellow (flavedo) peels of Citrus maxima (C. maxima) as an alternative medicinal plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Parasitological examination for oocysts in the stool was determined. Histopathological alterations and immunohistochemical expression of APC and cyclin D1 as well as an assessment of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in ileal tissues was carried out. In addition, the biochemical examination of serum albumin, globulin and liver enzymes were evaluated. Results revealed a significant decrease of oocysts count correlated with an amelioration of histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in ileal tissue with an enhancement of liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines levels.

CONCLUSION

 It could be concluded that treatment with C. maxima peel extracts have a potential therapeutic and an immunoregulatory efficacy against Cryptosporidiosis. Obtained results showed that the white peel was found to have more immunological effect that could significantly enhance inflammatory cytokines response towards normal status. Hence, it can be used in the daily animal diet to give protective effects against infection.

Epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in Brazil: there is still a long way to go

Giardia duodenalis infection is distributed worldwide and can achieve prevalence around 60%, especially in developing countries. This protozoan is divided into eight assemblages, in which A and B have high zoonotic potential, whereas C to H are host-specific. This scenario is changing as molecular studies progress, highlighting that knowledge on host-specificity still has a long way to go. Understanding the players involved in transmission routes enables rational designs of control strategies. Considering the high prevalence of giardiasis, this review aims to gather together the data on available studies on the distribution of G. duodenalis assemblages in Brazil until September 2020.

Molecular detection and genotyping of microsporidia species in chickens in Turkey

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that infect various hosts including invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite the importance, knowledge on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of microsporidia in chickens is limited, and no data are available for Turkey. A total of 300 fecal samples from chickens in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were analyzed by using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for the common microsporidia species. Corresponding PCR amplicons from the positive samples were sequenced for genotyping. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified in 22 (7.3 %) samples, whereas Encephalitozoon spp. was not detected. The prevalence of E. bieneusi was 63.6 % in Kayseri and 36.4 % in Nevsehir provinces, and 8.8 % in soft fecal samples and 9.7 % in diarrhoeic samples. No infections were found in Kirsehir Province. Significant differences were found for the distribution of E. bieneusi among provinces and fecal conditions. Infections were found only in free-range chickens. As a result of ITS region sequencing, two genotypes were characterized. The novel genotype ERUNT1 (n = 21), belonging to zoonotic group 1, was the most common genotype throughout the study area. The other known genotype, ERUSS1 (n = 1), had a restricted distribution and was previously detected in cattle and sheep in the same region. Our study provides the first data on microsporidia species from chickens in Turkey. None of these genotypes have been reported in humans; thus, the risk potential for public health is limited but needs further investigation.