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Mega J, Moreira R, Moreira G, Silva-Loureiro A, Gomes da Silva P, Istrate C, Santos-Silva S, Rivero-Juarez A, Carmena D, Mesquita JR. Multicentric Study on Enteric Protists Occurrence in Zoological Parks in Portugal. Pathogens 2024; 13:874. [PMID: 39452745 PMCID: PMC11509964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13100874] [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: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals play a major role in the transmission of disease, which in turn may result in financial and productive losses. Notwithstanding, studies on the burden and distribution of diarrheagenic protists in zoological gardens are still insufficient. Given the close animal-animal and animal-human interaction in these settings, Public Health concerns under the One Health context are raised. Using molecular detection tools and phylogenetic analysis, the goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic protists-Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.-in animals residing in zoological parks in Portugal. Occurrence of Eimeria spp. was also assessed because of its veterinary relevance. Although Blastocystis sp. represents most of the positive samples obtained (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.08-0.17), all parasites were detected (B. coli (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.01-0.06), and Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Giardia spp. presented the same prevalence (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.00-0.03)). We also describe the first molecular detection of B. coli in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), of Blastocystis sp. in three different python species, and G. muris in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), suggesting the broadening of the host range for these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Mega
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
| | - Rafaela Moreira
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
| | - Guilherme Moreira
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
| | - Ana Silva-Loureiro
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
| | - Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Public Health Institute, Porto University, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia Istrate
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Clinical Virology and Zoonosis, Infections Diseases Unit, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba, Reina Sofía Hospital, Córdoba University, 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
- Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - David Carmena
- Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (R.M.); (G.M.); (A.S.-L.); (P.G.d.S.); (S.S.-S.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Public Health Institute, Porto University, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Shan F, Meng Q, Wang F, Zhao J, Xu H, Wang N, Liu Y, Zhang S, Zhao G, Zhang L. Wild sympatric rodents inhabiting pig farm environments may facilitate the spillover of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from pig farms. Parasite 2024; 31:59. [PMID: 39331806 PMCID: PMC11433834 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen prevalent in mammalian and avian hosts across the globe. Wild small mammals, being abundant worldwide, serve as important sources of zoonotic disease transmission to humans. Here, 227 fecal samples were collected from five rodent and shrew species on 34 pig farms in China to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 17.18% (39/227), with a distribution of 23.53% (32/136) in Rattus tanezumi, 8.62% (5/58) in Rattus norvegicus, and 8.00% (2/25) in Mus musculus. Eight E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, comprising four known genotypes: D (n = 8), EbpC (n = 8), PigEBITS7 (n = 9), and EbpA (n = 2), and four novel genotypes: CHPR1 (n = 7), CHPR2 (n = 1), CHPR3 (n = 2), and CHPR4 (n = 2). This study is the first to report E. bieneusi in rodents from pig farms in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi Provinces in China. The host range of genotype EbpC was expanded with its first detection in M. musculus and R. tanezumi. All identified E. bieneusi genotypes belong to group 1, raising concerns about these sympatric rodents being reservoirs of zoonotic transmission. Moreover, the widespread distribution of genotype EbpC suggests potential cross-species transmission between sympatric rodents and domestic pigs. Our findings highlight the potential role of sympatric rodents in facilitating the spillover of E. bieneusi from pig farms, which could pose a potential public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Qingda Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Nanhao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
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Li M, Li P, He Y, Zhao C, Yu F, Dong H, Zhang Z, Qi M. Molecular characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:266. [PMID: 38985357 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08289-9] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium infection is a common occurrence in rodents worldwide. In this study, 435 wild brown rats were captured from an animal feedlot in Xinjiang, China, with a fecal sample obtained directly from the rectal contents of each rat. The DNA extracted from these fecal samples was analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in brown rats was found to be 5.5% (24 out of 435). Interestingly, the infection rates varied among different animal enclosures, with rates of 0% in the chicken coop (0/51), cowshed (0/3), and varying rates in other areas including the sheepfold (6.1%, 6/98), the pigsty (7.6%, 10/132), the dovecote (7.0%, 5/71), and outdoor environments (3.8%, 3/80). The study identified three species and one genotype of Cryptosporidium, namely C. occultus (n = 10), C. parvum (n = 4), C. ditrichi (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (n = 9). Additionally, two of the C. parvum isolates were successfully subtyped as IIdA19G1 (n = 2) at the gp60 gene. These results offer valuable insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in brown rats within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ping Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yongqiang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hui Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
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Li J, Yuan Z, Xu J, Xin X, Liu J, Zhang X, Zhou S, Li Z, Chen S, Huang H, Zhao W, Jiang Y. Molecular detection and genetic variability of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild Asian house shrews ( Suncus murinus) from southern Zhejiang province, China. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33334. [PMID: 39021918 PMCID: PMC11252936 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Shrews play a crucial role as repositories for diverse pathogens linked to zoonotic infectious diseases. However, the genetic information regarding Cryptosporidium in Chinese shrews remains unexplored. The objectives of this study were twofold: to determine the occurrence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild shrews residing in the southern part of Zhejiang Province, China, and to investigate their genetic characteristics. A total of 282 wild shrews were captured between April and October of 2023. The detection of Cryptosporidium in fecal samples, collected from each animal's rectum, was performed using PCR and sequencing of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was utilized to further subtype the positive samples of C. viatorum and C. parvum. All animals were identified as Suncus murinus, and a positive result for Cryptosporidium was obtained in 14.2 % (40/282) of the samples. The following species and genotypes were identified: C. ratti (n = 19), C. parvum (n = 2), C. viatorum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (n = 13), and Cryptosporidium skunk genotype (n = 5). Furthermore, the subtypes IIdA15G1 and XVdA3 were detected within C. parvum and C. viatorum, respectively. Molecular evidence indicates that S. murinus is concurrently infected with rodent-adapted and zoonotic species/genotypes, actively contributing to the dissemination of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfeng Li
- Wenzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zhongying Yuan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Junchen Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xianming Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Wenzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Huicong Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, 200025, Shanghai, China
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Shan F, Wang F, Chang S, Wang N, Liu Y, Chen X, Zhao G, Zhang L. Predominance of the Blastocystis subtype ST5 among free-living sympatric rodents within pig farms in China suggests a novel transmission route from farms. One Health 2024; 18:100723. [PMID: 38623498 PMCID: PMC11017045 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasitic protist that can infect humans and various domestic and wild animals. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of this parasite among rodents, particularly those living in pig farm settings. Therefore, to investigate the occurrence, molecular characterization, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis among rodents within pig farm environments, we conducted an investigation of 227 rodents and shrews from 34 pig farms located in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces of China using nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis. The potential transmission and public health implications were also assessed from a One Health perspective. Blastocystis was detected in 86 (37.9%) fecal samples. The highest infection rate was observed among Ruttus norvegicus (73.7%, 42/58), followed by Ruttus tanezumi (30.1%, 41/136), and Mus musculus (12.0%, 3/25). However, it was not detected among individuals with Apodemus agrarius (n = 1) and Crocidura shantungensis (n = 7). Five known zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5) were identified, with ST4 (51.2%, 44/86) and ST5 (40.7%, 35/86) being the predominant ones, followed by ST1 (3.5%, 3/86), ST3 (3.5%, 3/86), and ST2 (1.2%, 1/86). ST4 was prevalent among R. norvegicus (83.3%, 35/42), while ST5 dominated R. tanezumi (70.7%, 29/41). Furthermore, ST5 exhibited the widest distribution at pig farm level, accounting for 65.0% (13/20) of Blastocystis-positive pig farms. This investigation presents the first documented Blastocystis infection in R. tanezumi and M. musculus, highlighting the predominant presence of the zoonotic ST5 subtype in rodents for the first time. The results demonstrate that sympatric rodents can serve as natural reservoirs for Blastocystis and play a role in its transmission. These findings provide information on the dynamics of rodent transmission and emphasize the potential public health threat posed by zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes spillover from pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Shengke Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Nanhao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Häkkänen T, Rimhanen-Finne R, Antikainen J, Ruotsalainen E, Vainio A. Molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in human cases in five Finnish hospital districts during 2021: first findings of Cryptosporidium mortiferum (Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I) in Finland. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:225-231. [PMID: 38242277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The aims of the study were to characterise the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and subtypes causing infections in Finland during 2021. This was carried out with 60 clinical samples from the hospital districts of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Vaasa, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, and Central Finland, as well as with Finnish Infectious Diseases Register (FIDR) data. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the potential exposures related to Cryptosporidium mortiferum (Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I) infections via interview. Species identification was carried out with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and 18S sequencing. Further typing was performed with gp60 subtyping. Over 70% of the samples were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum and 20% as C. mortiferum, which had not been identified in Finland before. Two cases of Cryptosporidium hominis were identified from patients reported to have travelled outside Europe. The C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 and the C. mortiferum subtype XIVaA20G2T1 were the most common subtypes identified. The interviewed C. mortiferum cases did not report shared exposures such as contact with wild rodents. In conclusion, C. parvum and C. mortiferum were the major causes of cryptosporidiosis in the five studied Finnish hospital districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Häkkänen
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Antikainen
- Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva Ruotsalainen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni Vainio
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
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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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Rotovnik R, Lathrop TS, Skov J, Jokelainen P, Kapel CMO, Stensvold CR. Detection of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. in small wild rodents using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 24:e00332. [PMID: 38188480 PMCID: PMC10767489 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium; however, data from molecular surveys in support of this hypothesis are still scarce. In this study, we screened faeces and rectal content from murid and cricetid rodents (N = 58) caught around three farms in Zealand, Denmark, for Cryptosporidium spp. by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of ribosomal genes. Selected samples were further examined using nested conventional PCR targeting SSU rRNA, gp60, and actin genes. Cryptosporidium-specific DNA was identified in 40/58 (69%) samples, and in 12 (30%) of the 40 positive animals, mixed cryptosporidial infections were observed. Cryptosporidium ditrichi was the species most commonly identified, found in 28 (48%) of the animals. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 4 (7%) of the animals, all of which were co-infected with C. ditrichi. The present study is the first to utilize NGS-based screening for Cryptosporidium species in wild rodents. Moreover, it is the first study to provide molecular data on Cryptosporidium in rodents sampled in Denmark and to detect DNA of C. ditrichi in Mus musculus, Myodes glareolus, and Microtus agrestis. The NGS approach was successfully applied to yield new knowledge, and the results showed that zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium are common in murid and cricetid rodents in Zealand, Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Rotovnik
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Tatiana Siegler Lathrop
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jakob Skov
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, DK–2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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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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10
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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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