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Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases2016; 43; 261-266; doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.004

Common occurrence of Cryptosporidium hominis in horses and donkeys.

Abstract: Extensive genetic variation is observed within the genus Cryptosporidium and the distribution of Cryptosporidium species/genotypes in humans and animals appears to vary by geography and host species. To better understand the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses and donkeys, we characterized five horse-derived and 82 donkey-derived Cryptosporidium isolates from five provinces or autonomous regions (Sichuan, Gansu, Henan, Inner Mongolia and Shandong) in China at the species/genotype and subtype levels. Three Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified based on the analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, including Cryptosporidium parvum (n=22), the Cryptosporidium horse genotype (n=4), and Cryptosporidium hominis (n=61). The identification of C. hominis was confirmed by sequence analysis of the HSP70 and actin genes. Subtyping using sequence analysis of the 60kDa glycoprotein gene identified 21 C. parvum isolates as subtype IIdA19G1, the four horse genotype isolates as subtypes VIaA15G4 (n=2) and VIaA11G3 (n=2), and the 61 C. hominis isolates as IkA16G1 (n=59) and IkA16 (n=2). The common finding of C. hominis reaffirms the heterogeneity of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses and donkeys and is possibly a reflection of endemic transmission of C. hominis in these animals. Data of the study suggest that horses and donkeys as companion animals may potentially transmit Cryptosporidium infections to humans.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2016-06-03 PubMed ID: 27264727DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article details a study investigating the occurrence of the Cryptosporidium parasite in horses and donkeys within five Chinese provinces. The researchers found significant genetic disparity across the Cryptosporidium species and identified three specific types, suggesting that these equine animals may potentially transmit the parasite to humans.

Objective and Methods of Study

  • The researchers aimed to better comprehend the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium species in horses and donkeys. They studied and characterized the parasite isolates taken from these animals in five provinces of China.
  • The collected isolates were examined at species/genotype and subtype levels, utilizing the analysis of the SSU rRNA gene. Further verification was completed by sequence analysis of the HSP70 and actin genes for C. hominis identification.
  • Subtyping further sought to identify specific strains of the parasite using the 60kDa glycoprotein gene.

Findings

  • The research identified three different Cryptosporidium species/genotypes. These included Cryptosporidium parvum (with 22 instances), Cryptosporidium horse genotype (observed 4 times), and most commonly, Cryptosporidium hominis (with 61 occurrences).
  • The Cryptosporidium parvum and horse genotypes were further divided into subtypes. The 21 C. parvum isolates were identified as subtype IIdA19G1, while the four horse genotypes were classified as either VIaA15G4 or VIaA11G3.
  • The 61 isolates of the most common find, C. hominis, were subtyped into IkA16G1 and IkA16.
  • The frequent incidence of Cryptosporidium hominis, in particular, indicated potential endemic transmission of the parasite among horses and donkeys.

Implications of the Research

  • The results highlight considerable genetic variation among Cryptosporidium spp. in equine species, confirming the heterogeneity of the parasite in these animals.
  • The high occurrence of C. hominis raises concerns, suggesting that horses and donkeys–especially those kept as companion animals–could potentially transmit Cryptosporidium infections to humans. This poses significant public health implications and warrants further investigation.

Cite This Article

APA
Jian F, Liu A, Wang R, Zhang S, Qi M, Zhao W, Shi Y, Wang J, Wei J, Zhang L, Xiao L. (2016). Common occurrence of Cryptosporidium hominis in horses and donkeys. Infect Genet Evol, 43, 261-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.004

Publication

Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases
ISSN: 1567-7257
NlmUniqueID: 101084138
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 43
Pages: 261-266
PII: S1567-1348(16)30228-3

Researcher Affiliations

Jian, Fuchun
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Liu, Aiqin
  • Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
Wang, Rongjun
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Zhang, Sumei
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Qi, Meng
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Zhao, Wei
  • Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
Shi, Yadong
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Wang, Jianling
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Wei, Jiujian
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China.
Zhang, Longxian
  • College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China. Electronic address: zhanglx8999@henau.edu.cn.
Xiao, Lihua
  • Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. Electronic address: lxiao@cdc.gov.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
  • Cryptosporidium / classification
  • Cryptosporidium / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / classification
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / genetics
  • Equidae / parasitology
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / genetics
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses / parasitology
  • Molecular Typing
  • Phylogeny
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics

Citations

This article has been cited 23 times.
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