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Parasitology research2019; 119(1); 249-254; doi: 10.1007/s00436-019-06529-x

First report of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum GP60 subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1 in wild ponies from the northern Iberian Peninsula.

Abstract: Studies on the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. affecting feral horses are scarce. The highland areas of the northern Iberian Peninsula are home to a large population of wild ponies which generally roam free in the ancient natural range and are subjected to a traditional exploitation regime. In the present study, a total of 79 non-diarrhoeal faecal samples from the wild ponies were collected from the ground immediately after defecation. Cryptosporidium was detected in 10 of the samples (12.6%) by a direct immunofluorescence antibody test and DNA amplification and sequencing. Analysis of partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) and heat shock protein (hsp70) loci revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum. In addition, amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) locus identified C. parvum subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of C. parvum in wild ponies in Europe, specifically in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Identification of the common subtype IIaA15G2R1 and also subtype IIaA16G3R1 (first description) indicates that these hosts may play a role in the sylvatic transmission of C. parvum and that they may act as a reservoir of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis.
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Publication Date: 2019-11-22 PubMed ID: 31758296DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06529-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research revealed the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1 in wild ponies from the northern Iberian Peninsula for the first time, suggesting these animals may contribute to the spread of this parasite and potentially serve as carriers for zoonotic cryptosporidiosis.

Research Focus and Methodology

  • The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium species in wild ponies. Cryptosporidium parasites are known causes of diarrhoeal illness in many species, including humans.
  • A sample of 79 non-diarrhoeal faecal samples was collected from wild ponies in the northern Iberian Peninsula. The samples were picked up right after defecation to ensure they were fresh and uncontaminated.

Detection and Identification of Cryptosporidium

  • The direct immunofluorescence antibody test and DNA amplification and sequencing were used to detect Cryptosporidium. This combination of methods allows for both detection and identification of the specific subtype of the organism.
  • Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 10 of the 79 samples, constituting a 12.6% prevalence rate.

Molecular Characterization

  • Further molecular analysis investigated specific DNA sequences or loci to determine the exact subtypes of C. parvum present.
  • A partial sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) and heat shock protein (hsp70) loci pointed to the presence of C. parvum.
  • Analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) locus confirmed the presence of C. parvum, revealing the specific subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1.

Implications and Conclusions

  • This study is the first to detect Cryptosporidium parvum, specifically the subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1, in wild ponies in Europe, particularly the northern Iberian Peninsula.
  • The identification of these subtypes suggests that wild ponies may contribute to the spread of the disease in the wild host population (sylvatic transmission) and potentially serve as carriers (reservoir) of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis, spreading the illness to other species, including humans.

Cite This Article

APA
Couso-Pérez S, de Limia FB, Ares-Mazás E, Gómez-Couso H. (2019). First report of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum GP60 subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1 in wild ponies from the northern Iberian Peninsula. Parasitol Res, 119(1), 249-254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06529-x

Publication

Parasitology research
ISSN: 1432-1955
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 119
Issue: 1
Pages: 249-254

Researcher Affiliations

Couso-Pérez, S
  • Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
de Limia, F Bárcena-Varela
  • Institute of Food Research and Analysis, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
Ares-Mazás, E
  • Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
Gómez-Couso, H
  • Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain. hipolito.gomez@usc.es.
  • Institute of Food Research and Analysis, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain. hipolito.gomez@usc.es.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / classification
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / immunology
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / isolation & purification
  • Europe
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Genotype
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Prevalence

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
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