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Journal of clinical microbiology2008; 46(7); 2396-2398; doi: 10.1128/JCM.00936-08

Genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium parvum causing foal diarrhea.

Abstract: Cryptosporidium isolates from diarrheic foals in New Zealand (n = 9) were identified as C. parvum, subtyped at two polymorphic loci, and compared with human (n = 45) and bovine (n = 8) isolates. Foal C. parvum isolates were genetically diverse, markedly similar to human and bovine isolates, and carried GP60 IIaA18G3R1 alleles, indicating a zoonotic potential.
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Publication Date: 2008-05-28 PubMed ID: 18508944PubMed Central: PMC2446936DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00936-08Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • 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 study investigates the genetic diversity of a diarrhoea-causing parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum, in foals (young horses) in New Zealand. Its findings highlight a possible zoonotic potential, indicating it can be transmitted from these animals to humans.

Understanding Cryptosporidium parvum

  • Cryptosporidium parvum is a microscopic parasite causing a disease called cryptosporidiosis.
  • This disease is diarrhea-dominant and can create serious health risks, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
  • The parasite can be found in a variety of animals, including foals, and the disease can be zoonotic – meaning, it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Study Methodology

  • The researchers collected Cryptosporidium isolates from nine diarrheic foals in New Zealand and identified them as C. parvum.
  • They then subtyped these isolates at two polymorphic loci, a type of genetic marker, for further analysis.
  • These isolates from foals were then compared with similar isolates from humans and bovines (cattle).

Findings and Contributions to Scientific Knowledge

  • The study found that foal C. parvum isolates were genetically diverse, which is characteristic of a large, healthy population.
  • These isolates were markedly similar to human and bovine isolates, suggesting a common origin or transmission pathway.
  • Importantly, they carried GP60 IIaA18G3R1 alleles. An allele is a variant of a gene, and the presence of this specific allele points to a zoonotic potential.
  • This shows that the parasite could potentially transfer across species, from foals to humans, indicating a significant health concern that requires further research and potentially preventative measures or treatments.

Cite This Article

APA
Grinberg A, Learmonth J, Kwan E, Pomroy W, Lopez Villalobos N, Gibson I, Widmer G. (2008). Genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium parvum causing foal diarrhea. J Clin Microbiol, 46(7), 2396-2398. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00936-08

Publication

Journal of clinical microbiology
ISSN: 1098-660X
NlmUniqueID: 7505564
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 7
Pages: 2396-2398

Researcher Affiliations

Grinberg, A
  • Massey University, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Infectious Disease and Public Health Group, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. a.grinberg@massey.ac.nz
Learmonth, J
    Kwan, E
      Pomroy, W
        Lopez Villalobos, N
          Gibson, I
            Widmer, G

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Cattle
              • Cryptosporidium parvum / genetics
              • Cryptosporidium parvum / isolation & purification
              • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
              • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
              • Diarrhea / parasitology
              • Diarrhea / veterinary
              • Horse Diseases / parasitology
              • Horses
              • Humans
              • Infant, Newborn
              • Molecular Sequence Data
              • New Zealand
              • Polymorphism, Genetic
              • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
              • Sequence Analysis, DNA
              • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
              • Zoonoses / parasitology

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              Citations

              This article has been cited 11 times.
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