Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from exotic pet animals in Japan.
Abstract: The Cryptosporidium horse genotype, a zoonotic protozoan parasite first found in a Prezewalski wild horse, has not been found in any other mammal but calves, horses, and humans. Hedgehogs, popular exotic pet animals in Japan, are a reservoir of two zoonotic Cryptosporidum: C. parvum and C. erinacei (previously known as the hedgehog genotype). Recently, after finding Cryptosporidium infection in a four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), we identified the isolate genetically as the Cryptosporidium horse genotype. Its subtype (VIbA13) was the same as that of an isolate from a pet shop employee with severe clinical symptoms, as reported previously from sequencing analysis of the partial Cryptosporidum 60kDa glycoprotein gene sequence. The occurrence of this genotype in hedgehog indicates that the horse genotype has broad host specificity. This report is the first of a study identifying isolates from pet reptiles genetically in Japan. The study identified a new host (Teratoscincus scincus) in C. serpentis lizard genotype by sequencing analysis of partial SSU rRNA and actin genes.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-03-12 PubMed ID: 25801359DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.035Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study reveals a new discovery of the Cryptosporidium horse genotype in hedgehogs and the presence of the genotype in pet reptiles in Japan. It highlights broad host specificity and underscores the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium isolates.
Identification of Cryptosporidium horse genotype in hedgehogs
In this part of the study:
- The researchers found the presence of Cryptosporidium horse genotype in a four-toed hedgehog.
- This genotype had previously been found only in calves, horses, and humans, indicating a broadening host range.
- The same subtype (VIbA13) was also identified in an employee from a pet shop showing severe clinical symptoms.
- This connection suggests the zoonotic potential of this genotype, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Genetic identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from pet reptiles
In another section of the study:
- They conducted the first known research into identifying Cryptosporidium isolates from pet reptiles in Japan.
- The researchers used sequencing analysis of partial SSU rRNA and actin genes.
- A new host (Teratoscincus scincus) was identified for the C. serpentis lizard genotype.
Implications of the Study
The study’s findings have several implications:
- It showcases the expanding host range of the Cryptosporidium horse genotype, potentially pointing to increased risks of cross-species transmission.
- The linkage of the same subtype from the hedgehog and a symptomatic human suggests a disease transmission link between the two, highlighting zoonotic potential.
- The identification of a new host for the C. serpentis lizard genotype expands our understanding of Cryptosporidium’s host range.
- Overall, the study underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling Cryptosporidium infection in both wild and pet animals to prevent human infection.
Cite This Article
APA
Abe N, Matsubara K.
(2015).
Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from exotic pet animals in Japan.
Vet Parasitol, 209(3-4), 254-257.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.035 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka City Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Tojo-cho 8-34, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0026, Japan. Electronic address: niichiro@gmail.com.
- Banquet Animal Hospital, Ikejiri 3-16-4, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0001, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Exotic
- Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
- Cryptosporidium / classification
- Hedgehogs
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Japan / epidemiology
- Pets
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Chen J, Wang W, Lin Y, Sun L, Li N, Guo Y, Kvac M, Ryan U, Feng Y, Xiao L. Genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. from pet rodents indicate high zoonotic potential of pathogens from chinchillas. One Health 2021 Dec;13:100269.
- Lebbad M, Winiecka-Krusnell J, Stensvold CR, Beser J. High Diversity of Cryptosporidium Species and Subtypes Identified in Cryptosporidiosis Acquired in Sweden and Abroad. Pathogens 2021 Apr 26;10(5).
- Koehler AV, Scheelings TF, Gasser RB. Cryptosporidium cf. avium in an inland-bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) - A case report and review of the literature. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020 Dec;13:150-159.
- Takaki Y, Takami Y, Watanabe T, Nakaya T, Murakoshi F. Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from ill exotic pet animals in Japan including a new subtype in Cryptosporidium fayeri. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020 Jul;21:100430.
- El-Alfy ES, Nishikawa Y. Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission. J Vet Med Sci 2020 Aug 19;82(8):1051-1067.
- Kubota R, Tokiwa T, Matsubara K, Okamoto M, Ike K. Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in wild-caught pet spiny-tailed lizards. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020 Apr;11:83-87.
- Zahedi A, Paparini A, Jian F, Robertson I, Ryan U. Public health significance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in wildlife: Critical insights into better drinking water management. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016 Apr;5(1):88-109.
- Shrivastava AK, Kumar S, Smith WA, Sahu PS. Revisiting the global problem of cryptosporidiosis and recommendations. Trop Parasitol 2017 Jan-Jun;7(1):8-17.
- Li Q, Li L, Tao W, Jiang Y, Wan Q, Lin Y, Li W. Molecular investigation of Cryptosporidium in small caged pets in northeast China: host specificity and zoonotic implications. Parasitol Res 2016 Jul;115(7):2905-11.
- Zikmundová V, Holubová N, Fenclová J, Sak B, Rost M, Gomułkiewicz A, Konečný R, McEvoy J, Xiao L, Kváč M. Cryptosporidium geckonae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in geckos. Parasit Vectors 2025 Oct 21;18(1):420.
- Baz-González E, Foronda P. Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in the North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain. Parasitol Res 2024 Jul 17;123(7):274.
- Meng X, Chu W, Tang Y, Wang W, Chen Y, Li N, Feng Y, Xiao L, Guo Y. High zoonotic potential and heavy environmental burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). One Health 2023 Jun;16:100532.
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