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Veterinary medicine and science2026; 12(4); e71083; doi: 10.1002/vms3.71083

Prevalence and Molecular Characterisation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Equines in Algeria.

Abstract: Limited data are available on the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in equines in Algeria. No prior molecular data existed on giardiasis in this host population. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in equines across multiple regions of Algeria, and to characterise species, subtypes and assemblages present. Methods: Between December 2021 and December 2022, 197 faecal samples were collected from 104 horses, 89 donkeys, 2 ponies, 1 zebra and 1 mule from 46 private farms, 2 equestrian centres and 1 zoological park in eastern and central Algeria. Detection used microscopy and PCR. Cryptosporidium species and subtypes were identified by sequence analysis of SSU rRNA and gp60 genes. G. duodenalis was screened by probe-based qPCR with genotyping attempted at the tpi and bg loci. Results: The overall molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 34% (horses 31%, donkeys 38%), and G. duodenalis was 4.6% (horses 2.9%, donkeys 7%). Male equines had a significantly higher Cryptosporidium infection rate than females; no other epidemiological variable was significant for either parasite. Ten Cryptosporidium isolates were genotyped as four species: C. parvum (subtype IIaA20G1R1), C. equi (VIaA15G3, VIaA11G2), C. hominis (IkA15G1) and C. muris. C. equi and C. hominis were reported for the first time in Algerian horses and donkeys, respectively. Genotyping of G. duodenalis-positive samples was unsuccessful due to sequencing failure, likely attributable to low parasite DNA concentrations. Conclusions: This study reports the first molecular prevalence data for G. duodenalis and the first detection of C. equi and C. hominis in Algerian equines. The zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIaA20G1R1, previously detected in Algerian HIV patients, highlights equines as a potential reservoir. Expanded One Health surveillance with longitudinal and seasonal sampling is recommended.
© 2026 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2026-07-15 PubMed ID: 42455508PubMed Central: PMC13371905DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71083Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study investigated the occurrence and genetic types of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis parasites in horses and related equines across Algeria.
  • It provides the first molecular evidence of these parasites’ diversity in Algerian equines, identifying potential zoonotic risks from equine populations to humans.

Background

  • Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are protozoan parasites causing gastrointestinal illness in many animals and humans worldwide.
  • In Algeria, epidemiological data on these parasites in equines are scarce, especially molecular characterization which informs about transmission and zoonotic potential.
  • This study fills the knowledge gap by assessing prevalence and genetic subtypes of these parasites in domestic and wild equines in Algeria.

Study Objective

  • To determine how common Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis infections are in equines from multiple regions of Algeria.
  • To characterize the molecular diversity of these parasites, including species identification and genotyping using gene sequencing techniques.
  • To identify species, subtypes, and assemblages to assess zoonotic risks and epidemiological patterns.

Methods

  • Sampling took place between December 2021 and December 2022, collecting 197 fecal samples from various equine species: 104 horses, 89 donkeys, 2 ponies, 1 zebra, and 1 mule.
  • Samples originated from 46 private farms, 2 equestrian centers, and 1 zoological park in eastern and central Algeria.
  • Parasite detection involved initial microscopy combined with molecular PCR assays for enhanced sensitivity.
  • Cryptosporidium species and subtypes were determined by sequencing the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and the gp60 gene, which is useful for typing subtypes.
  • Giardia duodenalis detection used a probe-based quantitative PCR (qPCR), with further attempts to genotype positive samples via loci tpi (triose phosphate isomerase) and bg (beta-giardin) genes.

Results

  • Cryptosporidium prevalence was found to be high overall at 34%, with rates of 31% in horses and 38% in donkeys.
  • Giardia duodenalis prevalence was lower at 4.6%, with 2.9% in horses and 7% in donkeys.
  • Male equines had a statistically higher Cryptosporidium infection rate than females; other factors such as species or location showed no significant difference.
  • Molecular genotyping of 10 Cryptosporidium isolates identified four species:
    • C. parvum (subtype IIaA20G1R1) – a species known for zoonotic potential, previously found in Algerian HIV patients.
    • C. equi (subtypes VIaA15G3, VIaA11G2) – detected for the first time in Algerian horses.
    • C. hominis (subtype IkA15G1) – reported for the first time in Algerian donkeys, usually considered primarily human-associated.
    • C. muris – another Cryptosporidium species identified.
  • Genotyping attempts for Giardia duodenalis were unsuccessful, likely due to low parasite DNA levels in samples.

Conclusions and Implications

  • This study is the first to present molecular prevalence data of Giardia duodenalis in Algerian equines and to report the presence of C. equi and C. hominis in this population.
  • The identification of a zoonotic C. parvum subtype previously found in humans suggests that equines may serve as a reservoir and a source for human infection.
  • There is a need for expanded surveillance using a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, with longitudinal and seasonal sampling to better understand transmission dynamics.
  • Further research should aim at improved molecular detection methods for Giardia to overcome low DNA concentration issues.
  • Results underline the importance of including equine populations in public health monitoring given their potential role in zoonotic transmission.

Cite This Article

APA
Reghaissia N, Al-Adilee YMS, Laatamna A, Dahmane A, Berghiche A, Samari H, Ansel S, Laadjailia Y, Gentekaki E, Kváč M, Holubová N, Tsaousis AD. (2026). Prevalence and Molecular Characterisation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Equines in Algeria. Vet Med Sci, 12(4), e71083. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.71083

Publication

Veterinary medicine and science
ISSN: 2053-1095
NlmUniqueID: 101678837
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Pages: e71083
PII: e71083

Researcher Affiliations

Reghaissia, Nassiba
  • Laboratory of Sciences and Living Techniques, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Souk Ahras, Algeria.
  • Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Djelfa, Algeria.
Al-Adilee, Yaseen Majid Salman
  • Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
  • Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Ninevah University, Mosul, Iraq.
Laatamna, AbdElkarim
  • Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Djelfa, Algeria.
Dahmane, Abdeldjalil
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Nature and Life Sciences, University of Biskra, Biskra, Algeria.
Berghiche, Amine
  • Laboratory of Sciences and Living Techniques, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Souk Ahras, Algeria.
Samari, Houssem
  • Faculty of Sciences, University of M'sila, M'sila, Algeria.
Ansel, Samir
  • Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of khemis Meliana, Khemis Meliana, Algeria.
Laadjailia, Yacine
  • Laboratory of Sciences and Living Techniques, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Souk Ahras, Algeria.
Gentekaki, Eleni
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nicosia School of Veterinary Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Kváč, Martin
  • Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
  • Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Holubová, Nikola
  • Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Tsaousis, Anastasios D
  • Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cryptosporidium / genetics
  • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification
  • Algeria / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / parasitology
  • Prevalence
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Male
  • Horses
  • Giardiasis / epidemiology
  • Giardiasis / veterinary
  • Giardiasis / parasitology
  • Female
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Giardia lamblia / genetics
  • Giardia lamblia / isolation & purification
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Equidae

Grant Funding

  • 21-23773S / Czech Science Foundation

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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