scholarly journals First detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuexin Wang ◽  
Kaihui Zhang ◽  
Yifan Zhang ◽  
Ke Wang ◽  
Azhar Gazizova ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a parasite that infects humans and a wide range of other animals. The large migratory waterfowl, the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), travels through many cities during its migration and can spread parasites. Despite receiving increasing attention worldwide, there have been no reports of E. bieneusi infection occurring in C. cygnus. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus in Sanmenxia, China. Methods Altogether, 467 fresh fecal samples were collected in the Swan Wetland Park in Sanmenxia, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh fecal samples (n = 467) and E. bieneusi was identified by nested PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. ITS-positive sequences were aligned and phylogenetically analyzed to determine the genotypes of E. bieneusi. Results The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus was 7.49% (35/467). Sequencing of the 35 positive samples revealed eight known genotypes (EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, Henan-IV, BEB6, CD9, Peru6 and PtEb IX) and three novel genotypes (CSW1, CSW2 and CSW3). The phylogenetic tree constructed from the ITS sequences showed that seven genotypes (Peru6, EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, CSW3, Henan-IV and CSW1) clustered within the zoonotic Group 1 while the remaining novel genotype CSW2 clustered within Group 5. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus. Of public health significance, our results suggest that migratory C. cygnus might play an important role in the water-borne transmission of E. bieneusi. Effective strategies will be necessary to control E. bieneusi infection in C. cygnus, other animals and humans.

Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Shanyu Chen ◽  
Wanyu Meng ◽  
Ziyao Zhou ◽  
Lei Deng ◽  
Xiaogang Shi ◽  
...  

Blastocystis is a prevalent eukaryotic parasite that has been identified in a wide range of hosts. Several species are considered potential sources of Blastocystis infection in humans, but little is known about the prevalence of Blastocystis in wild animals. In this study, the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis were investigated to assess the zoonotic potential of wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve. A total of 300 fecal samples were collected from 27 wildlife species in three areas of the Reserve. The subtype (ST), genetic characteristics, and prevalence of Blastocystis were determined by PCR amplification of part (~600 bp) of the SSU rRNA gene. Thirty fecal samples (10.0%) were Blastocystis-positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in Yinchanggou (18.3%), with significantly less found in Niutoushan (7.5%) and Genda (5.5%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were associated with different orders of animals in prevalence, which may be because of the small number of positive samples obtained. Sequence analysis showed five subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST13, and ST14), with ST13 and ST14 being predominant (33% each), followed by ST1 (20%). This is the first molecular investigation of Blastocystis infection in the wild animals of southwestern China. Subtypes ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14 have previously been identified in humans, suggesting that wild animals may be potential reservoirs of Blastocystis for humans.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuchang Yu ◽  
Yangwenna Cao ◽  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Aiyun Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogen and can infect both humans and animals. Coypus (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent, in which few E. bieneusi infections have been reported. Methods: A total of 308 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven coypu farms in China to determine the infection status and the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi from coypus using nested-PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.Results: E. bieneusi was detected with an infection rate of 41.2% (n = 127). Four genotypes were identified, including CHN4 (n = 111), EbpC (n = 8) and EbpA (n = 7) and a novel genotype named CNCP1 (n = 1). Conclusions: The rare genotype CHN4 was the most dominant genotype in this study, and the transmission dynamics of E. bieneusi in coypus were different from other rodents. This is the first report of E. bieneusi infections in coypus in China. Our study reveals that E. bieneusi in coypus may be potentially transmissible from coypus to humans.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuchang Yu ◽  
Yangwenna Cao ◽  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Aiyun Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogen and can infect both humans and animals. The coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent, in which few E. bieneusi infections have been reported and the distribution of genotypes and zoonotic potential remains unknown.Methods: A total of 308 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven coypu farms in China to determine the infection rate and the distribution of genotypes of E. bieneusi from coypus using nested-PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene.Results: Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected with an infection rate of 41.2% (n = 127). Four genotypes were identified, including three known genotypes (CHN4 (n = 111), EbpC (n = 8) and EbpA (n = 7)) and a novel genotype named CNCP1 (n = 1). Conclusions: The rare genotype CHN4 was the most common genotype in the present study, and the transmission dynamics of E. bieneusi in coypus were different from other rodents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infections in coypus in China. Our study reveals that E. bieneusi in coypus may be a potential infection source to humans.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanyu Chen ◽  
Wangyu Meng ◽  
Ziyao Zhou ◽  
Lei Deng ◽  
Xiaogang Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Blastocystis, a highly prevalent eukaryotic parasite, has been identified in a wide range of hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. Many animals are potential sources of Blastocystis infection for humans, while few information about the prevalence of Blastocystis in wild animals have being documented. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in wild animals of Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, southwestern of China, so as to assess the zoonotic potential of these animals. Methods A total of 300 faecal samples were collected from 27 wildlife species in three areas of Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve in southwestern China. The subtype (ST) genetic characteristics and prevalence of Blastocystis were determined by PCR amplification of the barcode region (a fragment of ∼600 bp) of the SSU rRNA gene, and phylogenetic analysis were further performed to determine the genetic characteristics of Blastocystis subtypes. Results 30 of 300 faecal samples (10.0%) were Blastocystis-positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in Yinchanggou (18.3%), which was significantly higher than that in Niutoushan (7.5%), and Genda (5.5%) (P < 0.05). Specifically, the highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in primates (20.0%, 1/5), followed by rodentia 14.3% (1/7), artiodactyla 13.1% (26/198), carnivora 2.3% (2/87), galliformes 0% (0/3). Sequence analysis showed 5 subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST13, and ST14), with ST13 and ST14 as the predominant subtype (33.3%, 10/30), followed by ST1 (20.0%, 6/30). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular investigation on Blastocystis infection in wild animals in southwestern of China. ST1, ST3, and ST5 were identified in both humans and wild animals, suggesting that these wild animals may be potential reservoirs of Blastocystis for human infection.


Parasite ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Run Luo ◽  
Leiqiong Xiang ◽  
Haifeng Liu ◽  
Zhijun Zhong ◽  
Li Liu ◽  
...  

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common intestinal pathogen in a variety of animals. While E. bieneusi genotypes have become better-known, there are few reports on its prevalence in the Tibetan pig. This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in the Tibetan pig in southwestern China. Tibetan pig feces (266 samples) were collected from three sites in the southwest of China. Feces were subjected to PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 83 (31.2%) of Tibetan pigs from the three different sites, with 25.4% in Kangding, 56% in Yaan, and 26.7% in Qionglai. Prevalence varies according to age group, from 24.4% (age 0–1 years) to 44.4% (age 1–2 years). Four genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified: two known genotypes EbpC (n = 58), Henan-IV (n = 24) and two novel genotypes, SCT01 and SCT02 (one of each). We compare our results with a compilation of published results on the host range and geographical distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes in China. Phylogenetic analysis showed these four genotypes clustered to group 1 with zoonotic potential. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of three microsatellites (MS1, MS3, MS7) and one minisatellite (MS4) was successful in 47, 48, 23 and 47 positive specimens and identified 10, 10, 5 and 5 genotypes at four loci, respectively. This study indicates the potential danger of E. bieneusi to Tibetan pigs in southwestern China, and offers basic advice for preventing and controlling infections.


Parasite ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiyuan Zhang ◽  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Aiyun Zhao ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Zilin Wei ◽  
...  

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an obligate intracellular pathogen, can infect a wide variety of hosts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in China. A total of 185 alpaca fecal samples were collected from five herds in Tacheng, Wensu, Hejing, Qinghe, and Nilka counties in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected by nested PCR of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Twenty-eight fecal samples (15.1%, 28/185) were positive for E. bieneusi, with the highest prevalence in alpacas from Qinghe (42.9%, 15/35). Four E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, which included two known (P and ALP3) and two novel (ALP7 and ALP8) genotypes. Genotype ALP3 was the dominant genotype (57.1%, 16/28), followed by genotypes P (32.1%, 9/28), ALP7 (7.1%, 2/28), and ALP8 (2.6%, 1/28). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three genotypes (P, ALP7, and ALP3) clustered into group 1, whereas genotype ALP8 clustered into group 8. This is the first report of E. bieneusi infection and genetic diversity in alpacas from Xinjiang, China.


1998 ◽  
Vol 64 (9) ◽  
pp. 3332-3335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scot E. Dowd ◽  
Charles P. Gerba ◽  
Ian L. Pepper

ABSTRACT Microsporidia, as a group, cause a wide range of infections, though two species of microsporidia in particular,Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans. To date, the mode of transmission and environmental occurrence of microsporidia have not been elucidated due to lack of sensitive and specific screening methods. The present study was undertaken with recently developed methods to screen several significant water sources. Water concentrates were subjected to community DNA extraction followed by microsporidium-specific PCR amplification, PCR sequencing, and database homology comparison. A total of 14 water concentrates were screened; 7 of these contained human-pathogenic microsporidia. The presence of Encephalitozoon intestinalis was confirmed in tertiary sewage effluent, surface water, and groundwater; the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi was confirmed in surface water; and the presence ofVittaforma corneae was confirmed in tertiary effluent. Thus, this study represents the first confirmation, to the species level, of human-pathogenic microsporidia in water, indicating that these human-pathogenic microsporidia may be waterborne pathogens.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3571
Author(s):  
Hua Liu ◽  
Jie Xu ◽  
Yujuan Shen ◽  
Jianping Cao ◽  
Jianhai Yin

Microsporidia are considered to be highly diverged and specialized parasites, and can infect a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most prevalent species in humans and various livestock, wildlife, and companion mammals. Dogs being the most popular companion animals of humans become more and more regarded. In this study, 272 fecal specimens were collected from stray dogs from Shanghai, but the dogs were adopted in a shelter in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China. E. bieneusi was examined by PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and sequence analysis. The total positive rate of E. bieneusi was 8.8% (24/272). Moreover, 8 genotypes were found, including three known (genotypes EbpA, Henan V and Type IV) and 5 novel genotypes (genotypes SHZJD1–5). Two samples were positive for two genotypes, one was positive fortype SHZJD4 and Henan V, the other was positive for Henan V and Type IV. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed all genotypes obtained in this study were all clustered into the zoonotic group 1. Therefore, the risk of zoonotic transmission of pathogens such as E. bieneusi from stray dogs to humans potentially threaten human health, and it is time to strengthen their health management.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Run Luo ◽  
Leiqiong Xiang ◽  
Haifeng Liu ◽  
Zhijun Zhong ◽  
Li Liu ◽  
...  

AbstractEnterocytozoon bieneusi is a common intestinal pathogen and a major cause of diarrhea and enteric diseases in a variety of animals. While the E. bieneusi genotype has become better-known, there are few reports on its prevalence in the Tibetan pig. This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in the Tibetan pig in southwestern China. Tibetan pig feces (266 samples) were collected from three sites in the southwest of China. Feces were subjected to PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. E. bieneusi was detected in 83 (31.2%) of Tibetan pigs from the three different sites, with 25.4% in Kangding, 56% in Yaan and 26.7% in Qionglai. Age group demonstrated the prevalence of E. bieneusi range from 24.4%(aged 0 to 1 years) to 44.4%(aged 1 to 2 years). Four genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified: two known genotypes EbpC (n=58), Henan-IV (n=24) and two novel genotypes, SCT01 and SCT02 (one of each). Phylogenetic analysis showed these four genotypes clustered to group 1 with zoonotic potential. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis three microsatellites (MS1, MS3, MS7) and one minisatellite (MS4) revealed 47, 48, 23 and 47 positive specimens were successfully sequenced, and identified ten, ten, five and five genotypes at four loci, respectively. This study indicates the potential danger of E. bieneusi to Tibetan pigs in southwestern China, and offers basic data for preventing and controlling infections.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Xuhui Lin ◽  
Yongxiang Sun ◽  
Nanshan Qi ◽  
Minna Lv ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi , a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts. Limited epidemiological data on E. bieneusi intestinal infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in China exists. In this study, fecal samples (651 from dogs and 389 from cats) in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, China, were collected, and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region from the DNA extracted from them was PCR-amplified and sequenced. Results: Based on the sequencing data, E. bieneusi was identified in the fecal samples collected from 149 (22.9%) and 79 (20.3%) dogs and cats. Of the factors investigated, poor living conditions appeared be the major risk factor for contracting the pathogen. Eleven E. bieneusi genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D,CD9 , EbpC, I) and five novel (designated here as GD2– GD6), were found in dogs. Eight genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, Type IV) and two novel (GD2 and GC1), were identified in cats. Genotype PtEb IX was most common in both dogs and cats, followed by genotype GD1. Conclusions: Although PtEb IX was the most common E. bieneusi genotype in dogs, this is the first report of this genotype dominating in cats. The same genotype distribution of the pathogen between the two different companion animals species in the same geographic area indicates that inter-species transmission is probable. The widespread existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes (D, EbpC, Type IV) in companion animals indicates that they are potential sources of environmental contamination and infections in humans.


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