scholarly journals Molecular detection of Blastocystis from animals in Italy: subtypes distribution and implications for the zoonotic transmission

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Gabrielli ◽  
Federica Furzi ◽  
Emanuele Brianti ◽  
Gabriella Gaglio ◽  
Ettore Napoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Zoonotic Transmission ◽  
Wild Carnivores ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Animal Hosts

Abstract Background: Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist distributed worldwide infecting humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and so far, 26 subtypes (STs) have been identified in animal hosts, ten of them (ST1-ST9 and ST12) reported in humans with varying prevalence. Since several STs are common to humans and animals it has been proposed that a proportion of human infections may have a zoonotic origin. Aims of the present study were to: 1) genetically detect Blastocystis in faecal samples of farmed animals and wild carnivores; 2) investigate the distribution of Blastocystis STs in different animal hosts; 3) provide a first study on the Blastocystis STs circulating between animals and humans in Italy.Methods: Fresh faecal samples (N=269) were collected from carnivores and farmed animals in different Italian provinces and submitted to genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification followed by both sequence and phylogenetic analysis (Neighbour Joining and Maximum Parsimony)Results: Blastocystis was detected in 50% of the farmed animals (42 out of 84), and 19 of them were successfully subtyped. Conversely, all the faecal samples (N=185) from domestic and wild carnivores (dogs, cats, foxes) tested in the present study, resulted negative. Phylogenetic analysis showed the finding of ST5, ST7, ST9 and ST10 in the samples from animals. The comparison with sequences of Blastocystis STs previously detected from humans in Italy showed the ST7, as a potential source of zoonotic transmission.Conclusions: The present study represents the widest epidemiological survey so far performed in animals in Italy. Further epidemiological studies using molecular approaches are required to determine the occurrence and distribution of Blastocystis STs in other potential animal reservoirs and to define the pathways of zoonotic transmission.

scholarly journals Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis sp. Isolated from Farmed Animals in Southern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1656
Author(s):  
Simona Gabrielli ◽  
Marialetizia Palomba ◽  
Federica Furzi ◽  
Emanuele Brianti ◽  
Gabriella Gaglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Zoonotic Transmission ◽  
Ssu Rrna ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Blastocystis Sp

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist distributed worldwide, infecting humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and, so far, 25 distinct small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) lineages termed subtypes (STs)) have been characterized; among them, 12 have thus far been reported in humans. The aims of the present study were to detect and genetically characterize Blastocystis sp. in synantropic animals to improve our current knowledge on the distribution and zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis STs in Italy. Samples were collected from N = 193 farmed animals and submitted to DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA. Blastocystis was detected in 60 samples (31.08%) and successfully subtyped. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced that the isolates from fallow deer, goats, and pigs (N = 9) clustered within the ST5; those from pheasants (N = 2) in the ST6; those from chickens (N = 8) in the ST7; those from sheep (N = 6) in the ST10; and those from water buffaloes (N = 9) in the ST14 clade. The comparison between the present isolates from animals and those previously detected in humans in Italy suggested the animal-to-human spillover for ST6 and ST7. The present study represents the widest Blastocystis survey performed thus far in farmed animals in Italy. Further epidemiological studies using molecular approaches are required to determine the occurrence and distribution of Blastocystis STs in other potential animal reservoirs in Italy and to define the pathways of zoonotic transmission.

scholarly journals Detection of Human Genotype “B” Giardia lamblia in Ghanaian Cattle from Frafraha in Adentan Municipality of Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-100
Author(s):  
G. T. Mensah ◽  
C. A. Narh ◽  
C. A. Brown ◽  
P. F. Ayeh-Kumi ◽  
I. O. Frempong
Keyword(s):  
Giardia Lamblia ◽  
Intestinal Parasite ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
First Time ◽  
Animal Research Institute ◽  
Human Specific

Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal parasite in humans, a wide range of domesticated and wild animals. There are human and animal specific, as well as zoonotic pathogenic gen­otypes. It is not clear whether livestock in close proximity to humans could be infected with human specific genotypes, and vice versa. In this study, Giardia-positive faecal samples were collected from both humans (n = 4) (from Maamobi Polyclinic in the Ayawaso Sub- Metro) and calves (n = 8) (from Animal Research Institute Farms, Adentan Municipality), in Ghana. Nested PCR amplification using Giardia-specific, Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) genes and Tri­osephosphate isomerase (TPI) gene primers for human and animal faecal samples respectively was carried out. Results showed that 100% of the calves carried the TPI-B genotype, which is a common pathogenic genotype in humans. This report is based on the unusual results obtained as Giardia duodenalis genotype B is known to occur in humans but is being observed in calves for the first time. This suggests that calves in close proximity to humans could be reservoirs and sources of human Giardia infections.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, southwestern of China-Zoonotic potential

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanyu Chen ◽  
Wangyu Meng ◽  
Ziyao Zhou ◽  
Lei Deng ◽  
Xiaogang Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wide Range

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.

scholarly journals Distribution and molecular analysis of Blastocystis subtypes from gastrointestinal symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1179-1189
Author(s):  
Asma Delshad ◽  
Mehrzad Saraei ◽  
Safar Ali Alizadeh ◽  
Soheila Rahimi Niaraki ◽  
Mahmood Alipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Nucleotide Diversity ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Concentration Method ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Blastocystis Subtype ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Fetal Bovine ◽  
Animal Hosts

Introduction: Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite of human and animal hosts. The parasite has 17 subtypes, and among those at least nine subtypes (ST1-ST9) are found in human hosts. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of different subtypes of Blastocystis spp. among the patients referred to Velayat hospital of Qazvin province, Iran. Methods: Overall, 864 stool samples were examined by using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method and Trichrome staining. All specimens were cultured in clotted fetal bovine medium. Later, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region was conducted and phylogenetic tree constructed. Results: The results revealed 7.9% (68/864) of the study population were infected with Blastocystis. Intestinal symptoms were observed in 61% (36/59) of individuals positive for Blastocystis, with abdominal pain in 58% (21/36) of cases which was more frequent than other intestinal signs. No significant relationship was observed among the study variables. By molecular and phylogenetic analysis, three subtypes ST1 (45%), ST2 (30%) and ST3 (23%) of parasite were identified. Conclusion: This study showed ST1 subtype was the predominant subtype among the positive specimens, meanwhile the highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity were clarified in ST3 subtype. Keywords: Blastocystis, subtype, Phylogenetic analysis, Iran.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, southwestern of China-Zoonotic potential

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanyu Chen ◽  
Wangyu Meng ◽  
Ziyao Zhou ◽  
Lei Deng ◽  
Xiaogang Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wide Range

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.

scholarly journals Prevalence and genotyping identification of Cryptosporidium in adult ruminants in central Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohre Firoozi ◽  
Alireza Sazmand ◽  
Alireza Zahedi ◽  
Akram Astani ◽  
Ali Fattahi-Bafghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Central Iran ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Apicomplexan Parasites ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Apicomplexan parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium infect a wide range of animal species as well as humans. Cryptosporidium spp. can cause life threatening diarrhea especially in young animals, children, immunocompromised patients and malnourished individuals. Asymptomatic cryptosporidial infections in animals can also occur, making these animals potential reservoirs of infection. Methods In the present study, a molecular survey of Cryptosporidium spp. in ruminants that were slaughtered for human consumption in Yazd Province, located in central Iran was conducted. Faeces were collected per-rectum from 484 animals including 192 cattle, 192 sheep and 100 goats. DNA was extracted from all samples and screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. Positives were Sanger sequenced and further subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus. Results In total, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 22 animals: C. andersoni and C. bovis in seven and two cattle faecal samples, respectively, C. ubiquitum in five sheep, and C. xiaoi in six sheep and two goat samples, respectively. To our knowledge, this study provides for the first time, molecular information concerning Cryptosporidium species infecting goats in Iran, and is also the first report of C. ubiquitum and C. xiaoi from ruminants in Iran. Conclusion The presence of potentially zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium in ruminants in this region may suggest that livestock could potentially contribute to human cryptosporidiosis, in particular among farmers and slaughterhouse workers, in the area. Further molecular studies on local human populations are required to more accurately understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp. in this region.

scholarly journals Re-Evaluation of the Podosphaera tridactyla Species Complex in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
Reannon L. Smith ◽  
Tom W. May ◽  
Jatinder Kaur ◽  
Tim I. Sawbridge ◽  
Ross C. Mann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Powdery Mildew ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Stone Fruit ◽  
Prunus Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Unidentified Species ◽  
The Rose ◽  
Generation Sequencing

The Podosphaera tridactyla species complex is highly variable morphologically and causes powdery mildew on a wide range of Prunus species, including stone fruit. A taxonomic revision of the Po. tridactyla species complex in 2020 identified 12 species, seven of which were newly characterised. In order to clarify which species of this complex are present in Australia, next generation sequencing was used to isolate the fungal ITS+28S and host matK chloroplast gene regions from 56 powdery mildew specimens of stone fruit and ornamental Prunus species accessioned as Po. tridactyla or Oidium sp. in Australian reference collections. The specimens were collected in Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Korea and were collected from 1953 to 2018. Host species were confirmed using matK phylogenetic analysis, which identified that four had been misidentified as Prunus but were actually Malusprunifolia. Podosphaera species were identified using ITS+28S phylogenetic analysis, recognising three Podosphaera species on stone fruit and related ornamental Prunus hosts in Australia. These were Po.pannosa, the rose powdery mildew, and two species in the Po. tridactyla species complex: Po. ampla, which was the predominant species, and a previously unidentified species from peach, which we describe here as Po. cunningtonii.

scholarly journals Single and Double Infections with Wolbachia in the Parasitic Wasp Nasonia vitripennis Effects on Compatibility

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 143 (2) ◽  
pp. 961-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Jeanne Perrot-Minnot ◽  
Li Rong Guo ◽  
John H Werren
Keyword(s):  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Nasonia Vitripennis ◽  
Larval Diapause ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Reproductive Incompatibility ◽  
Infected Line

Abstract Wolbachia are cytoplasmically inherited bacteria responsible for reproductive incompatibility in a wide range of insects. There has been little exploration, however, of within species Wolbachia polymorphisms and their effects on compatibility. Here we show that some strains of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis are infected with two distinct bacterial strains (A and B) whereas others are singly infected (A or B). Double and single infections are confirmed by both PCR amplification and Southern analysis of genomic DNA. Furthermore, it is shown that prolonged larval diapause (the overwintering stage of the wasp) of a double-infected strain can lead to stochastic loss of one or both bacterial strains. After diapause of a double-infected line, sublines were produced with AB, A only, B only or no Wolbachia. A and B sublines are bidirectionally incompatible, whereas males from AB lines are unidirectionally incompatible with females of A and B sublines. Results therefore show rapid development of bidirectional incompatibility within a species due to segregation of associated symbiotic bacteria.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterisation of Cryptosporidium spp. in Mozambican Children Younger than 5 Years Enrolled in a Matched Case-Control Study on the Aetiology of Diarrhoeal Disease

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 452
Author(s):  
Augusto Messa, Jr. ◽  
Pamela C. Köster ◽  
Marcelino Garrine ◽  
Tacilta Nhampossa ◽  
Sérgio Massora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diarrhoeal Disease ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Domestic Animal ◽  
Cryptosporidium Species ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Species Determination ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Matched Case

Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of childhood diarrhoea and associated physical and cognitive impairment in low-resource settings. Cryptosporidium-positive faecal samples (n = 190) from children aged ≤ 5 years enrolled in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) in Mozambique detected by ELISA (11.5%, 430/3754) were successfully PCR-amplified and sequenced at the gp60 or ssu rRNA loci for species determination and genotyping. Three Cryptosporidium species including C. hominis (72.6%, 138/190), C. parvum (22.6%, 43/190), and C. meleagridis (4.2%, 8/190) were detected. Children ≤ 23 months were more exposed to Cryptosporidium spp. infections than older children. Both C. hominis and C. parvum were more prevalent among children with diarrhoeal disease compared to those children without it (47.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.007 and 23.7% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.014, respectively). A high intra-species genetic variability was observed within C. hominis (subtype families Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, and If) and C. parvum (subtype families IIb, IIc, IIe, and IIi) but not within C. meleagridis (subtype family IIIb). No association between Cryptosporidium species/genotypes and child’s age was demonstrated. The predominance of C. hominis and C. parvum IIc suggests that most of the Cryptosporidium infections were anthroponotically transmitted, although zoonotic transmission events also occurred at an unknown rate. The role of livestock, poultry, and other domestic animal species as sources of environmental contamination and human cryptosporidiosis should be investigated in further molecular epidemiological studies in Mozambique.

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