Abstract
BackgroundDomesticated, wild, and migratory birds have been known to transmit diseases such as diarrhea in humans and other animals, but studies specifically on the zoonotic pathogens Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in birds in Henan Province, China are lacking. Hence, this study sought to characterize the prevalence of these pathogens, and to identify the different species of Cryptosporidium and their phylogenetic relationships, the genotypes of E. bieneusi, and the assemblages of G. duodenalis, in birds in the province. MethodsFresh fecal samples were collected from birds in parks and pet shops in Henan, China and were screened for the presence of the pathogens using nest-PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. ResultsA total of 1,005 fecal samples were collected from 32 species of birds. 21 fecal samples (2.09%) were found positive for Cryptosporidium spp., 45 (4.48%) for E. bieneusi, and 33 (3.28%) for G. duodenalis. This study identified five Cryptosporidium species: C. baileyi (10 out of 21 fecal samples, 47.62%) in crested myna (Acridotheres cristatellus), Java sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora), Chinese hwamei (Garrulax canorus), common quail (Coturnix coturnix), and Chinese grosbeak (Eophona migratoria); C. galli (5/21, 23.81%) in Chinese blackbird (Turdus mandarinus), zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), and white-eyes (Zosterops sp.); C. andersoni (1/21, 4.76%) in a white-eye for the first time; C. meleagridis (4/21, 19.05%) in parrots and crested myna; and C. parvum (1/21, 4.76%) in a pigeon. Two E. bieneusi genotypes: Peru6 and PtEb I were found in pigeons and European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur). The G. duodenalis assemblage E was detected in parrots, common hill myna, crested myna, Java sparrow, white-eyes, black-throated laughingthrush, and other birds. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the aforementioned species of birds in Henan, China could be a source of zoonotic pathogens, such as C. meleagridis, C. andersoni, C. parvum, E. bieneusi genotype Peru6, and G. duodenalis assemblage E, that cause diseases in humans.