Distribution of Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes in calves in Germany

Cryptosporidium DNA was extracted from 134 faecal specimens from pre-weaned calves from different German Federal States (age range, 3–15 days old), which tested positive for oocysts by microscopic analysis. The 18S rDNA gene and the oocyst wall protein gene (COWP) were used as targets for PCR and RFLP techniques. Cryptosporidium species were identified by using SspI, MboII and RsaI endonucleases for the digestion of 18S rDNA and COWP amplified fragments, respectively. In all samples, restriction patterns corresponding to Cryptosporidium parvum were identified, which is in agreement with abundant literature data indicating C. parvum as the most common species in pre-weaned calves. In order to estimate the genetic heterogeneity among C. parvum calf isolates, 53 samples chosen to represent different German Federal States were successfully subtyped by sequence analysis of the highly polymorphic 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. All isolates belonged to the allele IIa (with seven subtypes), with the exception of one isolate that belonged to the allele IId. Moreover, three novel subtypes of the allele family IIa have been found. This study confirms the utility of genotyping and subtyping tools in characterizing the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. This is the first molecular epidemiological report about subtyping of Cryptosporidium bovine isolates in Germany.     

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Ontario, Canada

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are intestinal protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of host species, including humans. Molecular characterization of these parasites has demonstrated that a number of genotypes and species are common to both humans and animals, and that zoonotic transmission may occur. Numerous studies have reported a high prevalence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle, particularly calves, and these animals are frequently associated with zoonotic transmission. In the present study, a total of 143 faecal samples from adults, heifers and calves were collected from two dairy cattle farms in eastern Ontario, Canada. The prevalence and molecular characteristics of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in these animals were determined in order to investigate the potential for transmission between cattle and humans in this region. Following DNA extractions from faecal samples, nested-PCR protocols were used to amplify fragments of the 16S rRNA gene and the heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70) gene for determining the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections, respectively. Genotypes of G. duodenalis, and species of Cryptosporidium, were determined by means of DNA sequencing of amplicons, and subsequent sequence alignment. Cattle on both farms showed a high prevalence of G. duodenalis (42.0%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (27.3%). G. duodenalis infections were more prevalent in calves and heifers than in adults, and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were only observed in calves and heifers. The zoonotic genotype, G. duodenalis Assemblage B was isolated from 24.5% of the cattle tested, while G. duodenalis Assemblage E was found in 17.5% of the cattle tested. The overall prevalence of the zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum in the animals tested was found to be 21.7%, while only 1.4% were infected with C. bovis. These findings suggest that there is a potential risk of zoonotic and/or zooanthroponotic transmission of G. duodenalis and C. parvum infections between cattle and humans in eastern Ontario, likely by means of contaminated water or food, or through direct faecal-oral transmission in the case of farmers and veterinary staff.     

基于18S rRNA和HSP70基因序列的隐孢子虫种系发育分析

为阐明河南区域隐孢子虫分子流行病学特点,用PCR技术扩增分离虫株的18S rRNA基因全序列和HSP70基因序列,并对扩增片段进行测序。用PAUP 4.0和TREEPUZZLE 4.1构建进化树,试图从分子水平证明河南省不同地区不同宿主来源隐孢子虫的遗传特征,以阐明隐孢子虫病的分子流行病学特点。通过18S rRNA基因全序列和HSP70基因序列分析,其结果：河南人源隐孢子虫分离株为Cryptosporidium parvum鼠基因型;河南鹿源隐孢子虫分离株为C. parvum鹿基因型;河南猪源隐孢子虫的2个分离株均为C. parvum猪基因I型,即C. suis;河南鹌鹑源的隐孢子虫2个分离株分别为C. baileyi和C. meleagridis;河南乌鸡源隐孢子虫和鸵鸟源隐孢子虫分离株均为C. baileyi;河南牛源隐孢子虫分离株为C.andersoni。     

Prevalence and first genetic identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle in central Viet Nam

We investigated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in relation to age and clinical status in cattle in the central region of Viet Nam. A total of 266 fecal samples from diarrheic and non-diarrheic cattle were examined by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum type infections, those of the Cryptosporidium andersoni type, and mixed infection of both types was 33.5% (89/266), 5.6% (15/266), and 3.4% (9/266), respectively. The infection rate of 44.3% (35/79) of C. parvum in calves less than 6 months old was significantly higher than that of 28.9% (54/187) in cattle greater than 6 months old (P < 0.01). Although no C. andersoni oocysts were detected in calves less than 3 months old, no significant difference was observed between the age groups in the prevalence of C. andersoni infection and mixed infection. The percentage of diarrheic and non-diarrheic cattle identified to be shedding C. parvum oocysts was 46.5% (74/159) and 14.0% (15/107), respectively (P < 0.0001). The risk of diarrhea was 1.7 times greater in C. parvum-infected calves than in their non-infected counterparts. DNA sequences of 18S rRNA genes of C. parvum type and C. andersoni type indicated that they were C. parvum bovine genotype and C. andersoni, respectively. This is the first genetic identification of C. parvum bovine genotype and C. andersoni from cattle in Viet Nam.     

Cryptosporidiumparvum oocysts in seawater clams (Chameleagallina) in Italy

Bivalves filter large volumes of water and can concentrate organisms which are pathogenic for humans and animals. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in clams from the Adriatic coast (Abruzzo region) and genetically characterize the oocysts isolated from the clams. From March to July 2003, 960 specimens of clams (Chamelea gallina) present in nature were collected at 500 m from the Tordino, Tronto, Vibrata and Vomano river mouths on the Adriatic sea. The haemolymph and tissues were extracted from the specimens (240 per river mouth) after the specimens had been identified, measured and weighed (live weight). Immunofluorescence tests (IFA) were performed on pools (n = 32) of samples and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 23 pools of C. gallina. To identify the Cryptosporidium species, all the pools IFA-positive were tested by a PCR assay specific for the Cryptosporidium outer wall protein (COWP) gene. Positive amplicons then were sequenced and analysed. Two pools of clams were positive for Cryptosporidium parvum Genotype 2 (the “bovine” i.e. zoonotic genotype). This is the first time that C. parvum was found in clams from the Adriatic sea in Italy and the case might be of public health importance.     

Identification of novel Cryptosporidium genotypes in kangaroos from Western Australia

A total of 763 faecal samples were collected from western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) in Western Australia and screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium by PCR at the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) locus. Samples that were positive at the 18S locus were also amplified at the actin locus. The overall prevalence was 9.3% (71/763). At the 18S rRNA locus, sequences were obtained for 28 of the 71 positives. Sequence analysis identified four species; Cryptosporidium fayeri in seven isolates, Cryptosporidium marcopodum in four isolates, Cryptosporidium xiaoi in six isolates and a novel genotype (kangaroo genotype I) in eleven isolates. Analysis at the actin locus confirmed the genetic distinctness of the novel genotype. The results of the present study indicate that in addition to C. fayeri and C. marcopodum, kangaroos may be capable of being infected with a wider range of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes including livestock species such as C. xiaoi. The novel genotype identified in the kangaroos most likely represents a cryptic species that requires further analyses to confirm its species status.     

Determining the zoonotic significance of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Australian dogs and cats

In a recent study of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Australia, Giardia was found to be the most prevalent parasite in dogs. The aim of the current study through the use of molecular tools was to determine the zoonotic significance of the Giardia and Cryptosporidium isolates recovered from dogs and cats during the Australian study. Of the isolates successfully amplified all but one of the Giardia from dogs was either Assemblage C and/or D, with one Assemblage A. Of the cat samples amplified all but one were Assemblage F, with one Assemblage D. We hypothesize that the lack of zoonotic Giardia Assemblages recovered is a result of their being a low prevalence of Giardia in the human population. The Cryptosporidium recovered from dogs and cats was determined to be C. canis and C. felis, respectively, a finding which supports growing evidence that Cryptosporidiumin companion animals is of limited public health significance to healthy people.     

Genetical survey of novel type of Cryptosporidium andersoni in cattle in Japan

Previously, we reported that an isolate of novel type of Cryptosporidium andersoni detected in cattle in Japan contained Type A (identical to C. andersoni reported previously) and Type B (having a thymine nucleotide insertion unlike the Type A) genotypes in the 18S rRNA gene. Here, we conducted an extensive investigation of Cryptosporidium infections in adult cattle in Japan from 2004 to 2007. Consequently, Cryptosporidium sp. were detected in 12 of the 205 cattle examined (5.9%), and partial sequences of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene in all isolates were identical to those of the previously reported data for C. andersoni whereas two signals were observed in the sequence of the partial 18S rRNA gene in all the isolates. In transmission studies using five of the isolates, they all infected SCID mice. Modified multiplex PCR using DNA of a single oocyst isolated from the infected SCID mice revealed that the partial sequences in the 18S rRNA gene of 40-80% of 10 isolates were identical to the Type A genotype of C. andersoni and those of other samples were identical to the Type B genotype. These results suggested that the C. andersoni novel type is widespread in cattle throughout Japan, and have multiple copies (Types A and B) in the 18S rRNA gene.     

水貂出血性肺炎大肠杆菌毒力基因测定和H基因分型

为了分离鉴定引起水貂出血性肺炎的大肠杆菌,并对其致病性、血清型和毒力基因进行鉴定.本研究主要通过细菌分离鉴定试验对具有典型肺炎症状的死亡水貂的病原体进行分离,利用16S rRNA对进行细菌鉴定,并通过PCR方法对分离细菌的血清型和毒力基因进行检测,分析分离菌对动物的致病性.结果显示:28例水貂肺炎病例中分离出8株大肠杆...     

Occurrence and species level diagnostics of Campylobacter spp., enteric Helicobacter spp. and Anaerobiospirillum spp. in healthy and diarrheic dogs and cats

In order to study the occurrence and co-infection of different species of Campylobacter, enteric Helicobacter and Anaerobiospirillum in dogs and cats and define a possible association between these microrganisms and gastrointestinal disorders, 190 dogs and 84 cats, either healthy or with diarrhea, were sampled between 2002 and 2003. Thirty-three C. upsaliensis, 17 C. jejuni, 2 C. helveticus, 1 C. lari isolates from dogs and 14 C. helveticus, 7 C. jejuni, 6 C. upsaliensis isolates from cats were identified using species-specific PCR and phenotypic tests. Whole cell protein profile analysis, phenotypic tests, PCR-RFLP of gyrB and a phylogenetic study of partial groEL and 16S rRNA sequences were used to identify 37 H. bilis, 22 H. canis and 14 H. cinaedi in dogs and 12 H. canis, 5 H. bilis and 2 H. cinaedi in cats. Whole cell protein profile analysis, phenotypic tests and species-specific PCR of 16S rRNA were used to identify 14 A. succiniciproducens, 12 A. thomasii isolates and one unidentified Anaerobiospirillum sp. isolate in dogs and 3 A. thomasii isolates in cats. Fifty-two animals (19%) were positive for the isolation of more than one genus. No significant statistical correlation was found between any isolates of Campylobacter, Helicobacter or Anaerobiospirillum spp. or the various co-infection rates, and the presence of diarrhea in either dogs or cats. Campylobacter isolates were also tested for antibiotic resistance using the agar dilution method.     

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of felines, canines and bovines in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to obtain information of epidemiological nature through genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from dogs, cats and bovines from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The extraction of DNA from oocysts was carried out and polymerase chain reaction was accomplished using specific primers to 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were directed sequenced. Seven cat samples, nine dog samples and nine bovine samples were analysed. From the seven cat samples the genotypic analyses revealed Cryptosporidium felis in all. These were the first genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium from domestic felines in Brazil. In nine sequenced samples from dogs, genotypic identities compatible with Cryptosporidium canis were revealed in all samples. The genotypic analyses in bovines revealed Cryptosporidium parvum in eight samples and Cryptosporidium bovis in another sample, the last one being a non-zoonotic species, not related to clinical symptoms and described for the first time in Brazil.     

Identification of the Cryptosporidium isolate from chickens in Japan by sequence analyses

The Cryptsosporidium isolate from chickens in Japan by Itakura et al. is not yet accurately identified because of several discrepancies in phenotypic features. We attempted to identify this isolate by analyzing the partial sequences of the 18S rRNA, COWP and HSP70 genes. The chicken isolate showed nearly 100% homology in each gene with C. baileyi, but less than 91% homology with C. meleagridis. In addition, these genes were classified into the same cluster with C. baileyi other than C. meleagridis by phylogenetic analysis. From these results, the Cryptosporidium isolate from chickens in Japan is considered to be one of the strains of C. baileyi.     

Babesia divergens-like organisms from free-ranging chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) and roe deer (Capreolus c. capreolus) are distinct from B. divergens of cattle origin - an epidemiological and molecular genetic investigation

In 2005 and 2006, three adult female chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) were found dead with signs of acute babesial infection in the eastern Swiss Alps. PCR on DNA extracted from blood or spleen of the carcasses revealed sequence identity of the amplified part of the 18S rRNA gene with GenBank entries attributed to Babesia divergens of cattle origin or B. capreoli of wild ruminant origin which have never been described before in this region. Examination of 424 blood samples from 314 head of cattle from this area by IFAT, microscopy and PCR provided no evidence for babesial infection. Six of 887 ticks collected from cattle were PCR-positive, and sequencing revealed Babesia sp. genotype EU1 in five and B. divergens/B. capreoli in one of them. A Babesia isolate of chamois, two isolates of roe deer from the same region and one isolate of a roe deer from the north-western Swiss Alps were genetically compared with two Swiss B. divergens isolates of cattle origin by analysing the genomic rDNA locus. Whereas the near full length sequences of the 18S rRNA gene were virtually identical among all six isolates (>99.4% identity), distinct differences between the two isolates from cattle on the one hand and the four isolates from free-ranging ruminants on the other hand were observed in the sequences of the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2) and part of the 28S rRNA gene. These results indicate that, albeit genetically very closely related, these babesial organisms from cattle and from free-ranging ruminants indeed are distinguishable organisms with different host specificities, and they support the use of the discrete species name B. capreoli for the B. divergens-like organisms from chamois and roe deer.     

Isolation of Cryptosporidium andersoni Kawatabi type in a slaughterhouse in the northern island of Japan

Fecal samples were collected from 325 adult cattle and 108 pigs in a slaughterhouse in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. Five adult cattle were found to be positive for oocysts of Cryptopsoridium (1.5%). The oocysts were morphologically similar to those of Cryptosporidium andersoni. The partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene of the isolate was 100% identical with that of the C. andersoni Kawatabi strain. SCID mice were infected after oral administration. Based on the morphology of the oocysts, the sequence of the 18S rRNA gene and the infectivity to SCID mice, the isolate was concluded to be of the same type as the C. andersoni Kawatabi strain that has been isolated in Honshu, the main island of Japan.     

Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in wild mammals of mainland Britain

This paper combines the results from a preliminary survey of occurrence of Cryptosporidium species in faecal samples from a range of wild mammal species inhabiting mainland Britain with a tabulated literature review of world-wide reports of the parasite in those British mammals. In the literature, C. parvum was reported from 11 wild mammals found in Britain and elsewhere, mainly in rodents but also in insectivores, lagomorphs and ungulates. C. muris has been reported only in wild rodents. The sample survey detected C. parvum in seven additional British species, including carnivores. Overall, 12% of 184 faecal samples tested with a genus-specific monoclonal antibody contained oocysts of C. parvum. The results further emphasise the widespread distribution of Cryptosporidium amongst wild mammals in Britain, highlight the potential for transmission between host species and warn of the possibility of direct exposure for anybody using the countryside for professional or recreational purposes (e.g. farmers and ramblers) to previously unregarded sources of infection. It seems increasingly likely that most, if not all, mammalian species can be infected with C. parvum.     

Prototheca zopfii genotype 2: the causative agent of bovine protothecal mastitis?

In order to clarify the epidemiology of bovine protothecal mastitis, 30 Prototheca zopfii mastitis isolates were genetically investigated. Based on the 18S rDNA, which allows a differentiation of the former species P. zopfii in two distinct P. zopfii genotypes and Prototheca blaschkeae sp. nov., newly developed genotype-specific PCR-assays as well as RFLP-assays were applied.

All mastitis isolates investigated could be assigned to P. zopfii genotype 2 suggesting that this genotype is the aetiological agent of bovine Prototheca mastitis.     

牛瑟氏泰勒虫不同靶基因PCR检测方法的比较

为筛选出检测牛瑟氏泰勒虫更为特异、敏感的PCR方法,本试验以牛瑟氏泰勒虫p23和p33基因、HSP70基因及18S rRNA基因为靶基因进行PCR检测,并从其敏感性、特异性和临床样本检出率等方面进行了比较。结果显示,4种靶基因引物对牛瑟氏泰勒虫的检测均有较高的特异性,当牛瑟氏泰勒虫基因组DNA浓度为127 ng/μL时,p23、p33、HSP70及18S rRNA4种基因的最小检测量分别为1×105、1×105、1×104和1×106copies/μL;检测临床样本阳性检出率分别为30.19%(16/53)、39.62%(21/53)、47.17%(25/53)和54.72%(29/53)。表明以18SrRNA基因为靶基因的PCR方法从敏感性和临床检出率上明显优于其他3种基因。     

Occurrence of novel and rare subtype families of Cryptosporidium in bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) in China

This report is the first to describe Cryptosporidium infection in bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis). Ninety-two fresh fecal specimens were collected from a pet market in Ya’an City, China. One Cryptosporidium isolate from an asymptomatic host and two isolates from separate hosts with diarrhea were obtained by using Sheather's sucrose flotation technique and modified acid-fast staining. The Cryptosporidium spp. were genotyped by nested PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA), 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), oocyst wall protein (COWP), and actin genes: isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum with minor nucleotide differences at all four loci. Further subtyping was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene: two subtype families were detected, including a novel C. parvum subtype IIpA9 and a rare subtype IIoA13G1 (only reported in diarrheal patients of Sweden). Our results suggest that the bamboo rat is a reservoir host of C. parvum. Significantly, we discovered that the rare C. parvum subtype family IIo is also a zoonotic subtype and confirmed C. parvum subtype IIpA9 as a novel subtype family.     

关中奶山羊源D型产气荚膜梭菌全基因组序列测定及其分子特征分析

本研究自陕西省富平县某规模化关中奶山羊养殖场腹泻奶山羊肛门拭子中分离到5株产气荚膜梭菌,命名为21-D-1~21-D-5。毒素基因检测表明,其均为携带etx的D型产气荚膜梭菌,且21-D-5携带食源性致病毒素基因cpe。全基因组序列测定显示,5株D型产气荚膜梭菌基因组大小、GC含量和基因数量稳定;单核苷酸多态性（SNPs）分析显示,21-D-1和21-D-2以及21-D-3和21-D-4之间的SNPs差异极低（<25）,表明其大概率属于相同的产气荚膜梭菌菌株。分离的D型产气荚膜梭菌基因组中共检测到15种毒素基因,其中,毒素基因etx在分离的D型菌株中高度保守、基因环境相似,且在菌株21-D-5中毒素基因cpe位于etx下游。此外,包括噁唑烷酮类耐药基因optrA在内的9种耐药基因也在分离株中被检测到,并且erm（A）、optrA和fexA具有共同传播的可能性。本研究为国内首次对D型产气荚膜梭菌进行全基因组序列测定分析,结果对产气荚膜梭菌疾病的防治和基因组的进一步研究具有参考价值。     

水貂绿脓杆菌分离鉴定及药物敏感性分析

本试验旨在通过对山东某水貂养殖场送检的5只具有典型出血性肺炎症状的病死水貂进行细菌分离鉴定及耐药情况分析,为临床用药和治疗提供依据和参考。通过细菌分离纯化、生化鉴定和PCR方法对分离菌株进行鉴定,采用K-B药敏法检测分离菌株对常用药物的敏感性,并通过PCR方法检测分离菌株耐药基因的携带情况。经鉴定共分离得到5株绿脓杆菌,药物敏感性试验结果显示,5株绿脓杆菌对氟喹诺酮类药物、第3代和第4代头孢类药物较敏感,对氨基糖苷类、四环素、氯霉素、青霉素类、第1代和第2代头孢类药物耐药。耐药基因检测结果显示,5株绿脓杆菌共检测出6种耐药基因aadA1、aac(3')-Ⅱc、aac(6')-Ⅰb、tetA、tetK、cat2。且每株分离菌均检测出3种以上耐药基因。结果表明,分离的5株菌株均为绿脓杆菌,主要引起水貂出血性肺炎。分离菌株耐药性较严重,主要表现为多重耐药现象。菌株携带的耐药基因呈多样性,可引起菌株对相应药物产生耐药现象。