猴源人隐孢子虫的分离与鉴定

为了解感染不同灵长类动物的隐孢子虫种类以及与感染人的人隐孢子虫(C.hominis)之间的遗传差异,本研究采用形态学和分子生物学方法对猴源隐孢子虫进行分离和鉴定。利用常规方法分离猴粪便中的隐孢子虫卵囊,通过改良抗酸染色和荧光显微镜观察对其进行形态学鉴定;并采用PCR方法扩增其卵囊壁蛋白(COWP)基因和18SrRNA基因,扩增产物克隆至pMD-18-T载体中,对阳性克隆进行测序并作进化树分析。结果表明:抗酸染色和荧光检查结果与所报道的人隐孢子虫的结果一致。PCR扩增产物经电泳检测,明显地出现554bp和370bp大小的片段,与预期结果一致;两种基因的序列分析结果显示该猴源隐孢子虫与C.hominis的相似性均为100%。由此可认为本次分离的隐孢子虫为C.hominis。     

河北省奶牛场犊牛安氏隐孢子虫的分离鉴定

本研究从河北省奶牛场有腹泻症状2月龄左右的犊牛粪便中分离卵囊,进行病原分离与虫株鉴定。采集腹泻犊牛的新鲜粪便24份,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法和抗酸染色法检测隐孢子虫卵囊,观察卵囊形态、大小。提取卵囊基因组DNA,进行18S rRNA基因PCR扩增及琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测。对扩增片段进行序列测定及分析,进一步确定分离虫株隐孢子虫的种类/基因型,根据18S rRNA基因核苷酸序列构建系统发育进化树,确定虫株亲缘关系。结果显示,5份样品检出隐孢子虫卵囊,感染率为20.83%。形态学观察卵囊呈长圆形或椭圆形,大小为(5.0～8.2)μm×(4.2～6.3)μm,平均大小为6.6μm×5.3μm,卵囊指数为1.24,鉴定分离虫株为安氏隐孢子虫。PCR扩增出预期大小为1 188 bp的特异性片段,序列分析和同源性分析结果表明,分离株与安氏隐孢子虫AB089285.2株、AB513856.1株、AY954885.1株的同源性为98.7%～98.8%,进一步表明分离的隐孢子虫虫株为安氏隐孢子虫。在种系进化关系上,分离株与安氏隐孢子虫AB513856.1株亲缘关系最近。本研究为揭示河北省奶牛隐孢子虫病的流行特征,实施有效防制措施提供了科学依据。     

奶牛源微小隐孢子虫的分子鉴定及动物感染试验

采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法检查商丘市某奶牛场牛新鲜粪便样本的隐孢子虫卵囊,用18SrRNA基因对隐孢子虫进行PCR扩增和限制性片段长度多态性分析;基于GP60基因位点对微小隐孢子虫进行基因亚型鉴定。结果显示:103份样本中有50份为隐孢子虫阳性,42份经形态学鉴定为安氏隐孢子虫,8份形态学未能鉴定到种。经限制性片段长度多态性分析,7个分离株为微小隐孢子虫,1个分离株为牛隐孢子虫;序列比对分析,7个微小隐孢子虫均为人兽共患基因亚型IIdA19G1。接种1头3日龄犊牛1×106个卵囊,潜隐期为3d,显露期为14d,于感染后第7天和第10天出现2个排卵囊高峰期,收集到大量纯卵囊。     

合肥市犬隐孢子虫感染情况初步调查

目的了解合肥市犬隐孢子虫的感染情况。方法在合肥市随机采集不同年龄、性别与饲养条件的犬粪样69份,采用金胺-酚改良抗酸染色法检测粪样隐孢子虫感染情况,并根据卵囊大小和形态,进行虫种鉴定。结果犬隐孢子虫感染率为28.99%。对68个隐孢子虫卵囊进行观察和测量,椭圆形卵囊大小平均为6.20μm×4.34μm,卵囊形状指数平均为1.44,初步鉴定为鼠隐孢子虫（Cryptosporidium muris）;近圆形卵囊,大小平均为4.69μm×4.58μm,卵囊形状指数平均为1.125,初步鉴定为微小隐孢子虫（Cryptosporidium parvum）。结论犬隐孢子虫的感染率存在年龄差异,年龄越小,感染率越高;饲养管理条件差的犬隐孢子虫感染率高;而隐孢子虫感染率与性别没有关系。     

合肥野生动物园部分动物肠道寄生虫感染的调查

为掌握合肥野生动物园野生动物肠道寄生虫感染的情况,对该园区野生动物粪便中虫卵或卵囊进行调查,这为该园区动物寄生虫病诊治提供基本手段。本研究采用饱和盐水漂浮法、自然水洗沉淀法和抗酸染色法对合肥野生动物园部分肉食、灵长类、及草食动物,共12种动物的38份新鲜粪样进行检测,对所发现的虫卵、卵囊或包囊进行形态学鉴定。结果表明,肉食动物感染率为55.6%,灵长类动物60%,草食动物50%;共检获8种寄生虫:毛尾线虫(Trichuris trichiura)、环孢子虫(Cyclospora cayetanen)、阿米巴原虫(amebic)、猫后睾吸虫(Opisthorchis felineus)、结肠小袋纤毛虫(Balantidium colimalmsten)、艾美尔球虫(Eimeria)、栓尾线虫(Passalurus ambiguus)、隐孢子虫(Cryptosporidiumspp)。本文还对合肥野生动物园寄生虫感染的种类、感染率进行了分析,并对该动物园今后如何防治动物寄生虫病提出了建议。     

套式PCR检测奶牛粪便中隐孢子虫

为了检测样品中的微量隐孢子虫，从含有不同数量隐孢子虫卵囊的奶牛粪便中，直接提取DNA用作初始PCR（Initial-PCR）模板，以稀释的初始PCR的产物为模板进行套式PCR（Nested-PCR），用两对人工合成寡核苷酸分别作为两PCR的引物，扩增大小分别为540pb、258pb的特异片段。PCR产物经电泳鉴定，可从阳性粪便标本DNA抽提物中扩增出目的片段，而阴性对照不能扩增目的片段；初始PCR、套式PCR的敏感小生最低可分别检测到含卵囊100、5个／g粪便。初步应用结果表明某奶牛场的奶牛自然感染率为16.4％。试验表明套式PCR的敏感性比普通PCR约高100倍，能用于奶牛隐孢子虫感染情况的调查。     

应用PCR检测隐孢子虫卵囊的研究

隐孢子虫病是一种重要的人畜共患原虫病。为了在临床样品中更准确、快速地检测隐孢子虫卵囊，从初步纯化的含有不同数量隐孢子虫卵囊的样品中和含有不同数量隐孢子虫卵囊的奶牛粪便中，直接提取DNA或用DNA纯化试剂盒对提取的奶牛粪便中卵囊DNA进行纯化之后用作PCR模板，用1对人工合成寡核苷酸作为PCR引物，扩增片段大小为452bp。优化了Mg^2 浓度、引物浓度和dNTP浓度，并进行了特异性检验。建立的PCR具有隐孢子虫属特异性，不仅扩增出新鲜样品DNA提取物中的目的片段，而且扩增出放置6年之久的DNA提取物中的目的片段。样品经过初步纯化之后，最低检测值100个卵囊／ml；从含有隐孢子虫卵囊的奶牛粪便中提取DNA，尔后经过DNA纯化试剂盒纯化，PCR最低检测值为10^5个卵囊/g粪便。     

北京地区家养犬隐孢子虫感染情况的调查

为探索适用于宠物临床检测隐孢子虫的方法,并了解北京地区宠物犬隐孢子虫感染情况,于2015年1月-2015年12月,在中国农业大学教学动物医院收集来自北京各个地区的家养犬粪便共104例,分别采用改良抗酸染色法、饱和蔗糖漂浮法以及套式PCR扩增隐孢子虫SSU rRNA基因进行隐孢子虫检测。结果显示,PCR方法适用于临床犬粪便中隐孢子虫的检测,而形态学方法仅能检测出纯化后卵囊。北京地区家养犬隐孢子虫感染率为3.85%(4/104),虫种均为犬隐孢子虫(C.canis)。对不同年龄段的犬隐孢子虫感染率进行统计分析后发现,不同年龄段的家养犬隐孢子虫感染率差异显著(P0.05),6月龄以下幼犬易感,不同性别、居住地区的家养犬隐孢子虫阳性率无显著差异(P0.05)。     

巢式PCR检测隐孢子虫卵囊的研究

隐孢子虫病是一种重要的人畜共患原虫病。为了在临床样品中更准确、快速地检测隐孢子虫卵囊,从初步纯化的含有不同数量隐孢子虫卵囊的样品中和含有不同数量隐孢子虫卵囊的奶牛粪便中,直接提取DNA或用DNA纯化试剂盒对提取的奶牛粪便中卵囊DNA进行纯化之后用作起始PCR(Primary PCR)模板,以起始PCR的产物为模板进行巢式PCR(Nested PCR),用2对人工合成寡核苷酸分别作为两个PCR的引物,扩增片段大小分别为1325bp和820bp。优化了Mg2+浓度、引物浓度和dNTP浓度,并进行了特异性检验。建立的巢式PCR具有隐孢子虫属特异性,不仅扩增出新鲜样品DNA提取物中的目的片段,而且扩增出放置6年之久的DNA提取物中的目的片段。样品经过初步纯化之后,起始PCR和巢式PCR最低检测值卵囊分别为2 86×103个/ml和≤2 86个/ml;从含有隐孢子虫卵囊的奶牛粪便中提取DNA,尔后经过DNA纯化试剂盒纯化,其起始PCR和巢式PCR粪便中卵囊最低检测值分别为2 86×107个/g和≤2 86个/g。有望发展为试剂盒。     

河南省奶牛安氏隐孢子虫感染的流行病学调查

为了解河南省奶牛安氏隐孢子虫病流行情况,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法和改良抗酸染色法对河南省12个规模化奶牛场和7个奶牛养殖小区共计2 268份粪便样本进行检查,发现109份为阳性粪便样本,感染率为4.8%。卵囊呈长椭圆形,平均大小为7.8μm×6.4μm,卵囊指数为1.22;12个养殖场中10个为阳性场,7个养殖小区中4个为阳性小区,不同地区奶牛安氏隐孢子虫感染率统计学差异显著(P0.05);不同年龄段奶牛安氏隐孢子虫感染率统计学差异极显著(P0.01);不同养殖方式奶牛隐孢子虫感染率统计学差异不显著(P0.05)。结果表明:奶牛隐孢子虫感染流行范围较广,存在一定人兽共患风险。     

Utility of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene in a nested PCR approach for detection infection in cattle

A preliminary molecular epidemiological study was carried out to investigate the utility of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene in the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach using COWP gene primers was adopted for this purpose. Fecal samples were spiked with each of 1, 10, and 100 oocysts of C. parvum, four samples for each number, and the DNA was extracted from each sample using a glassbead method. The presence of oocysts was determined using the nested PCR with COWP gene primers, and the limit of detection of oocysts by the PCR was determined. The limit of detection was 100 oocysts spiked in 1 ml of fecal material (50% sold material) (four positives/four samples tested). Seventy-five percent of DNA extracted samples spiked with 1 and 10 oocysts was positive by the PCR (three positives/four samples tested). Based on this, small sample size using the COWP gene primers with a nested PCR analysis could reliably identify infected animals rather conveniently and accurately.     

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in wild mammals in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

This study determined the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in faecal samples from elephant (Loxodonta africana), buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and an adjacent game reserve in South Africa. Two of the study areas were in close proximity to rural communities on the western KNP boundary and the third study area was located in the centre of the KNP. Fresh stool samples (n=445) were collected and tested using an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) for Cryptosporidium parvum. A total of 278 of these were randomly selected (approximately 90 samples per wildlife species) and tested with the modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique (ZN) for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was highest in elephants (25.8% [95% confidence interval: 17.3, 35.9]), compared to buffalo (5.5% [1.8, 12.4]) and impala (4.3% [1.2, 10.5]). C. parvum showed similar patterns, being most prevalent in elephants (4.2% [1.5, 8.8]), compared to buffalo (1.4% [0.2, 5.1]) and impala (1.9% [0.4, 5.3]). 29 samples, including ZN positive and IFA positive samples, were retested using a real time PCR (rtPCR) technique. Of the 28 ZN-positive samples, 14 (50%) were positive with rtPCR and of the 9 IFA-positive samples 6 (67%) were confirmed positive by rtPCR. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was significantly higher in both of the two study areas adjacent to the western KNP boundary compared to the area in the centre of the KNP (OR=3.2 [1.2, 9.0]; P=0.024). Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in wildlife in South Africa. The transmission of this parasite between wildlife, domestic animals and humans is a plausible hypothesis and represents a potential risk for immunodeficient human populations.     

Development of a sensitive detection system for Cryptosporidium in environmental samples

The identification of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes is necessary to determine sources of infection in outbreaks and the risk factors associated with their transmission. Few studies have applied isolation methods to field samples because of difficulties with detection of oocysts in environmental samples, particularly in soil and manure. The objective of this study was to develop an easy to use method which can be applied to field samples to rapidly detect the presence of Cryptosporidium parasites and identify their species. The assay included an oocyst recovery method combined with spin column DNA extraction, followed by PCR-hybridization for detection and a real-time PCR-melting curve analysis for species assignment. An internal positive control (IPC) was developed to determine the presence of PCR inhibitory substances. Two oocyst recovery methods, sodium chloride and sucrose flotation techniques were compared. Two commercial DNA extraction kits were performed using feces, soil and water samples each inoculated with different concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Subsequently, methods were used to test field samples. The sucrose flotation method provided the greatest analytical sensitivity detecting as few as 10 oocysts. The PCR-hybridization detection limit was 10 oocysts for feces and soil, and less than 10 oocysts for water samples. IPC was positive for all inoculated and field samples indicating 0% PCR inhibition. Cryptosporidium species DNA samples were detected with the real-time PCR and were differentiated by the melting curve analysis. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of the assay system for rapid detection of Cryptosporidium parasites in environmental samples.     

A novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction approach for detection of four human infective Cryptosporidium isolates: Cryptosporidium parvum, types H and C, Cryptosporidium canis, and Cryptosporidium felis in fecal and soil samples.

A nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was adopted for the simultaneous detection of 4 human infective genotypes of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. Specific PCR primers were designed for the heat shock protein 70 gene of 2 genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum (human and bovine types), Cryptosporidium canis, and Cryptosporidium felis. These 4 genotypes have all been found in human fecal samples. The primers amplified DNA fragments of specific sizes, each representing a unique genotype. The limit of detection of the method was found to vary between 10 and 100 oocysts per 1 ml fecal material. There appeared to be no cross-reactivity with other organisms commonly present in feces and soil, and the approach has a high specificity. The rapid identification of various human infective Cryptosporidium isolates is a part of the authors' long-term aim of determining the routes of infection with oocysts and thereby increase their epidemiological understanding of Cryptosporidium infection in humans and animals.     

Prevalence of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium found in 1-2-year-old dairy cattle in the eastern United States

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in 1-2-year-old heifers was determined for 571 animals on 14 dairy farms in seven states on the East Coast of the United States. A fecal specimen collected directly from each heifer was processed to concentrate oocysts that were then examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For every PCR-positive specimen the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium was sequenced. Cryptosporidium was identified by PCR from heifers on 13 of 14 farms. On all except four farms groups of heifers were housed in a barn or in large covered pens. Others were pastured. From many of the same farms an earlier study reported that 41% of 393 pre-weaned calves and 26.2% of 447 post-weaned calves were infected. In the present study, 11.9% of 571 heifers were infected with Cryptosporidium, 0.7% with Cryptosporidium parvum, the zoonotic species. Of 68 PCR-positive specimens characterized by gene sequencing 1, 4, 10, 24, and 29 calves were infected with Cryptosporidium suis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium deer-like genotype, Cryptosporidium bovis, and Cryptosporidium andersoni, respectively. These findings demonstrate a lower prevalence of infection in 1-2-year-old dairy cattle than in younger cattle as well as a change in the diversity of species present. Consequently, the risk of humans acquiring infection with C. parvum from exposure to feces from yearling and older cattle appears much lower than from exposure to pre-weaned calves.     

Natural infection with zoonotic subtype of Cryptosporidium parvum in Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Brazil

A total of 145 capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) fecal samples from the state of S?o Paulo, Brazil, were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using the malachite green method. Eight samples (5.52%) showed positive results and were further submitted to nested PCR reaction for amplification of fragments of 18S rRNA gene and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene for determination of species, alleles and subtypes of Cryptosporidium. Sequencing of the PCR products of the 18S rRNA gene fragments and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene fragments showed that for both genes all Cryptosporidium isolates from capybara were respectively 100% genetically similar to a bovine isolate of C. parvum and to C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in this rodent. The finding of zoonotic C. parvum infection in a semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits anthroponotic habitats raises the concern that human water supplies may be contaminated with zoonotic Cryptosporidium oocysts from wildlife.     

Giardia and Cryptosporidium in dairy calves in British Columbia.

A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Giardia infections in dairy calves and to compare Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections in calves of different ages. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 386 male and female Holstein calves (newborn to 24 wk) in 20 dairies located in the lower Fraser river valley area of British Columbia. Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Cryptosporidium muris were enumerated in each sample after concentration by sucrose gradient centrifugation and immunofluorescent staining. Giardia was identified at all farm locations. The overall prevalence of Giardia in calves was 73% with a geometric mean cyst count of 1180 cysts per gram of feces (CI, 41 to 5014). Cryptosporidium parvum and C. muris were identified in 80% and 40% of the farms, respectively. The prevalence of C. parvum was 59%, and the geometric mean for oocysts was 457 oocysts per gram of feces (CI, 18 to 160). The prevalence of C. muris was only 2% and the mean oocyst counts were 54 oocysts per gram of feces. Giardiasis was not age dependent, and approximately 80% of the calves from 2 to 24 wk were infected. In contrast, C. parvum infections were predominant in calves 2 to 4 wk, while C. muris was demonstrated in calves older than 4 wk. Fourty-seven percent of calves with diarrhea had high numbers of Giardia cysts in their feces. Giardia infections are highly prevalent in dairy calves and should be considered in animals with diarrhea or failure to thrive.     

Characterisation of a Cryptosporidium isolate from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) by sequencing of a fragment of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene (COWP)

Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using a direct immunofluorescence antibody test in the faeces of an asymptomatic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifer from a dairy farm close to Santiago de Compostela (NW Spain). Oocysts were morphologically indistinguishable from Cryptosporidium parvum. Using DNA extracted from this sample and a PCR-RFLP analysis of a 341 base pairs fragment of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene, a previously undescribed fragment pattern was generated. The COWP gene fragment was cloned and sequencing analyses revealed it to be similar to the C. parvum 'pig' genotype but with four base pairs substitutions.