Prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) in South Central China

Publication date: Available online 21 June 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Zilin Wei, Qiang Liu, Wei Zhao, Xiumei Jiang, Ying Zhang, Aiyun Zhao, Bo Jing, Gang Lu, Meng QiAbstractCryptosporidium is one of the most prevalent zoonotic parasites and is responsible for the high burden of diarrheal disease across the globe. Rodents are globally overpopulated and are reservoirs for a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Bamboo rats are a common species of rodent that are bred for meat and wool in China. However, the genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium in bamboo rats in China is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium in bamboo rats from South Central China. From February2017to February 2018, 435 fecal samples were collected from bamboo rats in 13 farms located in 12 cities in South Central China. All fecal specimens were examined for Cryptosporidium by PCR, and through sequencing the partial small subunit of ribosomal DNA (SSU rRNA). C. parvum-positive samples were further subtyped through analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene sequence. Meanwhile, all the new Cryptosporidium genotypes samples were selected for further sequence characterization at the 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) gene and oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene as well as gp60 gene. Infection rates of 2.1% (9/435) were recorded for Cryptosporidium. Sequence analysis confirmed the presen...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research