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Identification of 5 types of Cryptosporidium parasites in children in Lima, Peru
1Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA. lax0@cdc.gov
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium parvum is usually considered to be the pathogen responsible for human cryptosporidiosis. We genotyped Cryptosporidium in 132 stool specimens from 80 Peruvian children, representing 85 infection episodes, using techniques that differentiate Cryptosporidium species and C. parvum genotypes. Five types of Cryptosporidium were identified: C. parvum human (67), bovine (8), and dog (2) genotypes, C. meleagridis (7), and C. felis (1). Twenty-five (29%) of the 85 infection episodes were associated with diarrhea. There was no significant difference in age, antecedent stunting, percentage with diarrhea, or duration of diarrhea for episodes with human genotype, compared with those of zoonotic Cryptosporidium. Duration of oocyst shedding was longer for human genotype than for zoonotic Cryptosporidium (mean, 13.9 days and 6.4 days, respectively; P=.004). Serum samples from 8 children with C. meleagridis, C. felis, or C. parvum dog genotype were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 antibodies; all were found to be negative. Contrary to common belief, novel Cryptosporidium species and C. parvum genotypes can infect HIV-negative children.
Insights
This study identified novel Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in Peruvian children, challenging the belief that only Cryptosporidium parvum causes human cryptosporidiosis. Zoonotic strains and C. meleagridis/C. felis were found in HIV-negative children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum is widely recognized as the primary cause of human cryptosporidiosis.
- Previous research has primarily focused on the human genotype of C. parvum.
- The prevalence and impact of other Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in human infections remain less understood, particularly in immunocompetent populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in a cohort of Peruvian children.
- To determine the association of different Cryptosporidium types with clinical outcomes, including diarrhea.
- To assess the presence of non-human C. parvum genotypes and other Cryptosporidium species in HIV-negative children.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of Cryptosporidium from 132 stool specimens from 80 Peruvian children (85 infection episodes).
- Techniques used differentiated Cryptosporidium species and C. parvum genotypes.
- Clinical data, including diarrhea and oocyst shedding duration, were analyzed alongside genotypic findings. HIV status was confirmed via antibody testing.
Main Results:
- Five Cryptosporidium types were identified: C. parvum human (67), bovine (8), and dog (2) genotypes, C. meleagridis (7), and C. felis (1).
- Diarrhea was present in 29% of episodes, with no significant difference between human and zoonotic genotypes.
- Oocyst shedding was significantly longer for the human genotype (13.9 days) compared to zoonotic Cryptosporidium (6.4 days).
- All tested children with C. meleagridis, C. felis, or C. parvum dog genotype were HIV-negative.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to common belief, novel Cryptosporidium species and C. parvum genotypes, including zoonotic strains, can infect HIV-negative children.
- The findings expand the known spectrum of Cryptosporidium pathogens causing human infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical significance and transmission dynamics of these diverse Cryptosporidium types in pediatric populations.
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