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Published on: June 16, 2011
Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates obtained from humans in France
K Guyot1, A Follet-Dumoulin, E Lelièvre
1Ecologie du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur de Lille, BP 245, 59019 Lille, France. karine.guyot@pasteur-lille.fr
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium parvum is usually considered the agent of human cryptosporidiosis. However, only in the last few years, molecular biology-based methods have allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes, and only a few data are available from France. In the present work, we collected samples of whole feces from 57 patients from France (11 immunocompetent patients, 35 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-infected patients, 11 immunocompromised but non-HIV-infected patients) in whom Cryptosporidium oocysts were recognized by clinical laboratories. A fragment of the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene encompassing the hypervariable region was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The results revealed that the majority of the patients were infected with cattle (29 of 57) or human (18 of 57) genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum. However, a number of immunocompromised patients were infected with C. meleagridis (3 of 57), C. felis (6 of 57), or a new genotype of C. muris (1 of 57). This is the first report of the last three species of Cryptosporidium in humans in France. These results indicate that immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to a wide range of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes.
Insights
Cryptosporidium parvum is a common cause of cryptosporidiosis. This study identified diverse Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in French patients, particularly immunocompromised individuals, highlighting broader host susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum is the primary recognized cause of human cryptosporidiosis.
- Limited data exist on Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in France.
- Molecular methods enable precise identification of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in fecal samples from French patients.
- To investigate the spectrum of Cryptosporidium infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals in France.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 57 patients in France with diagnosed cryptosporidiosis.
- The hypervariable region of the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene was amplified using PCR.
- Amplified gene fragments were sequenced for species and genotype identification.
Main Results:
- Cattle and human genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum were most common.
- Immunocompromised patients showed infections with Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium felis, and a novel Cryptosporidium muris genotype.
- This is the first report of C. meleagridis, C. felis, and C. muris in humans in France.
Conclusions:
- Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to a wider array of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes than previously recognized.
- Molecular identification is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis.
- Surveillance for diverse Cryptosporidium species in immunocompromised patients is warranted in France.
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