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Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates obtained from human and bovine infections in Japan

K Yagita1, S Izumiyama, H Tachibana

  • 1Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.

Parasitology Research
|December 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in human and bovine cases in Japan. A novel Cryptosporidium meleagridis genotype was found in healthy adults, indicating its potential to infect humans irrespective of immune status.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrheal disease globally.
  • Previous studies have identified various Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in humans and animals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium isolates from human and bovine cases in Japan.
  • To identify and characterize novel Cryptosporidium genotypes infecting humans.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
  • Polymerase chain reaction/Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) analysis of the polythreonine gene.
  • 18S rRNA gene sequencing for genotype characterization.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidium oocysts were isolated from 22 human and 14 bovine samples.
  • Human isolates revealed three genotypes: anthroponotic (genotype 1), zoonotic (genotype 2), and a novel genotype.
  • Bovine isolates were identified as zoonotic genotype 2.
  • The novel genotype was identified as Cryptosporidium meleagridis, isolated from three immunocompetent adults.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptosporidium meleagridis can infect humans, including those with intact immune systems.
  • The findings highlight the potential for zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium and the importance of molecular techniques for accurate identification.
  • This study expands the understanding of Cryptosporidium diversity and host range in Japan.

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