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First detection and genotyping of human-associated microsporidia in pigeons from urban parks
M Haro1, F Izquierdo, N Henriques-Gil
1Laboratorio de Genética, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are ubiquitous opportunistic parasites in nature infecting all animal phyla, and the zoonotic potential of this parasitosis is under discussion. Fecal samples from 124 pigeons from seven parks of Murcia (Spain) were analyzed. Thirty-six of them (29.0%) showed structures compatible with microsporidia spores by staining methods. The DNA isolated from 26 fecal samples (20.9%) of microsporidia-positive pigeons was amplified with specific primers for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Twelve pigeons were positive for only Enterocytozoon bieneusi (9.7%), 5 for Encephalitozoon intestinalis (4%), and one for Encephalitozoon hellem (0.8%). Coinfections were detected in eight additional pigeons: E. bieneusi and E. hellem were detected in six animals (4.8%); E. bieneusi was associated with E. intestinalis in one case (0.8%); and E. hellem and E. intestinalis coexisted in one pigeon. No positive samples for Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected. The internally transcribed spacer genotype could be completed for one E. hellem-positive pigeon; the result was identical to the genotype A1 previously characterized in an E. hellem Spanish strain of human origin. To our knowledge, this is the first time that human-related microsporidia have been identified in urban park pigeons. Moreover, we can conclude that there is no barrier to microsporidia transmission between park pigeons and humans for E. intestinalis and E. hellem. This study is of environmental and sanitary interest, because children and elderly people constitute the main visitors of parks and they are populations at risk for microsporidiosis. It should also contribute to the better design of appropriate prophylactic measures for populations at risk for opportunistic infections.
Insights
Urban pigeons carry human-related microsporidia like Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. This study found no transmission barrier, highlighting risks for vulnerable park visitors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Public Health
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are widespread opportunistic parasites with potential zoonotic transmission.
- Urban wildlife, like pigeons, can act as reservoirs for pathogens affecting humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of human-related microsporidia in urban pigeons.
- To assess the zoonotic potential and transmission risks of microsporidia from pigeons to humans.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from 124 urban pigeons in Murcia, Spain, were analyzed.
- Microsporidia spores were detected using staining methods.
- Specific primers amplified DNA for common human microsporidia (E. bieneusi, E. intestinalis, E. hellem, E. cuniculi).
Main Results:
- 20.9% of pigeons were positive for microsporidia DNA.
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi (9.7%), Encephalitozoon intestinalis (4%), and Encephalitozoon hellem (0.8%) were identified.
- Coinfections were found in 6.4% of pigeons.
- Identical genotypes of E. hellem were found in pigeons and a previously identified human strain.
Conclusions:
- Urban pigeons harbor human-pathogenic microsporidia, including strains genetically similar to human isolates.
- No transmission barrier exists for Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Encephalitozoon hellem between pigeons and humans.
- Findings are significant for public health, especially concerning children and the elderly in urban parks, necessitating improved prophylactic measures.
