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Unique Cryptosporidium population in HIV-infected persons, Jamaica

Wangeci Gatei1, Donnett Barrett, John F Lindo

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidiosis infections were identified in HIV-positive individuals in Jamaica. Cryptosporidium hominis was the most common species, with genetic analysis revealing a unique Jamaican population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic infection that affects immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV.
  • Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of Cryptosporidium species is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium species in HIV-positive individuals in Jamaica.

Main Methods:

  • A survey of cryptosporidiosis was conducted in HIV-positive persons.
  • Species identification was performed.
  • Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to analyze the genetic population structure of Cryptosporidium hominis.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidium hominis was the most prevalent species (25 cases), followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (7 cases).
  • Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium felis were each identified in one case.
  • One individual was coinfected with Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium felis.
  • Multilocus sequence typing revealed a homogeneous and geographically distinct Cryptosporidium hominis population in Jamaica.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptosporidium hominis is a significant cause of cryptosporidiosis in HIV-positive individuals in Jamaica.
  • The genetic data suggest limited introduction and potential local adaptation of Cryptosporidium hominis in Jamaica.

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