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First detection and genotyping of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a new host species, gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
Beata Malcekova1, Alexandra Valencakova, Lenka Luptakova
1Institute of Biology, Zoology and Radiobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia. malcekova@uvlf.sk
Abstract:
Recently, the pathogenic species of microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon have been detected increasingly, also in representatives of the Aves class. Our study presents laboratory proof of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) genotype II in a new host, gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), with suspect microsporidiosis. E. cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Characterization of the internal transcribed spacer of the rRNA gene has identified three genotypes of E. cuniculi based on the number of 5'-GTTT-3' repeats present: a genotype I from rabbits and mice, containing three repeats; a genotype II from mice and dogs, containing two repeats; and a genotype III from dogs and fox, containing four repeats. Samples of faeces from 30 gyrfalcons were examined for the presence of microsporidia spores, using microscopical, molecular methods and sequencing. Microscopic analysis showed presence of brightly fluorescing oval shapes of size 1.5 × 3 μm, characteristic of the strain Microsporidia in five samples. The PCR method, using species non-specific (530F/580R) and species-specific (ECUNR/ECUNF) primers, proved the presence of E. cuniculi spores in two samples. After sequencing were confirmed, E. cuniculi genotype II which implies new host species for this parasite.
Insights
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) genotype II was identified in a gyrfalcon, marking a new host species for this microsporidian parasite. This finding expands our understanding of E. cuniculi
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia, particularly Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi), are increasingly detected in avian species.
- E. cuniculi is an obligate intracellular parasite with a broad host range, including mammals and potentially birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide laboratory confirmation of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II in a gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) presenting with suspected microsporidiosis.
- To identify new host species for E. cuniculi.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of gyrfalcon fecal samples for microsporidia spores.
- Molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with species-specific and non-specific primers.
- DNA sequencing for precise genotype identification.
Main Results:
- Microscopic analysis revealed characteristic microsporidia spores in five out of 30 gyrfalcon fecal samples.
- PCR confirmed the presence of E. cuniculi in two samples.
- Sequencing identified the parasite as E. cuniculi genotype II.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms a gyrfalcon as a new host for Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II.
- The findings highlight the potential for E. cuniculi to infect a wider range of avian species than previously documented.
