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Lethal Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III infection in Steppe lemmings (Lagurus lagurus)
Lada Hofmannová1, Bohumil Sak2, Vladimír Jekl3
1Department of Pathological Morphology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are ubiquitous, spore-forming, intracellular parasites infecting invertebrates and vertebrates. Some of them are important opportunistic pathogens in humans, including three species of genus Encephalitozoon. Intraspecies genetic variation with a different range of hosts is known in Encephalitozoon cuniculi distinguishing four genotypes. Recently, E. cuniculi is often observed in pet animals, mainly E. cuniculi genotype I in pet rabbits. This study described a fatal encephalitozoonosis in a group of pet rodents Steppe lemmings (Lagurus lagurus). The animals were presented with progressive weight loss, aggression, cannibalism, purulent conjunctivitis and hind limb paresis. Death occurred within 48 h after the onset of clinical signs. The group comprised of 15 animals was affected and died within a period of three months. Post-mortal examination did not show any macroscopic changes. Microsporidial vacuoles with typical spores were found in brain and kidney tissues and E. cuniculi DNA in all tested organs. The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of rRNA gene showed 100% homology with E. cuniculi genotype III previously identified in dogs, tamarin colonies from zoos, swine, birds and humans. Pet lemmings could represent a new potential source of the infection for their breeders.
Insights
A fatal microsporidiosis outbreak caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III occurred in pet Steppe lemmings. This finding highlights a potential new transmission route of this opportunistic pathogen to humans from pet rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia, including Encephalitozoon cuniculi, are opportunistic pathogens affecting various hosts.
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi exhibits genetic variation, with different genotypes known to infect diverse animal species.
- Recent observations indicate an increase in E. cuniculi infections in pet animals, particularly rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a fatal case of encephalitozoonosis in a group of pet Steppe lemmings (Lagurus lagurus).
- To identify the causative agent and its genetic type.
- To assess the potential zoonotic implications of this infection in pet rodents.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and post-mortem examination of affected Steppe lemmings.
- Histopathological analysis of tissues to identify microsporidia.
- Molecular identification of the parasite using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene.
Main Results:
- A group of 15 Steppe lemmings died from progressive weight loss, neurological signs, and conjunctivitis within three months.
- Microsporidial vacuoles and spores were detected in brain and kidney tissues.
- Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, identified as genotype III based on ITS sequencing, with 100% homology to strains found in dogs, primates, swine, birds, and humans.
Conclusions:
- Steppe lemmings are susceptible to fatal encephalitozoonosis caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III.
- Pet lemmings may serve as a novel reservoir and source of infection for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, posing a potential risk to their owners.
- This study underscores the importance of considering microsporidiosis in exotic pets and its zoonotic potential.
