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Molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium (Apicomplexa) in children and cattle in Romania
Patricia Manuela Vieira1, Narcisa Mederle2, Maria Luisa Lobo1
1Unidade de Parasitologia Medica, Grupo de Protozoarios Oportunistas/VIH e Outros Protozoarios, CMDT, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal;
Abstract:
To investigate the transmission of species of Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1907 in Timis County, Romania, 48 isolates of Cryptosporidium coccidia from 11 children, 29 calves and eight pigs were characterised by molecular analysis of two loci (SSU rRNA and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene). Overall, 22 isolates were amplified and sequence analyses revealed that all isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum Tyzzer, 1912. Two subtype families were identified, IIa and IId. Subtype IIdA22G1 (n = 4) was the single C. parvum subtype found in children. Subtypes found in calves included IIdA27G1 (n = 8), a novel subtype, IIdA25G1 (n = 5), IIdA22G1 (n = 2), IIdA21G1a (n = 1), and IIaA16G1R1 (n = 1). Subtype IIdA26G1 was found in a pig. These results were significantly different from previous Romanian reports, as the five subtypes of family IId identified in this study were never identified previously in this country. Thus, cattle may be a source of Cryptosporidium infections for humans and the transmission dynamics of C. parvum in Romania is more complex than previously believed.
Insights
Cryptosporidium parvum transmission in Romania is more complex than previously thought. Cattle may be a source of Cryptosporidium infections in humans, with novel subtypes identified in calves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cryptosporidium is a significant enteric pathogen affecting humans and animals.
- Understanding Cryptosporidium transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Previous studies in Romania had limited insights into local Cryptosporidium subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission of Cryptosporidium species in Timis County, Romania.
- To characterize Cryptosporidium isolates from children, calves, and pigs using molecular methods.
- To identify Cryptosporidium subtypes and their hosts in the study region.
Main Methods:
- Molecular characterization of 48 Cryptosporidium isolates using SSU rRNA and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene loci.
- DNA amplification and sequence analysis of isolates from children, calves, and pigs.
- Subtyping of Cryptosporidium parvum isolates into families and specific subtypes.
Main Results:
- All 22 successfully amplified isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum.
- Two subtype families, IIa and IId, were identified.
- A novel subtype, IIdA27G1, was found in calves, and multiple IId subtypes were identified in cattle, differing from previous Romanian reports.
Conclusions:
- Cattle may serve as a reservoir for Cryptosporidium infections in humans in Romania.
- The transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium parvum in Romania are more intricate than previously understood.
- The identification of novel and diverse subtypes highlights the need for ongoing surveillance.
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