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Molecular characterization of human Cryptosporidium spp. isolates after an unusual increase in late summer 2012
Jeroen H Roelfsema1, Hein Sprong2, Simone M Cacciò3
1Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands. jeroen.roelfsema@rivm.nl.
Background:
During the late summer 2012, a number of medical microbiological laboratories (MMLs) reported an unusual increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp. Prompted by this signal, the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) started an epidemiological investigation into possible causes. Simultaneously, samples diagnosed at MMLs were sent to RIVM for genotyping, aiming to further identify the possible source of the increase.
Methods:
Genotyping was performed by sequencing a fragment of the GP60 gene. Additional genotyping was performed on a subset of samples using six microsatellite markers. Population genetic analysis was performed using BEAST.
Results:
The majority of the samples were typed as C. hominis, and a single GP60 genotype (IbA10G2) largely predominated. Genotyping microsatellite markers further supported the circulation of a single genetic type. Population genetic analysis with genotypes found in previous years is inconsistent with a decrease in effective population size.
Conclusions:
The conclusion of this finding is that the rise reflects more an overall increase and not a common source outbreak.
Insights
An unusual rise in cryptosporidiosis cases in 2012 was investigated. Genetic analysis revealed a predominant Cryptosporidium hominis type, indicating a general increase rather than a single common source outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- An unexplained surge in cryptosporidiosis cases was observed in late summer 2012.
- Medical microbiological laboratories (MMLs) reported increased gastrointestinal infections caused by Cryptosporidium spp.
- The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) initiated an investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the increased cryptosporidiosis cases.
- To identify the potential source of the outbreak through genetic analysis.
- To understand the population dynamics of Cryptosporidium parasites.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of Cryptosporidium samples using the GP60 gene.
- Microsatellite marker analysis for further genetic characterization.
- Population genetic analysis using BEAST software.
Main Results:
- The majority of isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium hominis.
- A single GP60 genotype (IbA10G2) was predominant, supported by microsatellite data.
- Population genetic analysis suggested no decrease in effective population size.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in cryptosporidiosis cases likely represents a general rise in infections.
- The findings do not support a common source outbreak scenario.
- Further research into the epidemiology and population genetics of Cryptosporidium is warranted.
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