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Molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates in laboratory macaques in north China: zoonotic
Hang Yang1, Yongchao Lin1, Yijing Li1
1Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150030, China.
Abstract:
The significance of wild and zoo nonhuman primates (NHPs) as potential sources of human Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections has been increasingly appreciated, while the role of laboratory NHPs in zoonotic transmission of microsporidiosis remains elusive. In this study, the infection rate, genetic characteristic, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi were investigated for 205 laboratory macaques in Beijing, north China. The parasite was identified in 37 (18.0%) animals by nested PCR and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), with an infection rate of 25.6% in Macaca fascicularis (34/133) and 4.2% in Macaca mulatta (3/72). The differences in infection rate between the two species of macaques and between young macaques aged ≤ 5 years (29.6%, 32/108) and adults aged > 5 years (5.2%, 5/97) were significant (p < 0.01). Analysis of the ITS sequence polymorphisms recognized eight known genotypes (CC4, CM1, CM2, D, Peru8, Peru11, Type IV, and WL21) and two new genotypes (named as CMB1 and CMB2), with well-known human-pathogenic genotypes (D, Peru8, Peru11, and Type IV) most frequently detected. The rest genotypes (CC4, CM1, CM2, WL21, CMB1, and CMB2) were clustered into zoonotic group 1 in phylogenetic analysis. The high diversity and widespread presence of the human-pathogenic or group 1 E. bieneusi genotypes in laboratory NHPs, notably M. fascicularis and the young animals, suggest potential of zoonotic transmission. These findings imply that laboratory rhesus macaques could be significant reservoirs for human microsporidiosis.
Insights
Laboratory macaques in China carry Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a parasite causing microsporidiosis. This study found high infection rates in young macaques, suggesting they may be a source for human infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections are increasingly recognized in wild and zoo nonhuman primates.
- The role of laboratory nonhuman primates in the zoonotic transmission of microsporidiosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infection rate, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in laboratory macaques.
- To assess the risk of zoonotic transmission from laboratory macaques to humans.
Main Methods:
- Nested PCR and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing were used to detect and genotype E. bieneusi.
- 205 laboratory macaques (Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta) in Beijing, China were sampled.
- Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the zoonotic potential of detected genotypes.
Main Results:
- E. bieneusi was detected in 18.0% of the laboratory macaques.
- Infection rates were significantly higher in Macaca fascicularis (25.6%) and young macaques (≤5 years, 29.6%).
- Eight known and two new E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including frequently detected human-pathogenic genotypes (D, Peru8, Peru11, Type IV).
Conclusions:
- Laboratory macaques, particularly young Macaca fascicularis, harbor diverse and potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes.
- Laboratory macaques may serve as significant reservoirs for human microsporidiosis.
- Further research and control measures are needed to prevent zoonotic transmission.
