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Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
Published on: September 14, 2019
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Native and introduced squirrels in Italy host different Cryptosporidium spp
Jitka Prediger1, Michaela Horčičková1, Lada Hofmannová2
1Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
European Journal of Protistology
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Native and introduced tree squirrels in Italy host distinct Cryptosporidium species. Introduced squirrels may have brought Cryptosporidium skunk and C. ubiquitum genotypes to Europe, though infections did not cause diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Cryptosporidium spp. are significant enteric parasites with a broad host range.
- Tree squirrels, including native and introduced species, are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs for various pathogens.
- Understanding Cryptosporidium transmission dynamics in mixed squirrel populations is crucial for wildlife health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Cryptosporidium species and genotypes infecting native European (Sciurus vulgaris) and introduced (Sciurus carolinensis, Callosciurus erythraeus) tree squirrels in Northern Italy.
- To investigate potential links between squirrel species, geographic distribution, and Cryptosporidium genotypes.
- To assess the role of introduced squirrel species in the introduction of novel Cryptosporidium genotypes into Europe.
Main Methods:
- Collection and examination of fecal samples from 357 tree squirrels across 17 locations in Northern Italy.
- Microscopic analysis (flotation method) for Cryptosporidium oocyst detection.
- Molecular characterization using PCR and sequencing of Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA, actin, and gp60 genes.
Main Results:
- Distinct Cryptosporidium spp. infections were observed in native and introduced squirrel species.
- Sciurus vulgaris exclusively harbored Cryptosporidium ferret genotype (n=13) with three novel gp60 subtypes (VIIIb-VIIId).
- Sciurus carolinensis and Callosciurus erythraeus were infected with C. ubiquitum subtype XIIb, Cryptosporidium skunk genotype subtype XVIa, and Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I subtype XIVa.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium skunk genotype and C. ubiquitum subtype XIIb are likely introduced to Europe via the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
- Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I and ferret genotype were associated with high infection intensities but not diarrhea.
- This study highlights the role of invasive species in altering parasite epidemiology in wildlife host populations.
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