Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in poultry from Brazil
Maria Júlia Rodrigues da Cunha1, Márcia Cristina Cury2, Monica Santín3
1Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 173, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil Caixa, Postal 250, 70040-020 Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium. Infections in birds are mainly caused by C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, and C. galli. C. meleagridis is the third most common cause of cryptosporidiosis in humans and the only Cryptosporidium species known to infect both birds and mammals. One hundred and fifty-five fecal specimens from different poultry species (chicken, turkey, ostrich, helmeted guinea fowl, quail, pheasant, and emu) were collected at local markets in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Twenty-three (14.8%) birds (20 chickens, 2 quails, and 1 turkey) were found Cryptosporidium-positive. This constitutes the first report of Cryptosporidium in turkeys from Brazil. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified C. meleagridis in chickens (15), a turkey (1), and a quail (1), C. baileyi in chickens (4) and a quail (1), and a mixed infection C. meleagridis/C. baileyi in a chicken (1). This is the first report of C. meleagridis in turkeys and quails from Brazil. Using the gp60 gene, three subtype families were identified, IIIa, IIIb and IIIg. Within subtype family IIIg, four subtypes were identified in chickens, two novel (IIIgA25G3R1 and IIIgA21G3R1) and two previously reported (IIIgA22G3R1 and IIIgA24G2R1). Within subtype family IIIb two subtypes were identified, IIIbA24G1R1 in a chicken and IIIbA23G1R1 in a quail. A novel subtype in the family IIIa was identified (IIIaA22G3R1) in a turkey. The finding of C. meleagridis subtypes previously identified in humans (IIIgA22G3R1, IIIbA24G1R1 and IIIbA23G1R1) indicates that they can be potentially zoonotic. Further subtyping studies that clarify genetic diversity of C. meleagridis are required to better understand host specificity, source of infection, and transmission dynamics of C. meleagridis.
Insights
Cryptosporidium meleagridis was detected in Brazilian poultry, including turkeys and quails for the first time. Some subtypes found in birds are also present in humans, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission of this important parasite.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidiosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium parasites.
- Avian cryptosporidiosis is primarily caused by Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium baileyi, and Cryptosporidium galli.
- Cryptosporidium meleagridis is notable for infecting both birds and mammals, including humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in poultry in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- To identify Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in various poultry species.
- To assess the potential zoonotic implications of identified Cryptosporidium subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 155 birds across seven poultry species in Brazil.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequence analysis were used for Cryptosporidium detection and species identification.
- The gp60 gene was sequenced to identify and characterize Cryptosporidium subtypes.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium was detected in 14.8% of birds (23/155), with infections found in chickens, quails, and one turkey.
- Cryptosporidium meleagridis and Cryptosporidium baileyi were identified, with C. meleagridis found in chickens, a turkey, and a quail.
- This study reports for the first time the presence of C. meleagridis in turkeys and quails in Brazil. Novel and previously identified subtypes of C. meleagridis were found, including subtypes shared with human infections.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of Cryptosporidium, particularly C. meleagridis, in Brazilian poultry, expanding the known host range in the region.
- The identification of C. meleagridis subtypes previously found in humans highlights a potential zoonotic risk.
- Further research into the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of C. meleagridis is crucial for understanding host specificity and controlling cryptosporidiosis.
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