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Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Intestinal Microsporidia from Stray Dogs in Iran
Moein Delrobaei1, Shahram Jamshidi1, Parviz Shayan2
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Microsporidia as one of the most important pathogens in veterinary and agricultural settings, have emerged in immunocompromised patients in Iran. To date, different Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes have been identified in humans and animals, supporting the possibility of zoonotic zoonosis transmission potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes among overpopulated stray dogs in vicinity of Tehran, the capital city of Iran.
Methods:
Totally, 75 stool and 75 urine samples were obtained from 75 stray dogs during the time period from Mar 2015 to Oct 2015. DNA extraction was performed on all the samples and specific fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was amplified. Furthermore, specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of E. bieneusi were applied to determine the genotype of the microorganism.
Results:
Microsporidia was detected in 5.3% of stool samples, while none of the urine samples was positive for microsporidia species. Overall, 440 bp fragment of E. bieneusi was amplified in all the samples and there was no amplification for Encephalitozoon spp. The results of sequencing of 410 bp fragment of internal transcribed spacer region showed that all the E. bieneusi were genotype D.
Conclusion:
E. bieneusi was the most prevalent microsporidian species in the stray dogs and all the positive isolates were characterized as genotype D.
Insights
Microsporidia, particularly Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype D, was found in stray dogs in Iran. This highlights potential zoonotic transmission risks from these animals to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are significant pathogens in veterinary and agricultural settings.
- Emergence in immunocompromised individuals in Iran necessitates understanding transmission routes.
- Identified Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes suggest zoonotic potential between animals and humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in stray dogs near Tehran, Iran.
- To assess the potential for zoonotic transmission of E. bieneusi from dogs.
Main Methods:
- Collected 75 stool and 75 urine samples from stray dogs.
- Performed DNA extraction and amplified the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene.
- Used specific primers for the internal transcribed spacer region to genotype E. bieneusi.
Main Results:
- Microsporidia detected in 5.3% of stool samples; urine samples were negative.
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi was amplified in all samples; Encephalitozoon spp. were not detected.
- All identified E. bieneusi isolates were confirmed as genotype D.
Conclusions:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the predominant microsporidian species in the studied stray dog population.
- All positive isolates belonged to genotype D, indicating a specific circulating strain.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring stray dog populations for zoonotic pathogens like E. bieneusi.
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