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Intestinal microsporidia infection among cat owners and non-pet owners in Iran: a case-control study
Seyed Milad Vahedi1, Shahram Jamshidi2, Parviz Shayan3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1419963111, Iran. milad_vahedi@ut.ac.ir.
Abstract:
Microsporidia is a group of spore-forming microorganisms with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to compare intestinal microsporidia infections in cat owners and non-pet owners. In total, 210 fecal samples were collected from indoor cats, cat owners, and non-pet owners. DNA extraction was performed and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified. To characterize the genotypes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic trees were drawn to evaluate the relationship among Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates. Two (2.9%) and one (1.4%) fecal samples from cat owners and one (1.4%) and two (2.9%) fecal samples from non-pet owners were positive for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, respectively. E. bieneusi was detected in two cat samples (2.9%). Same infection was not seen between infected cats and their owners. There was no significant difference between the prevalence rate of microsporidia among the cat owners and non-pet owners. Indeed, the genotypes L and type IV were seen in cats, while the genotype D was only detected in human. In this study, E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis were more prevalent among the cat owners and non-pet owners, respectively. Indeed, the higher prevalence of E. bieneusi in cats and their owners might be resulted from the worldwide distribution of this species.
Insights
Microsporidia infections in cat owners and non-pet owners showed no significant difference. While Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found in cats and owners, distinct genotypes suggest limited transmission between them.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are spore-forming microorganisms with zoonotic potential.
- Intestinal microsporidiosis can affect both humans and animals.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and genotypes of intestinal microsporidia in cat owners and non-pet owners.
- To investigate potential transmission between infected cats and their owners.
- To analyze the genetic diversity of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 210 fecal samples from indoor cats, cat owners, and non-pet owners.
- DNA extraction and amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene.
- Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment for genotyping and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of microsporidia showed no significant difference between cat owners (2.9% E. bieneusi, 1.4% E. intestinalis) and non-pet owners (1.4% E. bieneusi, 2.9% E. intestinalis).
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in two cat samples (2.9%), but no direct correlation was found with owner infections.
- Genotypes L and IV of E. bieneusi were found in cats, while genotype D was exclusively detected in humans.
Conclusions:
- No significant difference in microsporidia prevalence was observed between cat owners and non-pet owners.
- Limited evidence of direct transmission between infected cats and their owners.
- The study highlights the distinct genetic profiles of microsporidia in different host groups.
