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Published on: August 2, 2011
PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF BLASTOCYSTIS SP. FROM PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN CHINA
Xuehan Liu1, Shanshan Zhang1, Haiju Dong2
1Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 453003 Xinxiang, Henan, China.
Abstract:
This study is the first description of Blastocystis infection in peafowls in China. In total, 143 fecal specimens collected from a peafowl breeding farm in Henan Province were tested for Blastocystis infection by PCR assay targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, and a total of 50 specimens (35.0%) were positive. Based on sequences and phylogenetic analysis, 2 genetically distinct subtypes (STs) were determined: ST9 and ST7. ST9 was the predominant subtype, accounting for 82% (41/50). The rare zoonotic subtype ST7 was also identified in peafowls, with the infection rate of 18% (9/50). Altogether, the present study is the first report of the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Blastocystis in peafowls in central China. The presence of zoonotic subtypes in peafowls suggests the potential risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis to workers at peafowl farms.
Insights
Blastocystis infection was found in 35% of peafowls in China, with subtypes ST9 and the zoonotic ST7 identified. This highlights potential transmission risks from peafowls to farm workers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite found in various hosts.
- Understanding Blastocystis prevalence in avian species is crucial for public health and animal welfare.
- Peafowls represent a novel host for Blastocystis investigation, particularly in China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in peafowls in China.
- To identify the subtypes of Blastocystis circulating in peafowl populations.
- To assess the potential zoonotic implications of Blastocystis infection in peafowls.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 143 peafowls in Henan Province, China.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was used for detection.
- Phylogenetic analysis of positive samples was performed to determine Blastocystis subtypes.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis infection was detected in 35.0% (50/143) of the tested peafowls.
- Two distinct subtypes, ST9 and ST7, were identified.
- ST9 was the predominant subtype (82%), while the zoonotic ST7 was found in 18% of infected birds.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first report on Blastocystis prevalence and molecular characteristics in peafowls in central China.
- The identification of the zoonotic subtype ST7 in peafowls indicates a potential risk of transmission to humans, particularly farm workers.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the transmission dynamics and public health significance of Blastocystis in peafowls.
