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An Update on Zoonotic Cryptosporidium Species and Genotypes in Humans

Una Ryan1, Alireza Zahedi1, Yaoyu Feng2,3

  • 1Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6152, Australia.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|November 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium, a global cause of diarrhea, lacks effective treatments. Understanding its transmission dynamics through molecular tools is crucial for control, especially for zoonotic strains.

Area of Science:

  • * Veterinary Parasitology
  • * Molecular Epidemiology
  • * Zoonotic Disease Research

Background:

  • * Cryptosporidium is a significant enteric parasite causing diarrheal illness in humans and animals globally.
  • * Absence of effective therapeutics and vaccines necessitates a focus on understanding transmission dynamics for control.
  • * Molecular detection and typing tools have advanced the identification of cryptic species and genotypes, aiding in understanding zoonotic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the current understanding of Cryptosporidium transmission dynamics.
  • * To highlight the role of molecular tools in identifying species, genotypes, and zoonotic potential.
  • * To identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest future research directions for Cryptosporidium control.

Main Methods:

  • * Review of existing literature on Cryptosporidium detection, typing, and epidemiology.
  • * Analysis of reported Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in human and animal populations.
  • * Discussion of the utility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Main Results:

  • * 44 Cryptosporidium species and >120 genotypes have been identified.
  • * 19 species and 4 genotypes are reported in humans, with C. hominis and C. parvum being most prevalent.
  • * Current typing tools and molecular epidemiological studies have limitations, particularly for zoonotic strains.

Conclusions:

  • * Further development of typing tools is needed to encompass more zoonotic species and genotypes.
  • * Extensive molecular epidemiological studies in high-transmission risk countries are essential.
  • * WGS and amplicon NGS are vital for accurate transmission tracking and understanding host specificity mechanisms.
Keywords:
Cryptosporidiummolecular toolstransmissionzoonotic

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