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Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
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Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection

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Multiple introductions and recombination events underlie the emergence of a hyper-transmissible Cryptosporidium

Wanyi Huang1, Yaqiong Guo1, Colleen Lysen2

  • 1Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.

Cell Host & Microbe
|December 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The dominant Cryptosporidium hominis subtype IfA12G1R5 in the US has multiple origins, evolving through recombination events. This hyper-transmissible pathogen

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Parasitology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium hominis causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease with increasing incidence in the US.
  • A hyper-transmissible subtype, IfA12G1R5, has emerged and become dominant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origins and evolutionary history of the dominant IfA12G1R5 subtype of Cryptosporidium hominis.
  • To understand the genetic basis for the emergence and hyper-transmissibility of this pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of 127 newly sequenced and 95 published C. hominis genomes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine the origins and relationships of different subtypes.
  • Identification of selective sweeps in invasion-associated genes.

Main Results:

  • The IfA12G1R5 subtype is dominant in the US and comprises three distinct clusters (Pop6, Pop13, Pop14), indicating multiple ancestral origins.
  • Pop6 originated in East Africa, Pop13 was imported from Europe, and Pop14 resulted from recombination between Pop6 and Pop13.
  • Selective sweeps in genes related to host invasion were observed in the dominant Pop14 cluster.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of the dominant IfA12G1R5 subtype is driven by multiple introductions and subsequent recombination events.
  • Understanding the evolution of hyper-transmissible pathogens like C. hominis is crucial for public health.
  • Genomic analysis provides insights into pathogen emergence and adaptation strategies.
Keywords:
Cryptosporidium hominiscryptosporidiosisemerging infectionevolutiongenomicspopulation structurerecombination

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