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Detection and genotyping of zoonotic microsporidia in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Gabriel Ávalos1, Javier Caballero-Gómez2,3,4, Pablo Matas-Méndez5
1Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Microsporidia is a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming parasites that infect a wide range of animals. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most frequently reported species in humans. Limited information is available about the presence and molecular diversity of microsporidian species in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was investigated by molecular methods in wild and captive Iberian lynxes from Spain. Overall, E. bieneusi was detected in 3.2% (8/251) of the animals examined. None of the samples tested were positive for Encephalitozoon spp. Four known (D, EbfelA, PigEBITS7, and Type IV) and a novel (named as LynxSpEb1) E. bieneusi genotypes were identified. All the genotypes found belonged to the zoonotic Group 1 of E. bieneusi. This study provides the first genotyping data of E. bieneusi in Iberian lynx in Spain. Our result indicate that the Iberian lynx does not seem to play a relevant role in the epidemiology of Encephalitozoon spp., and that this endangered felid is likely acting as spillover host rather than a true reservoir of E. bieneusi. Additional studies should be conducted to assess the impact of this parasite in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.
Insights
The endangered Iberian lynx in Spain can carry Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a type of microsporidia. This parasite, often found in humans, appears to be a spillover host in lynxes, not a reservoir.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites affecting diverse animals.
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are common in humans.
- Data on microsporidia in the endangered Iberian lynx is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic diversity of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in Iberian lynxes.
- To determine the potential role of Iberian lynxes in the epidemiology of these microsporidian infections.
Main Methods:
- Molecular detection of microsporidia in fecal samples from wild and captive Iberian lynxes.
- Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates to identify different strains.
Main Results:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 3.2% of Iberian lynxes.
- No Encephalitozoon spp. were found.
- Four known and one novel genotype of E. bieneusi (Group 1, zoonotic) were identified.
Conclusions:
- The Iberian lynx is likely a spillover host for E. bieneusi, not a reservoir.
- Iberian lynxes do not appear to significantly contribute to Encephalitozoon spp. epidemiology.
- Further research is needed to understand the health impact of E. bieneusi on Iberian lynxes.
