Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in Human and Animal Stool Samples
María Teresa Gómez-Romano1, Manuel Antonio Rodríguez-Iglesias2,3,4, Fátima Galán-Sánchez2,3
1C.E.P. Salus Infirmorum, 11001 Cádiz, Spain.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic microorganisms with remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples of animal and human origin. In total, 369 stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia presence were determined by using multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, utilizing BLASTN and ClustalX software to confirm identification. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in human and animal stools in 6.82% and 3.05% of the samples, respectively. No associations were found when analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi and the demographic and clinical variables of patients and animals. This study demonstrates the presence of these microorganisms in human and animal samples from different species, and the most interesting findings are the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pets (e.g., rodents) that are not usually included in this type of study, and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea without underlying disease.
Insights
Cryptosporidium and Microsporidia are zoonotic pathogens found in both humans and animals. This study detected Cryptosporidium in pets and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in human diarrhea cases, highlighting their presence across species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Human Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Pathogens
Background:
- Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens with zoonotic potential.
- Their prevalence in human and animal populations requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in human and animal stool samples.
- To identify specific species and their hosts.
Main Methods:
- Multiplex nested PCR was used to detect Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in 369 stool samples (205 human, 164 animal).
- Sanger sequencing, BLASTN, and ClustalX were employed for positive result identification.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence was 0.97% in humans and 4.26% in animals.
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found in 6.82% of human samples and 3.05% of animal samples.
- Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in rodents, and E. bieneusi in human diarrhea patients without underlying conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are present in both human and animal populations.
- The study identified Cryptosporidium in pets and E. bieneusi in human diarrhea cases, underscoring zoonotic transmission potential.
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