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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
Molecular identification and subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in laboratory mice and rats
Shanshan Zhou1, Xinyu Hu2, He Li3
1School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China - National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai 200025, China - World Health Organization Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium species can infect humans and more than 260 animal species, including 54 rodent species. However, data on the occurrence and genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in laboratory rodents are limited. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence rate and genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. in laboratory mice and rats. We collected 506 fresh combined fecal pellet specimens (457 from mice and 49 from rats) of more than 2,000 laboratory rodents in Heilongjiang Province and Shanghai City, China. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified and subtyped by DNA sequencing of the SSU rRNA and the gp60 genes, respectively. By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the occurrence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 16.6% (84/506) in combined fecal specimens, with 18.2% (83/457) for mice and 2.0% (1/49) for rats. Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 39), C. tyzzeri (n = 33), and C. parvum + C. tyzzeri (n = 11) were identified in mice. Cryptosporidium parvum was only detected in one rat fecal specimen. At the gp60 locus, 71.4% (60/84) of the Cryptosporidium-positive specimens were successfully amplified, and they all came from mice. We identified five C. parvum subtypes (IIaA14G2R1, IIaA16G2R1, IIaA17G1R1, IIaA17G2R1, and IIaA18G2R1) and two C. tyzzeri subtypes (IXaA6R1 and IXbA8). Based on the identification in laboratory mice of C. parvum subtypes that have been reported previously in humans, the mice infected with this species may threaten human health, especially for people who have contact with the animals and their feces.
Insights
Cryptosporidium parasites were found in 16.6% of laboratory rodents in China, primarily in mice. The presence of Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes in mice poses a potential health risk to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium species infect numerous animal hosts, including rodents.
- Limited data exists on Cryptosporidium occurrence and genetics in laboratory rodents.
- Laboratory rodents are vital models in biomedical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium species in laboratory mice and rats in China.
- To identify specific Cryptosporidium species and subtypes.
- To assess potential zoonotic risks.
Main Methods:
- Fecal specimens from 506 laboratory rodents (457 mice, 49 rats) were collected in China.
- DNA was extracted and Cryptosporidium spp. were identified using SSU rRNA gene sequencing.
- Genetic subtyping was performed by sequencing the gp60 gene.
Main Results:
- The overall occurrence rate of Cryptosporidium was 16.6% (84/506).
- Prevalence was higher in mice (18.2%) than in rats (2.0%).
- Identified species included Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium tyzzeri in mice, and C. parvum in one rat. Five C. parvum and two C. tyzzeri subtypes were characterized.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory mice harbor Cryptosporidium species, including C. parvum subtypes also found in humans.
- These findings highlight a potential zoonotic transmission risk from infected laboratory rodents.
- Further surveillance and control measures are recommended to mitigate public health risks.
