Molecular Detection and Genetic Characteristics of Entamoeba spp. in Cattle from Hebei Province, China

Entamoeba spp. are common zoonotic intestinal protozoa with a broad host range, posing a potential threat to public health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, conduct genotyping, and evaluate the genetic diversity of Entamoeba spp. in cattle within Hebei Province, China. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the infection dynamics and associated risk factors.

A total of 2746 fecal samples were collected from cattle across 11 cities in Hebei Province. PCR amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene were performed, and subtype identification, sequence characterization, genetic distance, and diversity index analyses were conducted using MEGA, PhyloSuite, and PopART software.

The overall prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in cattle was 51.06% (1402/2746). Infection rates were significantly influenced by geographical location (OR = 0.009, P < 0.0001, breed (OR = 0.255, P < 0.01), feeding practices (OR = 11.811, P < 0.0001), and age (OR = 0.295, P < 0.0001). The prevalence in southern Hebei (97.39%) was markedly higher than that in northern Hebei (24.48%), and higher infection rates were observed in older cattle (59.31%), intensively farmed cattle (56.83%), and dairy cattle (65.68%) compared with under one year of age (30.06%), free-range cattle (10.03%), and beef cattle (10.03%), respectively. Five species were identified in the cattle population: Entamoeba bovis (E. bovis), Entamoeba moshkovskii (E. moshkovskii), Entamoeba spp. RL4, Entamoeba spp. RL2, and Entamoeba spp. MG107/BEL. The overall nucleotide diversity index (π) was 0.077, and the haplotype diversity index (Hd) was 0.986. Both indices indicated high genetic diversity among Entamoeba spp. species, with E. bovis exhibiting the highest level of intraspecific diversity.

In conclusion, the conclusions of this regional study from Hebei Province should be interpreted within its inherent limitations, including its sample size, single-region focus, and cross-sectional nature. Entamoeba spp. are not only widely distributed in cattle but also display considerable host and genetic diversity. These findings enhance our understanding of the infection status and potential impacts on cattle health, and provide valuable data for the assessment of public health significance.