Epidemiological survey in Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie Lake District of eastern Poland reveals new evidence of zoonotic potential of <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>

Abstract

Faecal samples from 297 farm animals were collected from 18 households in distinct sites of the Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie Lake District of eastern Poland. They included samples from 86 cattle (Bos taurus), 84 pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica), 81 sheep (Ovis aries), 10 horses (Equus caballus), and 36 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). The samples were examined for the presence of Giardia intestinalis by the Direct Fluorescence Assay (DFA) and semi-nested PCR. All amplicons were sequenced on both strands. By DFA, cysts of Giardia spp. were detected in 66 of 297 faecal samples (22.2%). Positive specimens for Giardia spp. were derived from 29.8% of examined pigs, 21.0% of sheep, 18.6% of cattle, 10% of horses, and 19.4% of dogs. Based on the detection of the β-giardin gene by PCR, 39 (13.1%) of the 297 examined samples were recognized as positive. Detection of the presence of Giardia cysts by DFA test was overall significantly higher compared to PCR (p=0.0045). By PCR, Giardia was found in 28.1% of sheep, 11.6% of cattle, 10% of horses, 9.5% of pigs and 5.6% of dogs. Partial β-giardin gene sequences were obtained for 73.7% of the PCR positive samples. From sequenced samples derived from the studied animals, Giardia were identified as assemblage A (8 samples), B (1 sample) and E (18 samples). As assemblages A and B may be zoonotic, the farm animals living in eastern Poland could be regarded as a potential source of Giardia infection for humans.

Study on Giardia duodenalis and <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. infection in veterinarians in Poland

“…Stool samples were tested for the presence of Giardia duodenalis cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using Direct Fluorescent Assay (DFA) (commercial test Aqua-Glo™ G/C Direct Comprehensive Kit, Waterborne Inc., USA), following by a concentration step according to Stojecki et al [10]. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for positive samples in DFA was performed according to Stojecki et al [10].…”

“…oocysts using Direct Fluorescent Assay (DFA) (commercial test Aqua-Glo™ G/C Direct Comprehensive Kit, Waterborne Inc., USA), following by a concentration step according to Stojecki et al [10]. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for positive samples in DFA was performed according to Stojecki et al [10]. Amplicons were sequenced, and obtained sequences were analysed using Geneious R7 software and compared with those available in the GenBank database.…”

New primers for fast detection of Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B using realtime PCR

“…Methods of DNA isolation and assemblages establishment have been described previously , Solarczyk et al 2012, Solarczyk et al 2014, Stojecki et al 2015, Solarczyk et al 2016. Moreover, a total of 131 DNA probes isolated from faecal samples obtained from various hosts were also included in the study.…”

Potential sources of infection with selected zoonotic agents in the veterinary work environment – pilot studies

“…Human infection occurs through the digestive tract by consumption of food or water contaminated with the faeces of infected animals containing Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia cysts [15]. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy calves has been confirmed in Argentina [16] and in Germany [15], and Giardia duodenalis among livestock and pets in Poland [17], and in pigs in China [18]. Therefore, the foodborne transmission of both parasites may be more common than until recently recognized.…”