First report of Cryptosporidium spp. in white yaks in China

Abstract

BackgroundCryptosporidium is an enteric apicomplexan parasite, which can infect yaks, leading to reduction of milk production and poor weight gain. White yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique yak breed inhabiting only in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu province, northwestern China. The objective of the present study was to molecularly determine Cryptosporidium infection and species in white yaks.FindingsSeventy-six fecal samples from white yaks in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu province were collected. The small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of each sample was amplified using nested PCR and sequenced. The Cryptosporidium species was determined by comparison of the obtained sequences with that of corresponding Cryptosporidium sequences available in GenBank by BLAST (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/) and phylogenetic analysis with maximum likelihood (ML) using PAUP*. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in white yak was 5.26% (4/76). Species identification showed C. andersoni in one sample (collected in September), and C. bovis in three samples (one collected in November and two collected in September).ConclusionsThe present investigation revealed the existence of Cryptosporidium infection in white yaks in China, for the first time, and two Cryptosporidium species, namely C. andersoni and C. bovis, were identified. These findings extend the host range for Cryptosporidium spp., and also provide base-line information for further studies of molecular epidemiology and control of Cryptosporidium infection in the unique white yaks.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis from yaks in the central western region of China

“…In contrast, very little is known about the prevalence and molecular characteristics of these pathogens in other members of the family Bovidae, including yaks ( Bos grunniens ). There has been wide variation in the reported prevalence of Cryptosporidium in fecal specimens from yaks in China using microscopy, enzyme immunoassays, and molecular tools for identification (5.26–39.7 %) [ 8 , 15 – 24 ]. To date, six Cryptosporidium species ( C. andersoni , C. bovis , C. parvum , C. ryanae , C. ubiquitum , and C. xiaoi ) and three genotypes, which have been identified in yaks [ 8 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 24 ].…”

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in free-ranging white yaks in China

“…White yak is a semi-natural and rare breed of cattle in the world which only lives in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu province, northwest China with a condition of alpine hypoxia and low temperature [ 18 ]. Milk and meat of white yaks are the popular delicacy for local Tibetan people and other residents in Gansu Province.…”

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in edible frogs (Rana species) sold for human consumption in Hanwa frog market, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…This was achieved by isolation of oocysts from frog samples by flotation and sedimentation techniques, microscopic identification and measurement of isolated oocysts by examination of smeared slides stained by modified ZiehlNeelson method. Since Cryptosporidium can be transmitted by ingestion of infected food animals and poorly treated water and by direct contact [3], it is possible for infection to occur through ingestion of under cooked frogs and through poor personal hygiene after handling and processing frogs that may be infected.…”

“…Although the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium includes a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians [3,4], there is paucity of information as regard occurrence of Cryptosporidium in aquatic animals in Nigeria. Only recently, the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in fish from natural and artificial water in Northern Nigeria was reported [4].…”