Genotyping and subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolates from two wild rodent species in Gansu Province, China

Abstract

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are common detected intestinal protozoa species in humans and animals, contributing to global gastroenteritis spread. In the present study, we examined the prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in two rodent species in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area (QTPA) of China for the first time. A total of 498 intestinal content samples were collected from five counties of QTPA of Gansu province, China. Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were found in 2.5% (10/399) and 1.5% (6/399) of Himalayan marmots, while in 1.0% (1/99) and 2.0% (2/99) of Alashan ground squirrels, respectively. Four Cryptosporidium genotypes were identified, including one known horse genotype (n=1) and three novel genotypes designated as marmot genotype I (n = 7), marmot genotype II (n = 2) and marmot genotype III (n = 1). The horse genotype was further subtyped as novel subtype VIbA10. G. duodenalis zoonotic assemblages A (n = 1), B (n = 6), E (n = 1) were identified in the present study. This is the first study to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in the two wild rodent species worldwide, suggesting the potential zoonotic transmission of the two pathogens in QTPA.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis in laboratory rodents in China

“…To date, at least 45 valid Cryptosporidium species and approximately 120 genotypes have been described [10,13,15,36]. In rodents, at least 25 Cryptosporidium species have been identified [33]. Among laboratory rodents, six Cryptosporidium species have been identified, including C. tyzzeri, C. ubiquitum, C. muris, C. andersoni, C. wrairi and C. homai.…”