Global molecular epidemiology of microsporidia in pigs and wild boars with emphasis on Enterocytozoon bieneusi: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background: Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic species of microsporidia and is responsible for more than 90% of cases of microsporidiosis in humans and animals. Pigs and wild boars are important animal reservoirs of microsporidia. Hence, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of microsporidia and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in pigs and wild boars through a set of systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.Methods: Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2021. Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 33 papers, including 34 datasets (30 datasets for domestic pigs and 4 for wild boars) finally meet the inclusion criteria to undergo meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of microsporidia infection in domestic pigs and wild boars were 37.6% (95% CI: 30.8-44.9%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1-26.8%), respectively. While, the pooled prevalence rates of E. bieneusi were 35% (95% CI: 28.4-42.2%) in domestic pigs and 10.1% (95% CI: 1.7-42.4%) in wild boars. The genotypes EbpA was the most reported genotype in domestic pigs and wild boars. Male animals had higher prevalence rates of microsporidia infection than females (27 vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.77-4.71%). Conclusion:This study indicates the important role of domestic pigs and wild boars as animal reservoir hosts of microsporidia. Thereby, strategies for control and prevention of these zoonotic pathogens should be designed in pigs and wild boars.

Characteristics of the Fecal Microbiome of Piglets with Diarrhea Identified Using Shotgun Metagenomics Sequencing

“…Microsporidia species can cause diarrhea, malabsorption, and possible lung pathology, and host health is a major factor influencing the likelihood of developing these symptoms [46,47]. The most well-known pathogenic species is Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which was not found in this study; however, we found Encephalitozoon romalae, Encephalitozoon enteralis, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Encephalitozoon hellem, which can also adversely affect the host [48,49].…”

Occurrence and genetic characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China

“…Within microsporidia, there are at least 1,700 recognized species belonging to approximately 220 genera, with 17 species having been found in humans [10]. Molecular epidemiological data have confirmed four major microsporidial species infecting humans, including Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Encephalitozoon hellem [32]. Among them, E. bieneusi has been regarded as the most prevalent, accounting for more than 90% of human microsporidiosis cases [32].…”

“…Molecular epidemiological data have confirmed four major microsporidial species infecting humans, including Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Encephalitozoon hellem [32]. Among them, E. bieneusi has been regarded as the most prevalent, accounting for more than 90% of human microsporidiosis cases [32]. According to the largest metaanalysis of microsporidia globally, the overall prevalence of E. bieneusi infection in humans was 7.9% [28].…”