<i>Cryptosporidium</i> species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission

Abstract

Cryptosporidium species infect domestic animals, livestock, and humans. These protozoan parasites are frequently reported as major environmental contaminants in many countries despite their differing climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. This review focuses on the research findings that relate to Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and associated risk factors relating to animals, contaminated water sources, and humans in Japan. Adequate knowledge of these factors is essential for understanding the economic and public health importance of cryptosporidiosis in Japan so that effective control strategies against it are implemented. Cryptosporidium infections are highly prevalent in animals in Japan. Among the different animal species, cattle infections stand out because of their economic importance and zoonotic potential. Living circumstances in Japan restrain Cryptosporidium transmission between humans, but there is evidence to suggest that animals, especially those in close contact with humans, can be potential sources of human infections. Water sampling studies have provided clues about how environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium oocysts can cause infections in livestock and wild animals. There is some evidence of personto-person transmission of cryptosporidiosis, but only occasionally and under certain circumstances. By identifying the major role played by animals in Cryptosporidium transmission to people in Japan, we highlight the urgent need for disease control against this pathogen.

Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in Cattle in Representative Areas of Shanxi Province, North China

“…and Blastocystis sp. pose public health problems and cause economic losses to animal husbandry [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Prior to the present study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp.…”

Nitazoxanide refractory cryptosporidiosis complicating Burkitt lymphoma in a child

“…[ 4 ] The consumption of contaminated food or water, person-to-person spread, and zoonotic transmission may infect humans. [ 5 ] Although more common in immunocompromised individuals such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer, infection is also increasingly being reported among immunocompetent individuals. The disease may range from generally asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals to more severe and chronic in immunocompromised patients.…”

Study of the economic impact of cryptosporidiosis in calves after implementing good practices to manage the disease on dairy farms in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands

“…This observation is shared by Japan, where a study was launched in 2020 on the link between production losses and Cryptosporidium spp. infections in the cattle industry ( El-Alfy and Nishikawa, 2020 ). The aim is to raise awareness of the economic and health urgency of managing this parasite, both for farmers and the farming community, and for public authorities, given that livestock is a reservoir for zoonotic parasites transmissible to humans ( Radostits et al, 2007 ; Follet et al, 2011 ).…”