Prevalence and Diversity ofCryptosporidiumandGiardiaIdentified Among Feral Pigs in Texas

Abstract

The population size and geographic range of feral pigs in the United States are rapidly expanding. Nevertheless, the role of this invasive species in the ecology and transmission of zoonotic enteric pathogens is poorly understood. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia shedding among feral pigs throughout Texas and to identify risk factors for infection. Fecal samples were collected from feral pigs in Texas from February 2014 through May 2015. Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were detected using a direct immunofluorescence assay, and genotyping of positive samples was performed. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium shedding was 1.6% (6/370), and C. scrofarum and C. suis were identified. The prevalence of Giardia shedding was 4.3% (16/370), and assemblages A and E were identified. Cryptosporidium shedding was significantly more common among juvenile and subadult pigs than among adult pigs, but age group was not associated with Giardia shedding status. Feral pigs may serve as a source of Cryptosporidium and Giardia transmission to humans and livestock.

Global molecular prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in pigs (Sus domesticus): A systematic review and meta-analysis

“… Prevalence (%) Diagnostic method Targeted gene Ref. Armson, 2009 2006 Australia 289 90 31.1 PCR-sequencing 18S rRNA [ 30 ] Lam, 2021 UC Taiwan 141 6 4.2 PCR-sequencing bg [ 34 ] Afable, 2019 2018 Philippines 44 7 15.9 PCR-sequencing tpi [ 20 ] Farzan, 2011 2005–2006 Canada 122 81 66.4 PCR-sequencing 18S rRNA, bg [ 31 ] Akinkuotu, 2019 2015–2016 Nigeria 209 53 25.3 PCR-sequencing MLG [ 21 ] Zou, 2019 2017 China 345 2 0.6 PCR-sequencing gdh [ 28 ] Lee, 2020 2017–2019 ...…”

Non-invasive sampling in Itatiaia National Park, Brazil: wild mammal parasite detection

“…Unlike in carnivore faecal samples, protozoa were the most frequently detected parasites in the faeces of S. scrofa . Among the studies that analysed samples of free-living S. scrofa , Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu , only one conducted in Texas, USA, reported protozoa in faeces from pigs [ 30 ].…”