Cryptosporidium spp. parasitize exotic birds that are commercialized in markets, commercial aviaries, and pet shops

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to genetically characterize and phylogenetically analyze the Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from exotic birds commercialized in popular markets, commercial aviaries, and pet shops located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fecal samples from individually housed birds were collected and subjected to centrifuge-flotation technique using saturated sugar solution. DNA was isolated from Cryptosporidium positive samples, and 18S subunit rDNA was amplified and processed using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To identify the protozoan species, the PCR amplicons were used for restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing analyses. Of the 103 analyzed fecal samples, seven (6.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequencing and further phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify the following species: Cryptosporidium parvum in Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica) and avian genotype III in Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora) and cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). The sequences of the Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from canaries (Serinus canarius) were not identifiable within the groups of known species, but they presented a higher genetic similarity with C. parvum. This is the first report in Brazil showing that C. parvum parasitizes Bengalese finches and that avian genotype III parasitizes Java sparrows.

Public health significance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in wildlife: Critical insights into better drinking water management

“…In addition to C. meleagridis , other zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium reported in birds include C. hominis , C. parvum , C muris and C. andersoni (Zylan et al., 2008, Jellison et al., 2009, Ryan, 2010, Reboredo-Fernández et al., 2015, Gomes et al., 2012). In addition, twelve genotypes; avian genotypes I–V, the black duck genotype, the Eurasian woodcock genotype and goose genotypes I–V have been reported (Table 3).…”

Cryptosporidium infections in birds - a review

“…Avian genotype I has been found in canaries (Serinus canaria) and Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) (NG et al, 2006;NAKAMURA et al, 2009), whereas the presence of avian genotype III has been reported in several species of Psittaciformes and Passeriformes (NG et al, 2006;NAKAMURA et al, 2009;MAKINO et al, 2010;QI et al, 2011;GOMES et al, 2012;NAKAMURA et al, 2014).…”

“…Asia, South America , Qi et al (2011), Nakamura et al (2014) Goose genotypes I-V Anserifornes nd 18S rRNA North America Jellison et al (2004), Zhou et al (2004) Black duck genotype Gomes et al (2012), Reboredo-Fernández et al (2015) Cryptosporidium hominis Anseriformes nd 18S rRNA North America Zhou et al (2004) nd: the site of infection was not reported.…”

“…18S rRNA, Actin, HSP-70, COWP Asia, Oceania, North America, South America , Ng et al (2006), Nakamura et al (2009), Makino et al (2010), Qi et al (2011), Gomes et al (2012), Nakamura et al (2014), Ravich et al (2014) Avian genotype IV Psittaciformes nd 18S rRNA Europe Ng et al (2006) Avian genotype V Psittaciformes nd 18S rRNA, actin, HSP-70…”

Cryptosporidiosis in broiler chickens in Zhejiang Province, China: molecular characterization of oocysts detected in fecal samples

“…The Cryptosporidium species can infect human beings as well as other animals; it is mainly located in the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, and is likely in the respiratory tract [7], particularly in the case of infection by C. meleagridis , a bird species. The main clinical manifestation is persistent diarrhea, and respiratory disturbances can occasionally be observed [5, 12].…”