Genotypic Characterization of Cryptosporidium Oocysts Isolated from Healthy People in Three Different Counties of Korea

Abstract

To investigate Cryptosporidium infection among healthy people, we collected stool samples from 150 healthy individuals in Gokseong, Muan, and Imshil Counties, southwest Korea, where neighbors on both an animal farm and a river respectively. In 12 of 150 samples, Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by means of modified acid-fast staining. The bovine genotype, Cryptosporidium parvum, was identified by PCR/RFLP and 18S rRNA sequencing. C. parvum existed endemically in these areas, and the residents showed a relatively higher infection rate for C. parvum than that for C. hominis. Our results indicate that countermeasures against Cryptosporidium infection must be taken in these areas to ensure human health.

Cryptosporidium parvum in Korea: Prevalence in Individuals Residing in Three Major River Valleys and Genetic Characteristics of the Isolates

“…In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in the residents around Yeongsan, Seomjin, and Nakdong River valleys in southern parts of Korea. These regions are relatively underdeveloped and have many livestock farming industries and some of these areas have been thought to be a source of zoonotic infection with C. parvum [7]. …”

“…Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent worldwide [10,13,14,30]. Although the parasite poses a significant public health problem, a few previous studies have been conducted to determine the infection status of individuals in rural areas in Korea [6,7,22,23,29]. For example, it is reported the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in livestock and villagers in rural areas of Korea [29].…”

“…These results suggested that Cryptosporidium oocysts from animals might transmit to human, but genetical characterization in this survey has not been performed. Recently, preliminary genetical survey showed C. parvum infection in people (12 positive per 120) who lived near an animal husbandry area and river [7]. Based on these findings, a large scale of epidemiological study for an in-depth understanding of the current infection status and molecular characteristic of the parasite is necessary to elucidate the possibility of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium to humans.…”

Cryptosporidium hominis Infection Diagnosed by Real-Time PCR-RFLP

“…The genotypes of Cryptosporidium in Korea have been reported [9-11]. Cheun et al [11] studied Cryptosporidium sp.…”

“…Cheun et al [11] studied Cryptosporidium sp. in 3 rural areas by using a PCR-RFLP method to detect 18S rDNA sequences and identified C. parvum in 12 patients with Cryptosporidium infection.…”