Host-AdaptedCryptosporidiumspp. in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis)

Abstract

The prevalence and distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in the fecal droppings of the free-living waterfowl Canada geese were examined at 13 sites in Ohio and Illinois. On the basis of the analysis of the small-subunit rRNA gene by PCR, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing, 49 (23.4%) of 209 fecal specimens collected from 10 sites (76.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The following five Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were identified: Cryptosporidium goose genotype I (in 36 specimens), Cryptosporidium goose genotype II (in 9 specimens), Cryptosporidium duck genotype (in 1 specimen), Cryptosporidium parvum (in 4 specimens), and C. hominis (in 2 specimens). Cryptosporidium goose genotype I was the most prevalent parasite and was found at all five Cryptosporidium-positive sites in Ohio and at four of five positive sites in Illinois, followed by Cryptosporidium goose genotype II, which was found at two of five positive sites in Ohio and at four of five positive sites in Illinois. Cryptosporidium goose genotype II was detected for the first time, and it is phylogenetically related to goose genotype I and the duck genotype. All three genotypes have not so far been reported in humans, and their pathogenicity in geese has not been determined. Only 10.2% of the Cryptosporidium-positive specimens had C. parvum and C. hominis. The results of this study indicate that Canada geese might only serve as accidental carriers of cryptosporidia infectious to humans and probably play a minor role in the animal-to-human transmission cycle of the pathogen.

Large-scale survey ofCryptosporidiumspp. in chickens and Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in Henan, China: prevalence and molecular characterization

“…C. galli was first described by Pavlásek in hens, and later this species was re-described (Ryan et al, 2003). In contrast, the duck genotype has a limited host range, having only been found in a black duck (Anas rubripes) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) (Jellison et al 2004;Zhou et al, 2004).…”

“…Thus far, four Cryptosporidium species/genotypes have been identified in chickens and ducks, including C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. galli, and the duck genotype (Slavin, 1955;Current et al, 1986;Morgan et al, 2001;Ryan et al, 2003;Jellison et al, 2004;Zhou et al, 2004;Amer et al, 2010). Among the species/genotypes, C. baileyi was originally isolated from commercial broiler chickens and is probably the most common avian Cryptosporidium species.…”

“…are recognized: Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium baileyi, and Cryptosporidium galli (Slavin, 1955;Current et al, 1986;Ryan et al, 2003). In addition, a few genotypes have been also described in recent years, for example avian genotypes (I to V), goose genotypes (I to IV), duck genotype, and Eurasian woodcock genotype (Morgan et al, 2001;Xiao et al, 2002;Jellison et al, 2004;Zhou et al, 2004;Meireles et al, 2006;Ng et al, 2006;Abe & Makino, 2010).…”

Cryptosporidium in birds, fish and amphibians

“…and genotypes from Canada geese collected from 13 sites in Ohio and Illinois; goose genotype I, goose genotype II, the duck genotype, C. parvum and C. hominis (Zhou, et al, 2004). Phylogenetic and sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene has revealed that goose genotypes I and II and the duck genotype are closely related.…”

“…Microscopic analysis of hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained sections from the black duck indicated an enteric infection with numerous oocysts attached to the apical surface of the enterocytes of the small intestine but clinical information on this bird was not available. The duck genotype has subsequently been identified in Canada geese (Branta canadensis) (Jellison, et al, 2004, Zhou, et al, 2004). …”