Prevalence and genotypic identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces of China

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are two important pathogens with zoonotic potential that cause enteric infections in a wide range of hosts, including humans. Both are transmitted from animals to humans by direct contact or through contaminated equipment. Bears are frequently found in Chinese zoos as ornamental animals as well as farmed as commercial animals, and are therefore in close contact with zoo-or farmkeepers, but the prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in bears is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to provide data on the occurrence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in Asiatic black bears from Heilongjiang and Fujian, China. From May 2015 to December 2017, 218 fresh fecal specimens were collected from captive Asiatic black bears in Heilongjiang (n = 36) and Fujian (n = 182), China. Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi were examined by PCR amplification of the partial small subunit of ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, respectively. C. andersoni-positive isolates were subtyped through PCR analysis of the four minisatellite/microsatellite (MS1, MS2, MS3 and MS16) loci. Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi were 2.4% (4/218) and 6.4% (14/218), respectively, with 2.8% (1/36) and 22.2% (8/36) in the Heilongjiang Province, and 1.6% (3/182) and 3.3% (6/182) in the Fujian Province. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium species: C. andersoni (n = 3) and a genotype termed Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (n = 1). All three identified C. andersoni belonged to the MLST subtype A4, A4, A4, A1. Two known E. bieneusi genotypes D (n = 4) and SC02 (n = 10) were identified, both of which belong to zoonotic Group 1. Conclusions: This is the first report of C. andersoni and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV in bears. The discovery of the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi genotype D in bears highlights its significant zoonotic potential and potential threat to human health.

Exploration of Zoo felids in North-East China for the prevalence and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp.

“…Higher proportion of Cryptosporidium prevalence has been reported previously in wild and domestic mammals in South Africa (14%, 8/56) and in free-living wild felids in Brasil (15%, 2/13) (Lukášová et al, 2018;Holsback et al, 2013). Fewer studies also revealed lower rates of Cryptosporidium in wild and captive reptiles in USA 3% (15/528) and in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibatenus) in China 2.4% (4/218) (Upton et al, 1989;Wang et al, 2020). In Italy, parasitic investigation in mammals of two zoological gardens reported the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in carnivores (10%), primates (66.7%) and artiodactyls (25%) (Fagiolini et al, 2010).…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of microsporidia infection among dogs: a zoonotic concern

“…In the current study, the results of the microscopic prevalence are higher than the other two methods, which may be due to misdiagnosis with other elements and microorganisms. Nevertheless, nowadays molecular techniques are considered the gold standard for detection and differentiation of microsporidia at the species/genotype levels [63,64]. The main advantage of molecular methods is higher sensitivity and specificity, along with easier interpretation [65,66].…”

Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection in Wild Rodents From Six Provinces in China

“…E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. are the common zoonotic enteric pathogens responsible for a majority of parasitic diarrhea diseases worldwide ( Qi et al., 2015 ; Zhang X. et al., 2018 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ; Wang S. N. et al., 2020 ). Both of them can infect humans and a wide variety of animals (e.g., rodents) ( Wang et al., 2013 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ; Li and Xiao, 2020 ; Wang S. N. et al., 2020 ) mainly through water-borne and food-borne routes ( Wang et al., 2013 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ).…”

“…are the common zoonotic enteric pathogens responsible for a majority of parasitic diarrhea diseases worldwide ( Qi et al., 2015 ; Zhang X. et al., 2018 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ; Wang S. N. et al., 2020 ). Both of them can infect humans and a wide variety of animals (e.g., rodents) ( Wang et al., 2013 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ; Li and Xiao, 2020 ; Wang S. N. et al., 2020 ) mainly through water-borne and food-borne routes ( Wang et al., 2013 ; Zhao et al., 2018 ). In general, healthy people infected with both pathogens are asymptomatic or manifest symptoms of self-limiting diarrhea.…”