Investigation of Cryptosporidium infection in a broad range of hosts in northern China.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium infection occurs in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. To date, at least 49 species and 120 genotypes have been identified. Hitherto, molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species in wildlife has seldom been reported in China. METHODS: During 2014-2025, a total of 1855 small intestinal or fecal specimens were collected from 1500 mammals, 121 reptiles, and 234 birds in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), northern China. The identification of each animal species was based on morphological characteristics and mitochondrial gene amplification. Detection of Cryptosporidium species was performed by amplifying part of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (GP60) gene was used to confirm their species and subtypes. RESULTS: The samples were collected from 39 mammalian, 6 reptilian, and 30 avian species. In these samples, the average rate of infection with Cryptosporidium species was 8.09% (150/1855). In total, 18 known Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were identified, including Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, Cryptosporidium muris, Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium equi, Cryptosporidium proventriculi, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium rubeyi, chipmunk genotype V, vole genotype III, vole genotype V, muskrat genotype I, bat genotype IV, yak genotype, deer genotype, goose genotype I, and one unnamed Cryptosporidium sp. In addition, a novel genotype, here designated as Cryptosporidium Mongolian pika genotype, was identified in the Mongolian pika (Ochotona pallasi). CONCLUSIONS: Investigation of Cryptosporidium infection was carried out by screening 75 animal species. Overall, 19 Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were detected, including a novel genotype in Mongolian pika and first-time diagnosis of this infection in several rodent species (e.g., red-cheeked ground squirrels, great gerbils, northern mole voles, and Libyan jirds).