First report of Cryptosporidium parvum in a dromedary camel calf from Western Australia

Abstract

AbstractCryptosporidiumis an important enteric parasite that can contribute large numbers of infectious oocysts to drinking water catchments. As a result of its resistance to disinfectants including chlorine, it has been responsible for numerous waterborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Wildlife and livestock play an important role in the transmission ofCryptosporidiumin the environment. Studies conducted outside Australia have indicated that camels may also play a role in the transmission of zoonotic species ofCryptosporidium. Despite Australia being home to the world’s largest camel herd, nothing is known about the prevalence and species ofCryptosporidiuminfecting camels in this country. In the present study,C. parvumwas identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of a formalin-fixed intestinal tissue specimen from a one-week old dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Subtyping analysis at the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) locus identifiedC. parvumsubtype IIaA17G2R1, which is a common zoonotic subtype reported in humans and animals worldwide. Histopathological findings also confirmed the presence of large numbers of variably-sized (1–3 µm in diameter) circular basophilic protozoa – consistent withCryptosporidiumspp.– adherent to the mucosal surface and occasionally free within the lumen. Further analysis of the prevalence and species ofCryptosporidiumin camel populations across Australia are essential to better understand their potential for contamination of drinking water catchments.