Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in human and animal stool samples

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, are opportunistic microorganisms having remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples from animal and human origin. Methods Three hundred and sixty nine stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi presence was determined by multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, using BLASTN and ClustalX software, to confirm identification. Results Cryptosporidium spp. was found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively (1 cat; 3 dogs, 1 goat and 1 Russian hamster). E. bieneusi was detected on human and animal stools (4 dogs and 1 pig), in the 6.82 % and 3.05% of the samples respectively. Conclusion This study evidences the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in human and animal samples from different species, and has as most interesting findings the detection of Cryptosporidium spp in pets that are not usually included in this type of studies, such as rodents and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea of different age groups and without underlying disease.