Molecular characterization of < i > Cryptosporidium < /i > spp. from humans in Ethiopia

This study examined the presence and genetic diversity ofCryptosporidium species circulating in Ethiopian human population. Stool samples collected from patients who visited rural (n = 94) and urban (n = 93) health centers in Wurgissa and Hawassa district, respectively, were examined for the presence ofCryptosporidium spp. using microscopy, nested PCR and real-time PCR. To detect infection with PCR, analysis of18S ribosomal RNA was performed. Subtyping was performed by sequencing a fragment ofGP60 gene. The overall prevalence of infection was 46% (n = 86) by microscope and PCR. When 48 (out of 86) PCR positive samples were genotyped, two species were identified:C.parvum (n = 40) andC.hominis (n = 8). When 15 of the 40C.parvum isolates were subtyped, zoonotic subtypes of IIaA14G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA15G2R1 (n = 1), IIaA16G1R1 (n = 2), IIaA16G3R1 (n = 2), IIaA17G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA19G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA20G1R1 (n = 3), IIaA22G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA22G2R1 (n = 1), IIdA23G1 (n = 1) and IIdA24G1 (n = 1) were identified. When 6 of the 8C.hominis isolates were subtyped, subtypes IaA20 (n = 5), and IdA21(n = 1) were identified. This study suggests thatC.parvum andC.hominis are causes of cryptosporidiosis in human in the Wurgissa district and Hawassa in Ethiopia. Zoonotic transmission might be the main route of transmission.
Source: PLoS One - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research