Epidemiological Investigation And Molecular Characteristics Of Cryptosporidium Spp In Display Birds In Zhengzhou Area

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most common parasitosis in domestic, caged and wild birds. Cryptosporidium has been reported in more than 30 avian species worldwide and the clinical signs of digestive tract and respiratory tract are commonly seen. The domestic and pet avians can transmit zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp., and the wild birds and waterfowl can contaminate the drinking and amusement water, therefore, the public health significance is obvious. Between March 2008 and May 2009, a survey was conducted in pet birds in Zhengzhou pet shops by Shether's sugar flotation and modified acid-fast stain methods.A total of 493 fecal samples from 31 species of pet birds were examined, 40 Cryptosporidum-positive samples from 13 birds species were found, with the overall infection rate was 8.1%. The infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp. in < 6 months, 7-12 months, and more than 12 months were 8.3%, 9.6%, and 4.7%. Among the birds aged more than 12 months, only the Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was found Cryptosporidium infection. In season, winter had the highest infection (12.2%), the lowest prevalence (4.3%) was observed in summer, whereas the infection rates in spring and autumn were 6.5% and 11.8%, respectively.A nested-PCR method based on 18S rRNA gene was used to amplify the 40 Cryptosporidium-positive sample, 35 samples were successfully amplified and sequenced. The sequences obtained were conducted alignment analysis, similarity analysis, and phylogenetic relationship analysis by ClustalX 1.81, DNAstar 5.0, and Phylip 3.67 softwares, respectively. Five Cryptosporidium species or genotypes were identified, including 18 C. baileyi, three C. meleagridis, five C. galli, three avian genotype III, and six avian genotype V.In conclusion, this study investigated the prevalence status of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet birds in Zhengzhou area. And molecular analysis was conducted and identified five Cryptosporidium species/genotypes. This is the first findings of C. galli, avian genotype III, and avian genotype V in China. Moreover, the 12 species of birds represented the new hosts for Cryptosporidium infection. The molecular characterization of pet birds in this study lay a solid foundation for further studing the Cryptosporidium spp. in birds.