Work

Novel zoonotic Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon genotypes in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Iran: Public health implications

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: To determine the occurrence of microsporidiosis in domestic pigeons in Iran, privately-owned pigeons presenting weight loss and diarrhea were tested through molecular and histopathological methods. Multiplex-PCR findings showed 57%, 30%, and 14% positivity for Enterocytozoon , Encephalitozoon , and mixed infection in the fecal samples, respectively. A novel Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype, named IrnEb1, falling into zoonotic group 1 of E. bieneusi , and a novel genotype of Encephalitozoon hellem , named Irn2E, clustering as a sister taxon to genotype 2B were identified in pigeons for the first time using Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Histopathological examination revealed the occurrence of non-suppurative enteritis, nephritis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis associated with focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Data shown herein present a high prevalence of microsporidiosis in pigeons in Iran. Considering that both detected microsporidian species are zoonotic parasites, these findings suggest that the infected pigeons could pose a risk to public health. • Multiplex PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA gene of Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon in pigeon fecal samples. • DNA of Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon , detected in 57% and 30% of pigeons, respectively. • A novel genotype of Encephalitozoon hellem , named Irn2E, clustering as a sister taxon to genotype 2B was identified. • A novel genotype of Enterocytozoon bieneusi , named IrnEb1, falling into zoonotic group 1 of E. bieneusi was identified. • The high prevalence of microsporidiosis suggests that infected pigeons could pose a risk to public health.

Source: Current Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100232