Work

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Domestic Animals and Wildlife in Thailand With a Focus on Zoonotic Potential

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important parasitic protozoa infecting humans and a wide range of animal species. Some species and assemblages have zoonotic potential and pose health risks to both humans and animals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis and assess their zoonotic potential in pigs, cattle, cats and wildlife. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nested PCR and sequence analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene for Cryptosporidium spp. and ssu rRNA, β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes for G. duodenalis were used for molecular detection and characterization. RESULTS: The PCR positivity rate for Cryptosporidium was 17.9% (12/67) in pigs, whereas the corresponding rates for G. duodenalis were 6.0% (4/67) in pigs and 2.5% (2/80) in cats. Neither parasite was detected in cattle (0/61) or wildlife (0/144). Cryptosporidium scrofarum, a potentially zoonotic species, was the only Cryptosporidium species identified. Among the four Giardia-positive pig samples, assemblages B and E were each identified in two samples. Co-infection with C. scrofarum and assemblage E was detected in one pig. Feline-associated assemblage F was identified in two cat samples. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially zoonotic C. scrofarum and zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage B were detected in pigs, together with livestock-associated assemblage E. Feline-associated assemblage F was identified in cats. These findings provide historical, sample-specific molecular data on the animals examined.

Source: Veterinary Medicine and Science

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71327