Development of a gp60-subtyping method for Cryptosporidium felis

Parasites & Vectors

卷:13

Kristin Elwin¹  Rachel M. Chalmers¹  Karin Troell²  Heidi L. Enemark²  Laura Rojas-Lopez³  Jessica Beser³ 

[1] Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital Sgeti;

[2] National Veterinary Institute;

[3] Public Health Agency of Sweden;

关键词: Cryptosporidiosis;    Molecular typing;    Zoonotic transmission;    60-kDa glycoprotein;    Source tracking;    Genetic variability;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13071-020-3906-9

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Feline cryptosporidiosis is an increasing problem, especially in catteries. In humans, close contact with cats could be a potential source of infection although the risk of contracting cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium felis is considered to be relatively low. Sequencing of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene is a commonly used tool for investigation of the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium species. However, until now the sequence of gp60 from C. felis has not been available and genotyping has been limited to less discriminatory markers, such as 18S rRNA, COWP and HSP70. Methods We have identified the gp60 orthologue within the genome sequence of C. felis, and used the sequence to design a nested PCR for subtyping purposes. A total of 128 clinical isolates of both feline and human origin, were used to evaluate the marker. Results Sequence analysis revealed large variations between the different samples. The C. felis gp60 lack the characteristic serine-tract found in many other cryptosporidian orthologues, instead it has an insertion of variable length (361–742 nt). Also, two cases of suspected zoonotic transmission of C. felis between cats and humans were successfully confirmed. Conclusions We have identified the gp60 gene in C. felis and show how this highly variable marker can be used in epidemiological investigations.

【 授权许可】

Unknown