| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5910504 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 2013 | 8 Pages |
In order to examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wild rodents in the Philippines and understand the role wild rodents play in the transmission of this parasite to humans and livestock, 194 fecal samples from wild rats and mice from Luzon and Mindoro islands were examined. Molecular screening at the 18S and actin gene loci identified an overall prevalence of 25.8% (95%CI: 19.8, 32.5). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of both loci identified C. parvum, C. muris, C. scrofarum, rat genotypes I-IV and a C. suis-like genotype in the rat-derived isolates and is the first report of C. suis-like and C. scrofarum in rats. Mixed infections were identified in 24% of the Cryptosporidium positive isolates. Rat genotypes II, III and IV showed high intragenotypic variation at the 18S gene locus compared to the actin locus.
⺠High genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium sp. exists in wild rodents in the Philippines. ⺠Human infectious species of Cryptosporidium were identified in the wild rodents. ⺠First identification of C. suis and C. scrofarum in rats. ⺠First study to analyze Cryptosporidium rat genotypes I, III and IV and C. suis-like genotype at the actin gene locus. ⺠Large intragenotypic variation at the 18S gene observed compared to the actin gene.
