First detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in red-bellied tree squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in China

• Main Authors: Chai Yijun, Deng Lei, Liu Haifeng, Yao Jingxin, Zhong Zhijun, Xiang Leiqiong, Fu Hualin, Shen Liuhong, Zhou Ziyao, Deng Junliang, Hu Yanchun, Peng Guangneng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2019-01-01
• Series: Parasite
• Subjects: Cryptosporidium; Zoonosis; Red-bellied tree squirrel; Callosciurus erythraeus; SSU rRNA
• Online Access: https://www.parasite-journal.org/articles/parasite/full_html/2019/01/parasite190007/parasite190007.html

Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause diarrhea in a variety of animal hosts. Although they have been reported in many animals, no information has been published on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in red-bellied tree squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus). A total of 287 fecal specimens were collected from Sichuan province in China; the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., measured by nested-PCR amplification of the partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, was 1.4% (4/287). Three different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes were identified: Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium wrairi (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium rat genotype II (n = 2). The present study is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in red-bellied tree squirrels in China. Although there is a relatively low occurrence of Cryptosporidium, the presence of C. parvum and C. wrairi, which were previously reported in humans, indicates that red-bellied tree squirrels may be a source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis in China.