Occurrence and molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in wild and domestic animal species in Portugal

Journal Article · Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 EST 2023 · Medical Mycology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/mmy/myad018· OSTI ID:1958694

Figueiredo, Ana M. ; Dashti, Alejandro; Santín, Mónica; Köster, Pamela C.; Torres, Rita T.; Fonseca, Carlos; Mysterud, Atle; Carvalho, João; Sarmento, Pedro; Neves, Nuno; Hipólito, Dário; Palmeira, Josman D.; Teixeira, Daniela; Lima, Cátia; Calero-Bernal, Rafael; Carmena, David

Abstract The phylum Microsporidia encompasses a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming organisms able to infect a wide range of animal hosts. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently reported species in humans and animals. Little is known about the presence and epidemiology of E. bieneusi in wildlife. We investigated E. bieneusi occurrence and genetic diversity in wild and domestic mammals, through molecular-detection methods, from different regions across Portugal. A total of 756 samples were collected from 288, 242, and 226 wild carnivores, wild ungulates, and domestic animals, respectively. Overall, eight specimens were E. bieneusi-positive (1.1%, 8/756) obtained from five wild (Iberian lynx, Iberian wolf, red fox, stone marten, and wild boar) and one domestic (sheep) host. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified four genotypes of E. bieneusi, Type IV, Wildboar3, BEB6, and PtEbIX. Three of those genotypes belong to Groups 1 (Type IV and Wildboar3) and 2 (BEB6), which are known to contain genotypes capable of infecting a variety of hosts, including humans, highlighting their public health importance. PtEbIX belongs to the dog-specific Group 11. This study represents the first, largest, and most comprehensive molecular-based epidemiology survey carried out in Portugal in wild and domestic animals to date and the first worldwide identification of E. bieneusi in wolf species. Our study showed that wild carnivores and ungulates may act as reservoirs of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi, establishing their role in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of this parasite while representing a potential source of infection for humans and domestic animals.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain
• OSTI ID: 1958694
• Journal Information: Medical Mycology, Journal Name: Medical Mycology Vol. 61 Journal Issue: 2; ISSN 1369-3786
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English