BMC Veterinary Research (Jun 2020)

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in donkeys from Xinjiang, China: prevalence, molecular characterization and the assessment of zoonotic risk

  • Aiyun Zhao,
  • Ying Zhang,
  • Wen Wang,
  • Bo Jing,
  • Jinming Xing,
  • Dayong Tao,
  • Wei Zhao,
  • Meng Qi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02409-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract Background Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a zoonotic pathogen, has the potential to infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans. It is found in large number of animals; however, not much is known regarding its prevalence in equine animals, particularly donkeys. This is the first molecular epidemiological evaluation of E. bieneusi in 178 free-ranging donkeys from five countrysides; and 502 farmed donkeys from 18 farms in 12 cities of Xinjiang, China by Nested PCR. Results E. bieneusi was detected in 2.5% (17/680) donkeys, with 2.6% (13/502) in farmed and 2.2% (4/178) in free-ranging ones. Sequence analysis identified eight ITS genotypes, all belonging to zoonotic Groups 1 or 2, including six known genotypes: horse1 (n = 5), D (n = 3), NCD-2 (n = 3), BEB6 (n = 2), BEB4 (n = 1), and NIAI (n = 1); and two new genotypes: XJD1 (n = 1) and XJD2 (n = 1). Conclusions This is the first report confirming the presence of E. bieneusi in donkeys in Xinjiang, China, and indicates the possibility of zoonotic transmission of this pathogenic parasite.

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