Molecular Characterization and Zoonotic Potential ofspp. andin Wild Rodents and Sympatric Livestock in Xinjiang, China.

Abstract

spp. andare significant enteric pathogens that affect a wide range of animal hosts, posing potential zoonotic risks. Wildlife-livestock interfaces are increasingly recognized as key settings for pathogen spillover, yet molecular epidemiological data from Xinjiang, China, remain limited. In this study, 191 fecal samples were collected from wild rodents and sympatric artiodactyls on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in Bortala Prefecture, Xinjiang. Nested PCR targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene ofspp. and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region ofwas performed, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Selected-positive samples were further characterized at theandgenes. Overall,spp. andwere detected in 5.8% (11/191) and 4.2% (8/191) of samples, respectively. Fourgenotypes were identified, including chipmunk genotype V, ground squirrel genotype II,, and. Rodent-adapted genotypes predominated in long-tailed ground squirrels and gray marmots, whereaswas detected in yak. While SSU rRNA andgenes showed consistent clustering for several isolates, discordant phylogenetic signals at thegene suggested the possibility of coinfections. Fourgenotypes were identified, including the zoonotic genotypes A, BEB6, XJHT4, as well as a novel genotype, XJWR1. The detection of genotype A in both rodents and sheep suggests potential interspecies transmission occurring at shared grazing sites. These findings expand the molecular evidence onspp. andin Xinjiang and highlight wildlife-livestock interfaces as potential hotspots for pathogen exchange in transboundary pastoral ecosystems.