Molecular characterization ofspp. in Bactrian camels () from Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: spp. is a significant zoonotic parasite. The prevalence and infection characteristics ofspp. in Bactrian camels in Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture have yet to be fully understood. Thus, the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in camels was investigated in this region. METHODS: A total of 1,455 fecal samples were collected from 6 counties in three regions (Altay, Tacheng, and Yili) in Yili Prefecture. Nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was used to identify the species or genotypes ofinfection in camels. Forpositive samples, the subtypes were identified using the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The overall infection rate was 8.7% (126/1,455), ranging from 5.6% to 11.7% in different regions, and 4.2% to 15.8% in different counties. A significant difference was observed amongst the counties (< 0.001). Three species were detected, namely(65.1%, 82/126),(34.1%, 43/126), and(0.8%, 1/126). Threesubtypes, If-like-A15G2 (= 29), IIdA15G1 (= 4), and IIdA19G1(= 1) were detected, with If-like-A15G2 being the most prevalent subtype. Camels aged 3-12 months exhibited the highest infection rate (11.4%, 44/387), with no significant difference among age groups (> 0.05).was predominant in camels under 3 months, whileprevailed in camels over 3 months. There was an extremely significant difference observed among seasons (< 0.001), summer had the highest infection rates (16.9%, 61/360). This study collected nearly 1,500 samples and, for the first time, investigatedspp. infection in camels based on different age groups and seasons. All threespecies identified were zoonotic, posing a potential threat to human health and requiring close attention.