Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in pet dogs in Yunnan China
By Jian, Jinhua et al.·Published in Parasite (Paris, France)·2024·Hangzhou Medical College, China·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Occurrence and genetic characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 4.9% of pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China, tested positive for a parasite called Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which can also infect humans. This parasite was identified in fecal samples from 589 dogs, with 15 different genotypes discovered, some of which have been previously linked to human infections. The presence of these genotypes suggests that dogs could potentially transmit this parasite to people. While the study highlights a concern for pet owners, it does not provide specific treatment options for infected dogs.
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Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species in humans and can affect over 200 animal species. Considering possible increasing risk of human E. bieneusi infection due to close contact with pet dogs and identification of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes, 589 fresh fecal specimens of pet dogs were collected from Yunnan Province, China to determine the occurrence of E. bieneusi, characterize dog-derived E. bieneusi isolates, and assess their zoonotic potential at the genotype level. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Twenty-nine specimens (4.9%) were positive. A statistical difference was observed in occurrence rates of E. bieneusi in pet dogs among 11 sampling sites by Fisher's exact test. Fifteen genotypes were identified and all of them phylogenetically belonged to zoonotic group 1, including four known genotypes (EbpC, D, Peru 8, and Henan-III) and 11 novel genotypes. Genotype Henan-III was reported in dogs for the first time. The finding of known genotypes found previously in humans and novel genotypes falling into zoonotic group 1 indicates that dogs may play a role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in the investigated areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38787023/