Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High risk of fungal infections in dogs and cats in China
By Wang, Haiyan et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2020·Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, China·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Occurrence, risk factors and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in dogs and cats in Guangzhou, southern China: high genotype diversity and zoonotic concern.
Plain-English summary
In a study conducted in Guangzhou, southern China, researchers looked at a common fungal pathogen called Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which can infect both dogs and cats. They collected fecal samples from 651 dogs and 389 cats and found that about 22.9% of dogs and 20.3% of cats had this pathogen in their stool. The study suggested that poor living conditions were a major risk factor for these infections. They identified several different genotypes of the pathogen, with the most common being PtEb IX, which was found in both species, indicating that the pathogen can likely spread between dogs and cats. This research highlights the potential risk of these infections not only for pets but also for humans, as some genotypes can be transmitted to people.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, has a wide range of hosts. Limited epidemiological data on E. bieneusi intestinal infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in China exists. In this study, fecal samples (651 from dogs and 389 from cats) in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, China, were collected, and the ribosomal internal transcribed (ITS) spacer region from the DNA extracted from them was Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: Based on the sequencing data, E. bieneusi was identified in the fecal samples collected from 149 (22.9%) and 79 (20.3%) dogs and cats. Of the factors investigated, poor living conditions appeared to be the major risk factor for contracting the pathogen. Eleven E. bieneusi genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, I) and five novel (designated here as GD2- GD6), were found in dogs. Eight genotypes, six known (PtEb IX, GD1, D, CD9, EbpC, Type IV) and two novel (GD2 and GC1), were identified in cats. Genotype PtEb IX was most common in both dogs and cats, followed by genotype GD1. CONCLUSIONS: Although PtEb IX was the most common E. bieneusi genotype in dogs, this is the first report of this genotype dominating in cats. The same genotype distribution of the pathogen between the two different companion animals species in the same geographic area indicates that inter-species transmission is probable. The widespread existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes (D, EbpC, Type IV) in companion animals indicates that they are potential sources of environmental contamination and infections in humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32552737/