Gastrointestinal Apicomplexan Parasites in Reptiles
- Here's a breakdown of the Cryptosporidium findings from the provided text:
- * Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 10 out of 308 fecal samples (3.2%).
- * DNA was extracted from the positive samples and analyzed using primers targeting three genes: actin, gp60, and 18S rRNA.
Here’s a breakdown of the Cryptosporidium findings from the provided text:
Overall Prevalence:
* Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 10 out of 308 fecal samples (3.2%).
Genetic Analysis & Species Identification:
* DNA was extracted from the positive samples and analyzed using primers targeting three genes: actin, gp60, and 18S rRNA.
* Amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was unsuccessful.
* Actin Gene: 29 Cryptosporidium sequences were obtained, with 4 from reptiles. One sequence from a green pricklenape (A. goat) matched Cryptosporidium varanii (based on genetic analysis and oocyst morphology).
* gp60 Gene: Only 17 sequences were obtained (limited availability in the GenBank database). One sequence from a Honduran milksnake coral (L. triangulum hondurensis) matched murine cryptosporidia, suggesting Cryptosporidium tyzzeri (based on genetic analysis and oocyst size, likely from rodent prey).
Key Findings:
* At least two Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. varanii and likely C. tyzzeri.
* The C. tyzzeri case suggests transmission from rodents to the snake.
* The study identified Cryptosporidium sequences from reptiles, contributing to understanding the parasite’s diversity in thes animals.