We investigated the genotypes of Cryptosporidium infecting red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris L.) in two areas of the Western Alps in Italy. Examination of 141 faecal samples from 70 red squirrels revealed oocysts of Cryptosporidium in 17 animals (24.3%). Based on 18S rRNA gene sequencing, two genotypes of Cryptosporidium species were found: 15 squirrels were positive for the Cryptosporidium ferret genotype and 2 for the Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I. The occurrence and intensity of Cryptosporidium infection did not differ between the study areas or sex. More than 85% of the positive animals were adults; however no difference was found between Cryptosporidium infection in the juvenile and adult age groups. Oocysts of the Cryptosporidium ferret genotype measured 5.5 ± 0.3 × 5.2 ± 0.2 µm (shape index 1.06) and the Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I 5.8 ± 0.3 × 5.4 ± 0.3 µm (shape index 1.07). Neonatal and adult CD1 and BABL/c mice inoculated with 1 × 103 fresh oocysts of both genotypes did not produce detectable infection.
- MeSH
- Cryptosporidium cytologie genetika izolace a purifikace klasifikace MeSH
- feces parazitologie MeSH
- genotyp MeSH
- kryptosporidióza epidemiologie parazitologie veterinární MeSH
- molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
- myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nemoci hlodavců epidemiologie parazitologie MeSH
- protozoální DNA genetika chemie MeSH
- ribozomální DNA genetika chemie MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 18S genetika MeSH
- Sciuridae parazitologie MeSH
- sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
- sexuální faktory MeSH
- věkové faktory MeSH
- zeměpis MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Itálie MeSH
