Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from pigs in Zaragoza (northeastern Spain).
A total of 142 stool specimens from pigs on 24 farms from the province of Zaragoza (northeastern Spain) were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. Samples were first analysed by routine techniques (formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain) selecting those microscopically positive for genetic characterization. Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were determined by a nested PCR-RFLP technique at the 18S ribosomal DNA locus and sequencing of the PCR-positive secondary products. Cryptosporidium oocysts were microscopically identified in the faeces of 32 pigs (22.5%) from 15 farms (62.5%). Infected animals included 23 weaned piglets (30.7%), 5 fattening pigs (11.9%) and 4 sows (16%). Diarrhoea was not detected in any of the infected pigs. The molecular characterization was successfully performed in 26 samples from 14 farms. Cryptosporidium suis was found in 10 specimens from 7 farms (nine weaned piglets and one sow) and the Cryptosporidium pig genotype II in 16 samples from 10 farms (13 weaned piglets and 3 fattening pigs). Both C. suis and the pig genotype II were concurrently detected on three farms.
Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Laura
L
Suárez-Luengas
Antonio
A
Clavel
Joaquín
J
Quílez
María Pilar
MP
Goñi-Cepero
Eucaris
E
Torres
Caridad
C
Sánchez-Acedo
Emilio
E
del Cacho
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005838:Genotype; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D033661:Oocysts; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / Q000235:genetics; D013030:Spain; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*
D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S