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.
Suárez-Luengas
Laura
L
Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Clavel
Antonio
A
Quílez
Joaquín
J
Goñi-Cepero
María Pilar
MP
Torres
Eucaris
E
Sánchez-Acedo
Caridad
C
del Cacho
Emilio
E
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