[Cryptosporidium parvum in wild gastropods as bioindicators of fecal contamination in terrestrial ecosystems].
Cryptosporidium sp oocysts were detected in snails (Helix aspersa Miller) and slug (Deroceras reticulatum Miller) from the Valparaiso Region, Chile. Snails and slug were collected from public squares and private domestic gardens. Cryptosporidium sp oocysts were recovered from faeces of both species. Ziehl Neelsen stain, nested PCR, and sequencing analysis demonstrated a profile similar to that described for genotype C or 2 of the parasite. These results demonstrate that snails and slug could act as a reservoir and mechanic vector of C. parvum infection for humans and animals. Moreover, gastropods could serve as bioindicators of fecal soil contamination.
Neira O
Patricia
P
Departamento de Preclínicas Cátedra de Parasitología, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. patricia.neira@uv.cl
Muñoz S
Nelson
N
Stanley V
Bárbara
B
Gosh C
Marianne
M
Rosales L
M José
MJ
D000818:Animals; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000469:parasitology*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D049851:Gastropoda / Q000145:classification / Q000469:parasitology*; D005838:Genotype; D033661:Oocysts; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology*
D012987:Soil