1. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of birds kept in captivity in Brazil.
- Author
-
Nakamura AA, Simões DC, Antunes RG, da Silva DC, and Meireles MV
- Subjects
- Actins genetics, Animals, Birds, Brazil, Cryptosporidiosis parasitology, Cryptosporidium classification, Cryptosporidium isolation & purification, Feces parasitology, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S genetics, Animals, Zoo parasitology, Bird Diseases parasitology, Cryptosporidiosis veterinary, Cryptosporidium genetics
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in birds kept in captivity in Brazil. A total of 966 samples from 18 families of birds was collected and stored in 5% potassium dichromate solution at 4 degrees C until processing. Oocysts were purified in Sheather sugar solution following extraction of genomic DNA. Molecular analyses were performed using nested-PCR for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA gene and of the actin gene. Amplification of Cryptosporidium DNA fragments was obtained in 47 (4.86%) samples. Sequencing of amplified fragments and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium baileyi in a black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and a saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola); Cryptosporidium galli in canaries (Serinus canaria), a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and lesser seed-finches (Oryzoborus angolensis); Cryptosporidium meleagridis in a domestic chicken (G. g. domesticus); Cryptosporidium parvum in a cockatiel (N. hollandicus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype I in a canary (S. canaria) and an Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype II in ostriches (Struthio camelus) and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III in a cockatiel (N. hollandicus) and a peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicolis).
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF