First Report of the Human-Pathogenic Enterocytozoon bieneusi from Red-Bellied Tree Squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in Sichuan, China.

ABSTRACT: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common opportunistic pathogen causing diarrhea and enteric disease in a variety of animal hosts. Although it has been reported in many animals, there is no published information available on the occurrence of E. bieneusi in red-bellied tree squirrels. To understand the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in red-bellied tree squirrels, 144 fecal specimens from Sichuan province, China, were examined by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of E. bieneusi. The overall infection rate of E. bieneusi 16.7% (24/144) was observed in red-bellied tree squirrels. Altogether five genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified: three known genotypes D (n = 18), EbpC (n = 3

SUBMITTER: Deng L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5040432 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature