biostudies-literatureMoreira GFundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaFCT–Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology1874https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11240438biostudies-literatureUnknown14(13)<i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i>, an intracellular eukaryote closely related to fungi, is recognized as a significant pathogen affecting humans, particularly those with compromised immune systems. While its transmission routes are still not fully elucidated, fecal-oral transmission remains the primary one. With a wide host range, the zoonotic potential of <i>E. bieneusi</i> is a concern, albeit direct evidence of animal-to-human transmission remains scarce. Genotyping based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region facilitates the delineation of genetic diversity, with potentially zoonotic genotypes predominantly associated with Groups 1 and 2. Despite the broad spectrum of susceptible animal hosts, research into microsporidian infection among zoo animals remains limited. This study aiAnimals : an open access journal from MDPIDetection of <i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i> in Non-Human Primates in Portuguese Zoos.PMC112404382021.09461.BD2022.15408.BDCruz AVSSantos-Silva SMoreira RSSMesquita JRMoreira GfalseDetection of <i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i> in Non-Human Primates in Portuguese Zoos.<i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i>, an intracellular eukaryote closely related to fungi, is recognized as a significant pathogen affecting humans, particularly those with compromised immune systems. While its transmission routes are still not fully elucidated, fecal-oral transmission remains the primary one. With a wide host range, the zoonotic potential of <i>E. bieneusi</i> is a concern, albeit direct evidence of animal-to-human transmission remains scarce. Genotyping based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region facilitates the delineation of genetic diversity, with potentially zoonotic genotypes predominantly associated with Groups 1 and 2. Despite the broad spectrum of susceptible animal hosts, research into microsporidian infection among zoo animals remains limited. This study ai2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Jun2026-04-22T03:23:27.575Z2026-04-22T03:11:58.248ZS-EPMC112404383899798610.3390/ani14131874