Mammal-related Cryptosporidium infections in endemic reptiles of New Zealand.
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Date
2023-05-01
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Springer Nature
Rights
(c) 2023 The Author/s
CC BY 4.0
CC BY 4.0
Abstract
New Zealand's endemic reptile fauna is highly threatened and pathogens causing infectious diseases may be a significant risk to already endangered species. Here, we investigate Cryptosporidium infection in captive endemic New Zealand reptiles. We found two mammal-related Cryptosporidium species (C. hominis and C. parvum) and six subtypes from three gp60 families (Ib, Ig and IIa) in 12 individuals of captive endemic Tuatara, Otago and Grand skinks, and Jewelled and Rough geckos. Cryptosporidium serpentis was identified in two Jewelled geckos using 18S. In New Zealand, C. hominis and C. parvum are associated with infections in humans and introduced domestic animals but have also been recently found in wildlife. Our finding of Cryptosporidium infection in endemic reptiles can help inform strategies to monitor the conservation of species and manage potential introductions of pathogens to in-situ and ex-situ populations.
Description
Keywords
Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium serpentis, Gecko, Skink, Tuatara, Zooanthroponosis, Humans, Animals, Cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium, New Zealand, Lizards, Mammals, Genotype, Feces, DNA, Protozoan
Citation
Garcia-R JC, Pita AB, Velathanthiri N, Pas A, Hayman DTS. (2023). Mammal-related Cryptosporidium infections in endemic reptiles of New Zealand.. Parasitol Res. 122. 5. (pp. 1239-1244).