Molecular detection and characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt

Abstract

The most abundant species detected was <i>G. duodenalis</i> (3.9%, 4/102; 95% CI: 1.1-9.7), followed by <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i>. (2.9%, 3/102; 95% CI: 0.6-8.4). All samples tested negative for the presence of <i>E. bieneusi</i>. Sequence analysis data confirmed the presence of zoonotic <i>C. parvum</i> (66.7%, 2/3) and cattle-adapted <i>C. bovis</i> (33.3%, 1/3). These <i>Cryptosporidium</i> isolates, as well as the four <i>Giardia</i>-positive isolates, were unable to be amplified at adequate genotyping markers (<i>Cryptosporidium</i>: <i>gp60</i>; <i>Giardia</i>: <i>gdh, bg</i>, and <i>tpi</i>). Camels younger than 2 years old were significantly more likely to harbor <i>Cryptosporidium</i> infections. This connection was not statistically significant, although two of the three cryptosporidiosis cases were detected in camels with diarrhea. The spread of <i>G. duodenalis</i> infections was unaffected by any risk variables studied. This is the first report of <i>C. parvum</i> and <i>C. bovis</i> in Egyptian camels. The finding of zoonotic <i>C. parvum</i> has public health implications since camels may function as sources of oocyst pollution in the environment and potentially infect livestock and humans. Although preliminary, this study provides useful baseline data on the epidemiology of diarrhea-causing microeukaryotic parasites in Egypt. Further research is required to confirm and expand our findings in other animal populations and geographical regions of the country.