Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium parvum from calves by mutation scanning and targeted sequencing - Zoonotic implications

Abstract

This study explored the genetic make-up of Cryptosporidium in fecal samples from 268 individual calves on pasture-based dairy farms in three regions of Victoria, Australia. An integrated approach, using PCR-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism, targeted sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, was employed to classify the genetic variants (i.e. genotypes and subgenotypes) of Cryptosporidium parvum present in 124 (46.3%) samples and to infer their zoonotic potential. Genotypic and subgenotypic classification was achieved using a portion of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (designated pgp60); specific identity was verified using a region within the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RN..