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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Genetic characterisation of Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Brazil

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Author(s):
Paz e Silva, Flavio Medeiros [1] ; Lopes, Raimundo Souza [2] ; Araujo, Jr., Joao Pessoa [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Biosci Inst, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, Lab Mol Diag, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Vet Clin, Parasit Dis Lab, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA; v. 59, n. 1, p. 15-20, FEB 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 11
Abstract

The intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (Lambl, 1859) Kofoid \& Christiansen, 1915 {[}syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia] has emerged as a widespread enteric pathogen in humans and domestic animals. In recent years, G. duodenalis has been found in cattle worldwide and longitudinal studies have reported cumulative prevalence of 100% in some herds. In the present study, we determined the prevalence and genetic characterisation of G. duodenalis in 200 dairy cattle from 10 dairy farms in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. All faecal specimens were screened for the presence of G. duodenalis using microscopy examination, enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from faecal samples and G. duodenalis were identified by amplification of the small subunit ribosomal (SSU-rDNA) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) genes followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or sequencing analysis. Giardia was identified in eight farm locations (80% prevalence). Overall, 15/200 (7.5%) animals were positive for infection, only one of which was a cow. Giardia duodenalis genotype E was present in 14 of the animals tested. Zoonotic genotype AI was present in one positive sample. Genotype E and genotype A represented 93% and 7% of G. duodenalis infections, respectively. This study demonstrates that G. duodenalis infection was prevalent in dairy calves in Sao Paulo state and that the non-zoonotic genotype E predominates in cattle in this region. Nevertheless, calves naturally infected in Brazil can shed Giardia cysts that can potentially infect humans, and thus, they may represent a public health risk. (AU)