First Molecular Identification of <i>Entamoeba</i> spp. in Sheep, Beef Cattle, and Dairy Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China
<i>Entamoeba</i> spp. are common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, which can lead to serious intestinal diseases in both humans and animals through fecal–oral transmission, leading to significant economic losses and public health challenges. To reveal the prevalence of <i>Entamoeba<...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Veterinary Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/1/19 |
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| Summary: | <i>Entamoeba</i> spp. are common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, which can lead to serious intestinal diseases in both humans and animals through fecal–oral transmission, leading to significant economic losses and public health challenges. To reveal the prevalence of <i>Entamoeba</i> in sheep and cattle in Shanxi Province, North China, fecal samples were collected from 311 sheep, 392 dairy cattle, and 393 beef cattle from three representative counties in the northern, central, and southern regions of Shanxi Province. DNA was extracted from the fecal samples and amplified by PCR with primers targeting the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of <i>Entamoeba</i> spp., followed by the sequencing of the positive products. The overall infection rates of <i>Entamoeba</i> were 51.5% (160/311), 82.9% (325/392), and 79.1% (311/393) in sheep, dairy cattle, and beef cattle, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the infection rate of <i>Entamoeba</i> and the location factor in sheep, dairy cattle, and beef cattle (<i>p</i> < 0.001). According to the obtained SSU rRNA sequences, several <i>Entamoeba</i> species, namely <i>Entamoeba bovis</i>, <i>Entamoeba</i> Ribosomal Lineage (RL) 2, <i>Entamoeba</i> RL4, and <i>Entamoeba</i> RL8, were identified. This study represents the first molecular survey of <i>Entamoeba</i> prevalence in sheep, beef cattle, and dairy cattle in Shanxi Province. The findings extend the geographical distribution of <i>Entamoeba</i> spp. and provide valuable scientific data for the prevention and control of amoebiasis in Shanxi Province. |
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| ISSN: | 2306-7381 |