Comparative Evaluation of the Serological Methods and the Molecular Genetics Techniques for the Diagnosis of <i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> in Rabbits (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>)
<i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> is a microsporidian widely spread in rabbits (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>) and other species, including humans, causative of neurological disorders or remaining in a latent state in the host organism. The aim of this study was to estimate the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1478 |
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| Summary: | <i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> is a microsporidian widely spread in rabbits (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>) and other species, including humans, causative of neurological disorders or remaining in a latent state in the host organism. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of <i>E. cuniculi</i> in rabbits located in the North-Western region of Romania, and to run a comparative diagnosis for <i>E. cuniculi</i> by multiple methods. A total of 381 rabbits were included, originating from households, family farms and wildlife, which were subjected to serological and/or molecular genetics diagnostic methods for <i>E. cuniculi</i> identification. Seropositivity of 43.02% (151/351) was obtained by ELISA, together with a 45.45% (110/242) prevalence from urine, feces and organs by nested PCR. Additionally, a prevalence of 48.39% (15/31) was identified by a comparative real-time PCR (qPCR). The urinary bladder is firstly reported for molecular <i>E. cuniculi</i> diagnosis, with a positivity of 30.56% (11/36) by nested PCR. Despite the disagreement between the diagnostic methods, the present results highlight the level of pathogen dissemination among rabbits in North-Western Romania that represents a risk for not only rabbits and other animals, but also for the general public by its zoonotic character. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |