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Background: Piroplasmosis is a common and prevalent tick‐borne disease that affects equids. Objectives: To determine the infection and molecular characteristics of the piroplasms in donkeys from Xinjiang, northwestern China, we undertook a cross sectional study by collecting representative samples across several counties within the region. Methods: A total of 344 blood samples were collected from adult domestic donkeys from 13 counties in Xinjiang. PCR was conducted to test for T. equi and B. caballi in the blood samples based on the equine merozoite antigen‐1 (Ema‐1) gene and the 48 kDa rhoptry protein (BC48) gene, respectively. Results: Sixteen blood samples tested positive for piroplasms and the overall infection rate was 4.7% (16/344). Seven of the 13 counties were positive for piroplasms. Among the 16 piroplasm‐positive samples, 15 were singly infected with T. equi with an infection rate of 4.4% (15/344), and coinfection with T. equi and B. caballi was detected in one sample (0.3%, 1/344) from Wushi. Four T. equi sequence genotypes were identified and grouped into different branches of the evolutionary trees. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the infection rate of piroplasms is low in domestic donkeys in southern Xinjiang and that T. equi genotypes have a regional distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prickly ash peel oleoresin (PPO) is a highly concentrated oil of Prickly ash essential oil and has a stronger aroma. However, its low water solubility, high volatility, difficulty in transport and storage, and decomposition by light, heat, and oxygen limit its wider application. To solve this problem, this study used freeze-drying or spray-drying, with soybean protein isolate (SPI) or gum Arabic (GA), combined with aqueous maltodextrin (MD) as the encapsulating agents to prepare four types of PPO microcapsules (POMs). Spray-dried microcapsules with GA as the encapsulating agent achieved a high encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 92.31 ± 0.31%, improved the thermal stability of the PPO, and had spherical morphology. (Headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) HS-SPME/GC-MS detected 41 volatile compounds in PPO; of these, linalool, β-myrcene, sabinene, and D-limonene were identified as key flavor components. Principal component analysis (PCA) effectively distinguished the significant differences in flavor between PPO, spray-dried SPI/MD microcapsules (SS), and spray-dried GA/MD microcapsules (SG). During 15 days of air-exposure, the loss of flavor from SG (54.62 ± 0.54%) was significantly lower than PPO (79.45 ± 1.45%) and SS (57.55 ± 0.36%). During the air-exposure period, SG consistently had the highest antioxidant capacity, making it desirable for PPO packaging, and expanding its potential applications within the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium in donkeys is poorly understood. Here, 680 fecal specimens were collected from 178 free-ranging and 502 farmed donkeys in Xinjiang, China. Cryptosporidium was identified using PCR amplification of the small subunit of ribosomal DNA. Cryptosporidium-positive isolates were subtyped using PCR analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 2.4% (16/680), with 3.2% (16/502) in farmed donkeys and 0% (0/178) in free-ranging donkeys. Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 13), C. parvum (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium horse genotype (n = 2) were identified. The C. hominis isolates belonged to two subtypes, IkA16 (n = 9) and IkA16G1 (n = 4). The subtype of C. parvum was IIdA15G1, whereas the two Cryptosporidium horse genotype isolates were of subtype VIaA15G4. The predominance of C. hominis in donkeys suggests that these animals are infected through human contact.

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Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an obligate intracellular pathogen, can infect a wide variety of hosts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in China. A total of 185 alpaca fecal samples were collected from five herds in Tacheng, Wensu, Hejing, Qinghe, and Nilka counties in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected by nested PCR of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Twenty-eight fecal samples (15.1%, 28/185) were positive for E. bieneusi, with the highest prevalence in alpacas from Qinghe (42.9%, 15/35). Four E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, which included two known (P and ALP3) and two novel (ALP7 and ALP8) genotypes. Genotype ALP3 was the dominant genotype (57.1%, 16/28), followed by genotypes P (32.1%, 9/28), ALP7 (7.1%, 2/28), and ALP8 (2.6%, 1/28). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three genotypes (P, ALP7, and ALP3) clustered into group 1, whereas genotype ALP8 clustered into group 8. This is the first report of E. bieneusi infection and genetic diversity in alpacas from Xinjiang, China.

Blastocystis sp. is a gastrointestinal pathogen that is frequently found in humans and animals worldwide. In this study, 201 fecal samples were collected from captive Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) at three farms in Gansu province. Blastocystis was detected and subtyped by amplifying and sequencing the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 39.8% (80/201). Five known Blastocystis subtypes (STs), including ST1 (n = 1), ST4 (n = 12), ST10 (n = 50), ST14 (n = 6), and ST24 (n = 11) were identified using subtyping and evolutionary analysis. ST10 was the most common ST observed in each farm. This study showed the infection status and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis in M. chrysogaster. Based on the surveyed data, because various potentially zoonotic STs, such as ST1, ST4, ST10, ST14, and ST24, were detected, it is believed that the zoonotic risk of Blastocystis from the Alpine musk deer in this area cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the mainly pathologies or intestinal disorders that causes approximately 90% of reported cases of human microsporidiosis. To understand the prevalence and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, 609 fecal samples were collected from children in kindergarten in Southern Xinjiang and screened for this pathogen by PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Thirty-six fecal samples (5.9%, 36/609) were positive for E. bieneusi, with the highest prevalence observed in children from Yopurga (17.5%, 11/63). Nine genotypes were identified, of which six were known (A, CHN6, D, EbpA, KB-1, and NIA1) and three were novel (CXJH1, CXJH2 and CXJH3). Genotype NIA1 was most prevalent (52.8%, 19/36), followed by genotypes D (16.7%, 6/36), A (8.3%, 3/36), and EbpA (8.3%, 3/36). The remaining five genotypes were detected in one sample each. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the E. bieneusi isolates clustered into two groups, one consisting of six genotypes (Group 1: A, CXJH1, D, EbpA, KB-1, and NIA1) and another consisting of three genotypes (Group 2: CHN6, CXJH2, and CXJH3). Our results confirmed that infection of E. bieneusi unusual dominant genotype NIA1 occurs in children in Xinjiang, China. Further epidemiological studies must be conducted to clarify potential sources of E. bieneusi infection in this area. Author summary: This study reports the infection rates and genetic characteristics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in 609 children in kindergarten in Southern Xinjiang, China. All samples were screened for this pathogen with PCR, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi. Thirty-six fecal samples (5.9%, 36/609) were positive, with the highest prevalence observed in children from Yopurga (17.5%, 11/63). Three novel genotypes were identified (CXJH1, CXJH2 and CXJH3). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the E. bieneusi isolates clustered into two groups: Group 1 (A, CXJH1, D, EbpA, KB-1, and NIA1) and Group 2 (CHN6, CXJH2, and CXJH3). Genotype NIA1 used to be detected in HIV-positive patients, however, it was most prevalent (52.8%, 19/36) among the nine genotypes identified in this study. Additionally, we confirmed the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi genotype D and this is the first report of human infection by E. bieneusi genotypes KB-1 and CHN6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a zoonotic pathogen, has the potential to infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans. It is found in large number of animals; however, not much is known regarding its prevalence in equine animals, particularly donkeys. This is the first molecular epidemiological evaluation of E. bieneusi in 178 free-ranging donkeys from five countrysides; and 502 farmed donkeys from 18 farms in 12 cities of Xinjiang, China by Nested PCR. Results: E. bieneusi was detected in 2.5% (17/680) donkeys, with 2.6% (13/502) in farmed and 2.2% (4/178) in free-ranging ones. Sequence analysis identified eight ITS genotypes, all belonging to zoonotic Groups 1 or 2, including six known genotypes: horse1 (n = 5), D (n = 3), NCD-2 (n = 3), BEB6 (n = 2), BEB4 (n = 1), and NIAI (n = 1); and two new genotypes: XJD1 (n = 1) and XJD2 (n = 1). Conclusions: This is the first report confirming the presence of E. bieneusi in donkeys in Xinjiang, China, and indicates the possibility of zoonotic transmission of this pathogenic parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a widely distributed human and animal pathogen. However, few data are available on the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes in racehorses. In this study, 621 fecal specimens were collected from racehorses at 17 equestrian clubs in 15 Chinese cities. E. bieneusi was detected via nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. The overall infection rate of E. bieneusi was 4.8% (30/621). Statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of this parasite among the equestrian clubs (χ2 = 78.464, df = 16, p < 0.01) and age groups (χ2 = 23.686, df = 1, p < 0.01), but no sex bias was found among the racehorses for the E. bieneusi infections (χ2 = 1.407, df = 2, p > 0.05). Ten E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including seven known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, Peru6, horse1, horse2, CAF1, and TypeIV) and three novel genotypes (HBH-1, SXH-1, and BJH-1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that EbpC, EbpA, Peru6, horse2, CAF1, TypeIV, BJH-1, and SXH-1 belonged to Group 1 of E. bieneusi , HBH-1 belonged to Group 2, and horse2 belonged to Group 6. Our findings advance the current knowledge of E. bieneusi prevalence and genotypes in racehorses in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of activity screening on blood lipid regulation by animal study, we chose high molecular weight phlorotannins from Sargassum thunbergii (HMPs) as a drug to explore the regulating mechanism. The results showed that HMPs could significantly decrease TC and TG levels (p < 0.05), and very significantly decrease LDL-C level (p < 0.01). Results of a hypocholesterolemic mechanism study showed that HMPs could obviously increase liver LDL-R level (p < 0.05), but the fact that they failed to block the synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase excludes a relevant influence on cellular cholesterol biosynthesis. We propose that HMPs from Sargassum thunbergii have a profound hypocholesterolemic effect and the mechanism relies mainly on the increase of LDL-R level in liver. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate, intracellular fungus and is commonly reported in humans and animals. To date, there have been no reports of E. bieneusi infections in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus). The present study was conducted to understand the occurrence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in Bactrian camels in China. Results: Of 407 individual Bactrian camel fecal specimens, 30.0% (122) were E. bieneusi-positive by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on internal transcriber spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. A total of 14 distinct E. bieneusi ITS genotypes were obtained: eight known genotypes (genotype EbpC, EbpA, Henan-IV, BEB6, CM8, CHG16, O and WL17), and six novel genotypes (named CAM1 to CAM6). Genotype CAM1 (59.0%, 72/122) was the most predominant genotype in Bactrian camels in Xinjiang, and genotype EbpC (18.9%, 23/122) was the second-most predominant genotype. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that six known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, WL17, Henan-IV, CM8 and O) and three novel genotypes (CAM3, CAM5 and CAM6) fell into the human-pathogenic group 1. Two known genotypes (CHG16 and BEB6) fell into the cattle host-specific group 2. The novel genotypes CAM1, CAM 2 and CAM4 cluster into group 8. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in Bactrian camels. The host-specific genotype CAM1 was the predominant genotype, which plays a negligible role in the zoonotic transmission of E. bieneusi. However, the second-most predominant genotype, EbpC, has greater zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most common diseases in calves, causing huge economic and productivity losses to the bovine industry worldwide. The main pathogens include bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99. Since multiple infectious agents can be involved in calf diarrhea, detecting each causative agent by traditional methods is laborious and expensive., Methods: In this study, we developed a one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR assay to simultaneously detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. The assay performance on field samples was evaluated on 1100 rectal swabs of diseased cattle with diarrhea symptoms and compared with the conventional gel-based RT-PCR assay detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+., Results: The established assay could specifically detect the target pathogens without cross-reactivity with other pathogens. A single real-time PCR can detect ~1 copy/µL for each pathogen, and multiplex real-time PCR has a detection limit of 10 copies/µL. Reproducibility as measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation were desirable. The triple real-time PCR method established in this study was compared with gel-based PT-PCR. Both methods are reasonably consistent, while the real-time PCR assay was more sensitive and could rapidly distinguish these three pathogens in one tube. Analysis of surveillance data showed that BRV and BCoV are major enteric viral pathogens accounting for calves' diarrhea in China., Discussion: The established assay has excellent specificity and sensitivity and was suitable for clinical application. The robustness and high-throughput performance of the developed assay make it a powerful tool in diagnostic applications and calf diarrhea research. ​., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is a patent related to this work (application no. 2024102313502). The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Wang, Chang, Jiang, Han, Wang, Jing, Zhao and Yin.)

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is responsible for opportunistic infections leading to gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals worldwide. A total of 334 fresh fecal samples were collected from wild Altai marmots (Marmota baibacina) in Xinjiang, China, and E. bieneusi was screened via PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the small submit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA). The results indicated that 22.8% (76/334) of the wild Altai marmot fecal samples were positive for E. bieneusi, and the highest positive rate was detected in Akqi (51.9%, 27/52), with a significant difference from other sampling sites (p < 0.01). Four known genotypes (BEB6, CHG3, GX2, and YAK1) and three novel genotypes (XJHT2 to XJHT4) were identified in the present study. Genotype XJHT3 was dominant and detected in 48 fecal samples. In the phylogenetic analysis, the novel genotypes XJHT2 and XJHT3 were clustered in Group 1 together with the known genotype YAK1, while genotypes CHG3 and BEB6 were clustered in Group 2. The novel genotype XJHT4 was clustered together with other rodent-derived genotypes and generated a novel Group 14. These data confirmed the host specificity and adaptation of E. bieneusi in rodents. These findings enrich our understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in wild Altai marmots in Xinjiang, China., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

A total of 321 rabbit fecal samples were collected from 10 farms in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in the samples was 3.4% (11/321), 1.9% (6/321), and 2.8% (9/321), respectively. Small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence analysis identified all 11 Cryptosporidium-positive samples as C. cuniculus. Further subtyping based on the 60-kDaglycoprotein locus (gp60) identified five of the C. cuniculus isolates as subtype VbA24. G. duodenalis genotypes were determined by multilocus sequence typing of the SSU rRNA, triosephosphate isomerase, β-giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase loci, which confirmed that six G. duodenalis isolates belonged to subtype BIV of assemblage B. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region, showed that five, three, and one E. bieneusi isolates belonged to genotypes J, BEB8, and Type IV, respectively. These results suggest that Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi isolates from rabbits in China have zoonotic potential., (© 2018 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2018 International Society of Protistologists.)