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Toxoplasma gondii infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans. Felids can serve as both intermediate and definitive hosts for T. gondii. However, there is no direct evidence to prove the caracal (Caracal caracal) is an intermediate host for T. gondii. Here, we report T. gondii infection in two caracals in a zoo from China. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in both caracals by modified agglutination test (MAT) (cut-off titer: 1:25). Tissue cysts were observed in the leg and tongue muscles of caracal case# 1. These cysts were confirmed as T. gondii by immunohistochemical staining and T. gondii was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Viable T. gondii strain was isolated from the striated muscles of caracal case# 2 and designated as TgCaracalCHn1. DNA from tachyzoites obtained from cell cultures was characterized by RFLP-PCR using ten markers (SAG1, SAG3, SAG2, BTUB, c22-8, GRA6, c29-2, PK1, L358, and Apico) and the virulence genes (ROP5 and ROP18). The results indicate that this isolate belongs to ToxoDB genotye #2 (Type III). The virulence of this isolate was evaluated in BALB/c mice. A dose of 104 TgCaracalCHn1 tachyzoites was non-lethal to mice. Tissue cysts were found in brain tissues of infected mice. This result confirmed that the TgCaracalCHn1 is non-virulent to mice. Current study documents first isolation of viable T. gondii strain from caracal and also indicates that caracal can act as new intermediate host for T. gondii. Image 1 • T. gondii infection in caracals was detected and confirmed by serological and molecular analysis, immunohistochemistry, and bioassay in mice. • One viable T. gondii strain was isolated from caracal and designated as TgCaracalCHn1, ToxoDB#2. • This report provides direct evidence of caracal as an intermediate host of T. gondii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a rare species with a small global population size, and lives in the wild in only a few fragmented mountain ranges of Southwest China. Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas that hamper their group development. We reviewed the parasitic infections prevailing in giant pandas, and the parasitic diversity, diseases and their impact on conservation of this animal. A total of 35 parasitic species were documented in giant pandas, belonging to nematode (n = 6), trematode (n = 1), cestode (n = 2), protozoa (n = 9), and ectozoa (n = 17 (tick = 13, mite = 2, and flea = 2)). Among them, Baylisascaris schroederi had the highest prevalence and was the leading cause of death for giant pandas. Some parasites caused asymptomatic infections in giant pandas, and their health implications for the pandas remain unknown. As a whole, parasites are reported to be an important threat to the conservation of the giant pandas. Regular deworming and environmental disinfection appear to be effective ways to prevent captive giant pandas from parasitoses. In wild panda populations, parasitic control measures are suggested to include detailed examination of the ecology of the host-parasite assembly, with particular attention to density-dependent transmission. The parasitic pathogenesis and detection methods together with their biology, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control need to be further studied for better protection of giant pandas from parasitoses. Image 1 • Giant pandas are threatened by many factors, including parasitic infections. • Thirty-five parasitic species are documented in giant pandas. • Baylisascaris schroederi is the most prevalent species and leading cause of death. • Parasitic infections adversely impact the health and conservation of giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan parasite, commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans globally. The parasitic species has wide genetic diversity. Currently the mammalian and avian isolates of the parasite are grouped into 17 well known subtypes (STs), of which ten (ST1-ST9, ST12) are reported in humans. To assess the genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in wildlife, a total of 200 fresh fecal samples were collected from 32 mammalian wildlife species in Bangladesh National Zoo. Blastocystis sp. was screened and subtyped by PCR amplification and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The minimum prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was 15.5% (31/200) in zoo animals. Eight out of 32 wildlife animal species (25.0%) were infected with Blastocystis sp. Among them, the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was higher in non-human primates (NHPs) (31.8%) than that in herbivores (4.9%) and carnivores (0). Nucleotide sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene revealed seven different Blastocystis sp. subtypes, such as ST1, ST2, ST3, ST10, ST11, ST13 and ST14 in the wild animals. ST3 was the dominant subtype (41.9%, 13/31) being detected in NHPs. Of the 31 Blastocystis sp. isolates from the wild animals, 24 (77.4%) isolates belonged to the most common subtypes (ST1 to ST3) found in humans. This is the first molecular study of Blastocystis sp. in wild animals in Bangladesh. This study highlights the remarkable genetic diversity in Blastocystis sp. isolates from zoo animals and provides the first molecular evidence from spotted deer, gayal and grey langur. Due to circulation of large percentage of potentially zoonotic subtypes in the wild animals, there is a higher risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp. in the zoo keepers and visitors. Image 1 • First report of Blastocystis sp. infection in wild animals in Bangladesh. • Minimum prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was 15.5% in wildlife. • ST3 was the dominant subtype in wildlife in Bangladesh. • Majority of the Blastocystis sp. isolates belonged to the most common human subtypes. • Non-human primates with high prevalence and zoonotic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Marsupials are highly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Here, we report T. gondii infection in four kangaroos from a zoo in China. Kangaroos were imported into China in 2000 and were since bred in zoo. In 2017–2018, four kangaroos died due to respiratory system disease or injury. The bodies were submitted to the laboratory to test for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 75% (3/4) of the kangaroos via the modified agglutination test with the cut-off 1:25. Cysts were observed in the histopathological sections of tongue and diaphragm or squashes of fresh myocardium in two kangaroos. These cysts were confirmed as T. gondii by immunohistochemical staining and molecular biological analysis. One viable T. gondii strain was isolated from one kangaroo and designated as TgRooCHn1. DNA from T. gondii tachyzoites obtained from cell culture was characterized by 10 PCR-RFLP markers and the virulence genes ROP5 and ROP18. The genotype of this isolate did not match with any known genotypes; it was designated as ToxoDB#292. The virulence of TgRooCHn1 (104 tachyzoites) was non-lethal to mice, and it formed tissue cysts. To our knowledge, the present study is the first isolation of ToxoDB#292 strain from kangaroo. Improvemets for captive settings were initiated, including greater attention being paied to birds and stray cats, fed frozen meat for carnivores. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • T. gondii infection in kangaroo was confirmed by serological and molecular analysis, histopathology, and bioassay in mice. • One viable T. gondii strain (ToxoDB#292) was isolated from one kangaroo. • The virulence of TgRooCHn1 in mice was low and it formed tissue cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii has been found to infect almost all warm-blooded animals; however, some hosts lack direct evidence of T. gondii infection. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an endangered species that mainly lives in temperate forests of South Asia. Here, T. gondii infection in red pandas from zoos in China were reported. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 14.3% (2/14) of red pandas via the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off titer of 1:25. One viable T. gondii strain was isolated from tissues of red panda and designated as TgRedpandaCHn1. DNA from tachyzoites obtained from cell culture was characterized by PCR-RFLP with 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29–2, L358, PK1, and Apico) and virulence genes of ROP5 and ROP18. The results indicate that this isolate belonged to ToxoDB genotype #20. The ROP18/ROP5 genotype combination predicated that this strain is non-lethal to mice, which is supported by the infection in mice. T. gondii tissue cysts were readily formed and mice survived. Tissue cysts observed in the histopathological sections of the tongue and diaphragm of one red panda were speculated as sarcocysts, but not T. gondii base on morphological characteristics. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the isolation of T. gondii from red panda. Additionally, this report provides direct evidence of red panda as an intermediate host of T. gondii and Sarcocystis species. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • T. gondii infection in red pandas was confirmed by serological and bioassay in mice firstly. • One viable T. gondii strain was isolated from tissues of red panda and designated as ToxoDB genotype #20. • Tissue cysts in the tongue and diaphragm of red panda were speculated sarcocysts. • This report provides direct evidence of red panda as an intermediate host of T. gondii and Sarcocystis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are a well-known threat to nonhuman primate (NHP) populations, and potentially cause zoonotic diseases in humans. In this study, the basic data was provided of the parasites in NHPs and the molecular characterization of the Enterocytozoon bieneusi , Giardia duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and Entamoeba spp. were reviewed, which were found in these samples. A total of 3349 fecal samples were collected from 34 species reared at 17 districts in zoos, farms, free-range, or research laboratories, and examined microscopically. Eleven genera of intestinal parasites were detected: five genera of protozoans ( Isospora spp., Entamoeba spp., Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Cyclospora spp.) and six genera of helminths ( Trichuris spp., Strongyloides spp., Ascaris spp., Physaloptera spp., Ancylostoma spp., and Enterobius spp.). The overall sample prevalence of parasitic infection was 54.1% (1811/3349). Entamoeba spp. was the most prevalent (36.4%, 1218/3349). The infection rate was the highest in free-range animals (73.0%, 670/918) (P < 0.01) and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region (64.8%, 566/873). Mixed infections were mostly detected for Entamoeba spp., Trichuris spp., and Strongyloides spp.. Molecular characterization was reviewed of Enterocytozoon bieneusi , Giardia duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and Entamoeba spp., as these are zoonotic species or genotypes. This parasitological data for NHPs in China, provides important information for veterinarians and public health authorities for the elimination of such parasites and monitor the potential transmission of zoonotic infections from NHPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis have become widespread worldwide threatening the health of both human and animals. Dogs play an important role in the epidemiology of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens by acting as reservoirs. In this study, the status of Anaplasma phagocytophilum , A. platys , A. bovis and A. ovis infection were assessed in dogs in Henan, China, with PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Nested PCRs on 243 blood samples collected from dogs from different sampling sites revealed that thirty-three (13.6%) dogs were positive for one or more pathogens. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in stray dogs was 40.7% (24/59), which was much higher than that of pet dogs (4.0%, 7/175). The prevalence for A. ovis , A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum was 6.2%, 4.1% and 0.4%, respectively and mixed-infection of these three pathogens was found in only one stray dog (prevalence, 0.4%). None of the dogs was positive for A. platys . Phylogenetic analyses classified A. phagocytophilum into two distinct groups (East Asia and south Africa group, Europe and America group), whereas A. ovis and A. bovis showed a general classification into two groups (cluster 1 and cluster 2), respectively. The isolate (KX190783) of A. ovis from a stray dog fell in a clade with a human isolate from Cyprus (FJ460443) and shared 99.8% similarity with it. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report to identify A. bovis and A. ovis DNA in dogs in China and the mixed-infection of the three Anaplasma spp. ( A. phagocytophilum , A. bovis and A. ovis ) in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first A. phagocytophilum or related strains survey in small ruminant using PCR-RFLP in China. • Anaplasma phagocytophilum -like 1 and A. phagocytophilum- like 2 strains were detected. • Anaplasma phagocytophilum -like 1 is the predominant epidemic strain in goats and sheep. • The survey suggested that goats and sheep of China were highly exposed to A. phagocytophilum -like strains all year round, which provide a basis for the prevention and control of anaplasmosis. The genus Anaplasma comprises eight bacterial species that are obligate intracellular pathogens that affect human and animal health. The zoonotic species A. phagocytophilum is the causative agent of tick-borne fever in ruminants, and of granulocytic anaplasmosis in horses, dogs, and humans. Recently, novel strains related to A. phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum -like 1/Japanese variant and A. phagocytophilum -like 2/Chinese variant) have been identified. The aim of this study was to reveal the prevalence and phylogeny of A. phagocytophilum and related stains in small ruminants and ticks in China based on sequences of the 16S rRNA combined restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and groEL genes. PCR–RFLP and phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum -like 1 and 2 variants in sampled animals from China, with prevalence rates of 22.6% (303/1338) and 0.7% (10/1338), respectively. Only A. phagocytophilum -like 1 DNA was found in Haemaphysalis longicornis. The phylogeny based on the groEL gene showed inclusion of A. phagocytophilum -like 1 and some A. phagocytophilum -like 2 strains in two unique clades distinct from, but related to, Japanese and Chinese strains of related A. phagocytophilum , respectively. One noteworthy result was that the SSAP2f/SSAP2r primers detected Ehrlichia spp. strains. Moreover, the A. phagocytophilum -like 1 and 2 strains should be considered in the differential diagnosis of caprine and ovine anaplasmosis. Further investigations should be conducted to provide additional epidemiological information about A. phagocytophilum and A. phagocytophilum -like variants in animals and ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 469 fecal samples were collected from American minks (Mustela vison) on a farm in Hebei Province in China and examined for Cryptosporidium by Sheather''s sugar flotation technique and 8 Cryptosporidim isolates were obtained. The partial 18S rRNA, 70kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and actin genes of six isolates were sequenced. Sequence data were analyzed together with known Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes. Results of this multi-locus genetic characterization indicated that the six Cryptosporidium isolates in this study shared the same sequences of the genes studied and were different from known Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. The closest relative was Cryptosporidium ferret genotype with 7, 22, 2 and 2 nucleotide differences in the 18S rRNA, HSP70, COWP and actin genes, respectively. The homology to ferret genotype at the 18S rRNA locus was 99.1%, which is comparable to that between C. parvum and C. hominis (99.2%), or between C. muris and C. andersoni (99.4%). Therefore, the Cryptosporidium in minks in this study is considered a new genotype, the Cryptosporidium mink genotype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• First molecular report of Blastocystis infection in humans in Central China. • Overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in hospital patients was 3.1%. • Three known Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST3 and ST7) were identified. • Blastocystis sp. subtypes ST3 was the dominant (69.7%) subtype in the participants. Blastocystis is a common enteric protist that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of approximately 1 billion people worldwide. In this study, a total of 1,070 patients from two hospitals in Zhengzhou, Central China were enrolled to know molecular characteristics of Blastocystis sp. The microorganism was identified and subtyped with a PCR amplification and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (SSU-rDNA). The overall minimum prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in participants was 3.1% (33/1070). Although there were no significant differences on Blastocystis sp. infections among study sites, age groups, and gender, the higher infection was observed in the patients with gastrointestinal diseases (8.8%, 15/170). Sequence analysis of the 33 isolates revealed three known subtypes, such as ST1 (n = 7), ST3 (n = 23), and ST7 (n = 3). Among them, ST3 was the dominant subtype being detected in 23 isolates (69.7%), followed by ST1 (21.2%, 7/33) and ST7 (9.1%, 3/33). The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that three subtypes (ST1, ST3 and ST7) were clustered with their reference sequences with good bootstrap support. The subtype determination of Blastocystis sp. isolates by the phylogenetic analysis was well supported by online platform. The present study provides the first molecular report of Blastocystis sp. infections in hospital patients in Central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The single and mixed infections rates of Anaplasma spp. according to season were recorded and analyzed. • This is the first seasonal dynamics survey of Anaplasma spp. infections in warm temperate regions of China. • Goats in warm temperate regions of China were highly exposed to Anaplasma spp. all year round. Anaplasma are tick-borne obligate intracellular bacteria that can endanger human and animal health, and until now, there have been few reports on the seasonal dynamics of Anaplasma species in China. In this study, a total of 491 goat blood samples were collected in spring (n = 124), summer (n = 135), autumn (n = 110), and winter (n = 122) from Shaanxi provinces. Single and mixed infections of Anaplasma spp. from warm-temperate regions of China were analyzed according to seasons using a nested PCR method. Positive samples were sequenced to observe the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of the Anaplasma species, and we determined the co-infection rates of Anaplasma spp. for each season. A molecular survey of Anaplasma phagocytophilum , A. bovis , A. ovis , and A. capra in goats showed average prevalences of 71.6 % (maximum 86.7 % in summer and minimum 48.4 % in winter), 62.2 % (minimum 38.7 % in spring and maximum 94.1 % in summer), 25.5 % (minimum 0% in summer and maximum 51.6 % in spring), and 26.6 % (minimum 8.2 % in winter and maximum 55.6 % in summer), respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis , A. phagocytophilum and A. capra occupied two separate groups, Chinese A. bovis and foreign isolates appeared to be geographically isolated, and all A. ovis isolates were in the same branch as the previously described sequences. The survey indicated that goats in warm-temperate regions of China are frequently exposed to Anaplasma spp. all year round, and thus prevention and treatment efforts for anaplasmosis in the region should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporidia are composed of a highly diverse group of single-celled, obligate intracellular fungi that colonize an extremely wide range of other eukaryotes, among which Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species responsible for human microsporidiasis. Genotyping of E. bieneusi based on sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) has recognized ~500 genotypes in humans and a great variety of other mammals and birds. Those genotypes vary in genetic or hereditary characteristics and form 11 genetic groups in phylogenetic analysis of the ITS nucleotide sequences. Some of genotypes in Group 1 (e.g., D, EbpC, and type IV) and Group 2 (e.g., BEB4, BEB6, I, and J) have broad host and geographic ranges, constituting a major risk for zoonotic or cross-species transmission. By contrast, host specificity seems common in Group 3 to Group 11 whose members appear well adapted to specific hosts and thus would have minimal or unknown effects on public health. Multilocus sequence typing using the ITS, three microsatellites MS1, MS3, and MS7, and one minisatellite MS4, and population genetic analysis of Group 1 isolates reveal the occurrence of clonality, potential host adaptation, and population differentiation of E. bieneusi in various hosts. Nonetheless, it is still highly desirable to explore novel genetic markers with enough polymorphisms, to type complex or unstructured E. bieneusi populations of various host species and geographic origins, notably those belonging to Group 2 to Group 11. Additional population genetic and comparative genomic data are needed to elucidate the actual extent of host specificity in E. bieneusi and its potential impacts on zoonotic or interspecies transmission of microsporidiasis. • Nearly 500 E. bieneusi genotypes were validated and they form 11 phylogenetic groups. • Groups 1 and 2 have zoonotic potential, while Groups 3 to 11 are commonly host specific. • Seven subgroups showing varying degree of host specificity were ascertained in Group 1. • Implications of host specificity for zoonotic transmission of E. bieneusi were interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an emerging zoonotic intestinal pathogen that infects humans and various animal species. Here, we aimed to determine the infection rate and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi from bamboo rats from different regions of China using nested polymerase chain reaction-based amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene. A total of 435 bamboo rats fecal samples were collected from individual tank from Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, Chongqing, and Guangxi, southeastern China. E. bieneusi was detected on 22 tanks (5.1%, 22/435), with a higher infection rate being observed among samples from Guangdong Province (10.9%, 5/46) compared with those from Hunan (9.3%, 10/107), Jiangxi (6.7%, 6/90), Chongqing (2.0%, 1/50), and Guangxi (0%, 0/142) (P <.01). Six genotypes were identified, including four known genotypes (D, EbpA, J, and PigEBITS7) and two novel genotypes (named BR1 and BR2). Of these, zoonotic genotype D was the most prevalent in the present study (n = 17). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genotypes D, EbpA, and PigEBITS7 were clustered into Group 1, while genotypes J, BR1, and BR2 were clustered into Group 2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in bamboo rats. The identification of zoonotic genotype D as the predominant genotype in bamboo rats suggests that these animals represent a potential zoonotic risk for the transfer of the pathogen in China. • The bamboo rats represent a potential zoonotic risk for the transfer of E. bieneusi in China. • Four known genotypes and two novel genotypes were identified. • Z oonotic genotype D was the most prevalent in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Giardia parasites circulate at Kafr El Sheikh Province Egypt were belonging to assemblage A and assemblage B. • Assemblage A multilocus genotypes (MLGs) formed 2 novel genotypes in the AII-1 group. • All the assemblage B isolates belonged to sub-assemblage BIII except one was BIV, with notable genetic diversity. • A geographic segregation might exist in the distribution of sub-assemblage BIII and BIV. Human giardiasis is a common waterborne/foodborne parasitic disease worldwide, especially in developing countries. Prevalence and molecular identity of Giardia parasites are largely controversial. The present study was conducted to determine the occurrence of Giardia parasites and the genetic profile of circulating assemblage(s) in patients attended the outpatient clinic at Kafrelsheikh University hospital, Kafr El Sheikh Province, Egypt. A total of 318 patients, of different age and sex, referred to the clinic were subjected to fecal examination. Microscopic results revealed that 181/318 (56.9%) were positive for Giardia parasites. Multilocus genotyping by PCR/sequencing of beta-giardin (bg), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes of representative number of positive samples (65) revealed that assemblages A, B and mixed infections (A + B) occurred in 26/65 (40.0%), 32/65 (49.2%) and 10.8% (7/65) of the analyzed isolates, respectively. MLGs analysis indicated that assemblage A sequences clustered in two novel types of AII sub-assemblage. In assemblage B sequences, BIII was the predominant (22/23, 95.7%) sub-assemblage compared to BIV (1/23, 4.3%). Collectively, assemblage B MLGs displayed greater levels of genetic diversity compared to assemblage A. Our data indicate that assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis circulate in humans at Kafr El Sheikh Province, Egypt, and that high genetic diversity exists at the assemblage and/or sub-assemblage levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Giardia duodenalis is a gastrointestinal parasitic protozoan with important veterinary and public health implications worldwide. In this study, a total of 1440 fecal specimens were collected from dairy calves in Guangdong Province, China. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 2.2% (31/1440) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence was 8.4% and 1.1% in pre- and post-weaned calves, respectively. Both assemblages A (6.5%, 2/31) and E (93.5%, 29/31) were found based on sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene. All G. duodenalis -positive samples were assayed with PCR followed by sequencing the beta giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes, and 20, 23, and 18 sequences were obtained, respectively. Multilocus genotyping yielded 10 assemblage E multilocus genotypes (MLGs). All assemblage E MLGs were genetically distinct from those obtained in cattle from Henan, Xinjiang, Shanghai, and Shaanxi in China. This finding was also supported by F ST , N m , and median-joining network analysis. Results of this study indicated that G. duodenalis was found in low prevalence in dairy calves in Guangdong Province, southern China; nevertheless, the infected calves might represent a public health risk in this region. Additionally, the differences in assemblage E MLGs from the five analyzed regions revealed significant geographic segregation of G. duodenalis in China. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Both assemblages A and E of Giardia duodenalis were found in dairy calves. • The infected calves might represent a public health risk in this region. • Geographic segregation has shown in assemblage E of G. duodenalis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]