Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):484-489

doi:10.3347/PHD.24072

Genotypic analysis of zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi in wild deer in Korea

Gyeonguk NOH 1 ; Haeseung LEE ; Seung-Hun LEE ; Min-Goo SEO ; Kyoo-Tae KIM ; Junho LEE ; Kaifa NAZIM ; Sang Joon PARK ; Man Hee RHEE ; Dongmi KWAK

Affiliations

+expand

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an important microsporidian protozoa that causes intestinal disorders in humans. We collected 191 fecal samples from roadkill deer carcasses, among which 13 (6.8%) showed positive reaction for E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction assay. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 6 distinct genotypes, 1 of which was novel. All genotypes belonged to Group 1, which has low host specificity, indicating possible transmission through sylvatic cycle. E. bieneusi infection was predominant in female deer (p<0.05).