An Update on Zoonotic Cryptosporidium Species and Genotypes in Humans

Simple Summary Cryptosporidium is a parasite that infects humans and a broad range of animals. There are few diagnostic features that can be used to identify and differentiate between species and therefore DNA-based detection and genetic typing methods are required. This is important as some species are transmitted from animals to humans (a process called zoonotic transmission) and understanding this is central to control. These DNA-based tools have greatly facilitated our current understanding of which of the many Cryptosporidium species and genotypes that have been identified are capable of infecting humans. More studies need to be conducted in areas where the potential for zoonotic transmission is greatest and recently developed genetic tools should be applied more extensively to further our understanding of the zoonotic transmission of this important parasite. The enteric parasite, Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal illness in humans and animals worldwide. No effective therapeutics or vaccines are available and therefore control is dependent on understanding transmission dynamics. The development of molecular detection and typing tools has resulted in the identification of a large number of cryptic species and genotypes and facilitated our understanding of their potential for zoonotic transmission. Of the 44 recognised Cryptosporidium species and >120 genotypes, 19 species, and four genotypes have been reported in humans with C. hominis, C. parvum, C. meleagridis, C. canis and C. felis being the most prevalent. The development of typing tools that are still lacking some zoonotic species and genotypes and more extensive molecular epidemiological studies in countries where the potential for transmission is highest are required to further our understanding of this important zoonotic pathogen. Similarly, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS) are important for more accurately tracking transmission and understanding the mechanisms behind host specificity.

Automated summary

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that infects both humans and animals, with DNA-based detection and genetic typing methods being crucial for identifying and differentiating between species. Understanding zoonotic transmission is key for controlling the spread of this parasite, and molecular tools have greatly enhanced our knowledge of which Cryptosporidium species and genotypes can infect humans. Further studies and the widespread application of genetic tools are needed to advance our understanding of the zoonotic transmission and develop more effective control measures.