Genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in mammals in Portugal

Abstract

In the last few years, the use of molecular tools has provided convincing evidence suggesting that human microsporidiosis due to Enterocytozoon bieneusi might potentially have zoonotic origins (Mathis et al. 2005; Xiao et al. 2004). Both host-adapted E. bieneusi genotypes with narrow host ranges and potentially zoonotic genotypes with broad host specificity were found in several groups of domestic animals and wildlife (Buckholt et al.2002; Dengjel et al. 2001; Lobo et al. 2003; Matos et al. 2004; Reetz et al. 2002; Rinder et al. 2000; Santin et al. 2004; Sulaiman et al. 2004, 2003b). However, few studies have examined the genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in companion animals, especially dogs and cats. The present work was undertaken to assess the genetic diversity and the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in mammals in Portugal.