The Cryptosporidium 'mouse' genotype is conserved across geographic areas

Abstract

A 298-bp region of the Cryptosporidium parvum 18S rRNA gene and a 390- bp region of the acetyl coenzyme A synthetase gene were sequenced for a range of Cryptosporidium isolates from wild house mice (Mus domesticus), a bat (Myotus adversus), and cattle from different geographical areas. Previous research has identified a distinct genotype, referred to as the 'mouse'- derived Cryptosporidium genotype, common to isolates from Australian mice. Comparison of a wider range of Australian mouse isolates with United Kingdom and Spanish isolates from mice and cattle and also an Australian hat-derived Cryptosporidium isolate revealed that the 'mouse' genotype is conserved across geographic areas. Mice are also susceptible to infection with the 'cattle' Cryptosporidium genotype, which has important implications for their role as reservoirs of infection for humans and domestic animals.