Tracking Host Sources of
Cryptosporidium
spp. in Raw Water for Improved Health Risk Assessment
Journal Articles
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
ABSTRACT
Recent molecular evidence suggests that different species and/or genotypes of
Cryptosporidium
display strong host specificity, altering our perceptions regarding the zoonotic potential of this parasite. Molecular forensic profiling of the small-subunit rRNA gene from oocysts enumerated on microscope slides by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method 1623 was used to identify the range and prevalence of
Cryptosporidium
species and genotypes in the South Nation watershed in Ontario, Canada. Fourteen sites within the watershed were monitored weekly for 10 weeks to assess the occurrence, molecular composition, and host sources of
Cryptosporidium
parasites impacting water within the region.
Cryptosporidium andersoni
,
Cryptosporidium
muskrat genotype II,
Cryptosporidium
cervine genotype,
C. baileyi
,
C. parvum
,
Cryptosporidium
muskrat genotype I, the
Cryptosporidium
fox genotype, genotype W1, and genotype W12 were detected in the watershed. The molecular composition of the
Cryptosporidium
parasites, supported by general land use analysis, indicated that mature cattle were likely the main source of contamination of the watershed. Deer, muskrats, voles, birds, and other wildlife species, in addition to sewage (human or agricultural) may also potentially impact water quality within the study area. Source water protection studies that use land use analysis with molecular genotyping of
Cryptosporidium
parasites may provide a more robust source-tracking tool to characterize fecal impacts in a watershed. Moreover, the information is vital for assessing environmental and human health risks posed by water contaminated with zoonotic and/or anthroponotic forms of
Cryptosporidium
.
