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Abstract
The Cryptosporidium horse genotype, a zoonotic protozoan parasite first found in a
Prezewalski wild horse, has not been found in any other mammal but calves, horses,
and humans. Hedgehogs, popular exotic pet animals in Japan, are a reservoir of two
zoonotic Cryptosporidum: C. parvum and C. erinacei (previously known as the hedgehog
genotype). Recently, after finding Cryptosporidium infection in a four-toed hedgehog
(Atelerix albiventris), we identified the isolate genetically as the Cryptosporidium
horse genotype. Its subtype (VIbA13) was the same as that of an isolate from a pet
shop employee with severe clinical symptoms, as reported previously from sequencing
analysis of the partial Cryptosporidum 60kDa glycoprotein gene sequence. The occurrence
of this genotype in hedgehog indicates that the horse genotype has broad host specificity.
This report is the first of a study identifying isolates from pet reptiles genetically
in Japan. The study identified a new host (Teratoscincus scincus) in C. serpentis
lizard genotype by sequencing analysis of partial SSU rRNA and actin genes.