Potential presence of Cyclospora and Cystoisospora in urban parks from Leicester, UK

Date

2018-11-28

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Conference

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli (previously known as Isospora belli) are emerging coccidian parasites that can spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. Despite their presence is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, different studies have described domestic outbreaks due to these pathogens around the world. Zoonotic transmission of these pathogens is under discussion as they have been found in various animals and birds. We have performed a preliminary study to investigate their potential presence in an English urban environment. 132 animal faecal samples were collected between Summer 2017 and Spring 2018 from 7 different urban parks across Leicester (UK). A veterinarian confirmed animal species as: 78 avian (25 pigeon, 14 waterfowl, 12 songbird, 27 uncertain due to diarrhoea), 37 deer, 13 dogs and 4 cats. Smears were microscopically analysed by Kinyoun's acid-fast staining technique. Cyclospora spp. were observed in three faecal samples (2.3%), two from deer and one from avian (diarrheic sample); however, further analysis are required to determine if the oocysts observed are from Cyclospora cayetanensis. Contrarily, Cystoisospora spp. were not found in any of the screened stool samples. Despite our results should be considered as preliminary, the presence of Cyclospora spp. oocists in 2.3% of the animal faecal samples collected across Leicester might represent a potential human risk that, although minor, should be throughly studied to protect the local community. Moreover, Cyclospora spp. have been found in different animal species, which may require different interventions to target those specific animals to protect the public health.

Description

Keywords

Cyclospora spp., Cystoisospora spp., Urban areas, Public health, Animal faeces

Citation

Peña-Fernández, A., Anjum, U. (2018) Potential presence of Cyclospora and Cystoisospora in urban parks from Leicester, UK. 11th Healthcare Infection Society International Conference (HIS 2018), Liverpool, UK, 26th to 28th November.

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Research Institute