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Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles

Siobhon Egan, Amanda D. Barbosa, Yaoyu Feng, Lihua Xiao and Una Ryan
European journal of protistology, Vol.93, 126066
2024
PMID: 38442435
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Published539.03 kBDownloadView
CC BY V4.0 Open Access

Abstract

Amphibians Cryptosporidium Giardia Reptiles Zoonoses
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.

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