Intragenotypic variations in the Cryptosporidium sp cervine genotype from sheep with implications for public health

Cryptosporidium sp. cervine genotype could possibly emerge as an important human pathogen because current evidence suggests this genotype has a wide host range and zoonotic potential. However, there is confusion in the taxonomy of the Cryptosporidium sp. cervine genotype because different names have been used to refer to this genotype in previous studies and in sequences submitted to GenBank. Consequently, we lack a clear understanding of the epidemiology of this genotype. In the present study, the Cryptosporidium sp. cervine genotype was identified in sheep, was characterized using 3 genes (18S rDNA, COWP and HSP-70), and was compared with data from all previous reports. Intragenotypic variations were found at the 18S rDNA gene in Cryptosporidium sp. cervine genotype with 3 different subtypes (cervine 1-3). No sequence variation at HSP-70 and COWP genes were observed. Sheep should be considered as an important reservoir for this zoonotic genotype of Cryptosporidium sp.