Prevalence and molecular characterization of in endangered Eld's deer () in Hainan, China.

INTRODUCTION

is one of the most frequent microsporidia species causing digestive disorder mainly diarrhea in humans and animals. Eld's deer () is the class I national key protected wildlife and only distributed on Hainan Island in China. No report on the prevalence and molecular characterization of in wild Eld's deer worldwide.

METHODS

217 fecal samples were collected from Eld's deer in two isolated habitats of a nature reserve in Hainan, and examined by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The overall prevalence of in Eld's deer was 17.5% (38/217), with 13.5% (12/89) and 20.3% (26/128) in habitats 1 and 2, respectively. Seven ITS genotypes were identified, including five known genotypes: D ( = 19), Peru11 ( = 10), EbpC ( = 5), Peru8 ( = 1) and Type IV ( = 1), and two novel genotypes: HNED-I and HNED-II (one each). Genotypes Peru8 and Peru11 were firstly identified in cervids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the detected genotypes belonged to zoonotic Group 1. The results implied that the further research on threaten of to endangered Eld's deer and potential risks for public health is necessary.