Novel zoonotic Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon genotypes in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Iran: Public health implications

• Published in: Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases 2025-01, Vol.7, p.100232, Article 100232
• Main Authors: Sazmand, Alireza, Khordadmehr, Monireh, Önder, Zuhal, Oryan, Ahmad, Jigari-Asl, Farinaz, Katiraee, Farzad, Namavari, Mehdi, Bahiraei, Zahra, Hemphill, Andrew, Otranto, Domenico
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Histopathology; Iran; Microsporidiosis; Molecular assay; Public health
• ISSN: 2667-114X; 2667-114X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100232

To determine the occurrence of microsporidiosis in domestic pigeons in Iran, privately-owned pigeons presenting weight loss and diarrhea were tested through molecular and histopathological methods. Multiplex-PCR findings showed 57%, 30%, and 14% positivity for Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon, and mixed infection in the fecal samples, respectively. A novel Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype, named IrnEb1, falling into zoonotic group 1 of E. bieneusi, and a novel genotype of Encephalitozoon hellem, named Irn2E, clustering as a sister taxon to genotype 2B were identified in pigeons for the first time using Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Histopathological examination revealed the occurrence of non-suppurative enteritis, nephritis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis associated with focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Data shown herein present a high prevalence of microsporidiosis in pigeons in Iran. Considering that both detected microsporidian species are zoonotic parasites, these findings suggest that the infected pigeons could pose a risk to public health. [Display omitted] •Multiplex PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA gene of Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon in pigeon fecal samples.•DNA of Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon, detected in 57% and 30% of pigeons, respectively.•A novel genotype of Encephalitozoon hellem, named Irn2E, clustering as a sister taxon to genotype 2B was identified.•A novel genotype of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, named IrnEb1, falling into zoonotic group 1 of E. bieneusi was identified.•The high prevalence of microsporidiosis suggests that infected pigeons could pose a risk to public health.