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Background Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans and animals worldwide. At least 17 subtypes have been identified in mammals and birds. In China, although some studies have reported the occurrence of Blastocystis in humans and animals, our understanding of the role of animals in the transmission of human blastocystosis is only superficial due to a paucity of available molecular data. The aim of the present study was to understand infection rates of Blastocystis and the distribution and genetic diversity of subtypes in various mammal and bird species in northeastern China, as well as to assess the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates. Methods A total of 1265 fresh fecal specimens (1080 from ten mammal species and 185 from eight bird species) were collected in Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Jilin provinces of China. Each specimen was examined for the presence of Blastocystis by PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the partial SSU rRNA gene. Results Fifty-four specimens (4.3%) were positive for Blastocystis. Birds (7.0%) had a higher infection rate of Blastocystis than mammals (3.8%). Blastocystis was found in seven mammal species, reindeer (6.7%), sika deer (14.6%), racoon dogs (7.5%), Arctic foxes (1.9%), dogs (2.9%), rats (3.7%) and rabbits (3.3%), as well as three bird species, pigeons (2.1%), chickens (13.0%) and red crowned cranes (14.0%). Eight subtypes were identified including ST1 ( n = 5), ST3 ( n = 3), ST4 ( n = 13), ST6 ( n = 8), ST7 ( n = 6), ST10 ( n = 13), ST13 ( n = 4) and ST14 ( n = 2). 64.8% (35/54) of Blastocystis isolates belonged to potentially zoonotic subtypes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of Blastocystis in reindeer (ST10 and ST13), rabbits (ST4), racoon dogs (ST3) and Arctic foxes (ST1, ST4 and ST7). The findings of potentially zoonotic subtypes suggest that the animals infected with Blastocystis might pose a threat to human health. These data will improve our understanding of the host range and genetic diversity of Blastocystis , and also help develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent the occurrence of human blastocystosis in the investigated areas.

Background Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in domestic animals and villagers. Methods A total of 116 fecal samples from villagers and 686 fecal samples from domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China, were analyzed for two parasites using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting various genetic loci and DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. Results By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans was 0.9% (1/116), with one species of C. parvum ( n  = 1) detected; among domestic animals, the prevalence was 2.6% (18/686), with five species identified: C. suis ( n  = 7) and C. scrofarum ( n  = 7) in pigs, C. meleagridis ( n  = 1) in chickens, C. andersoni ( n  = 1) in cattle, and C. canis ( n  = 2) in foxes. C. parvum and C. canis were further subtyped as IIdA19G1 and XXa4 on the basis of gp60 gene. Regarding G. duodenalis , based on the SSU rRNA, bg , gdh , and tpi genes, the prevalence in domestic animals was 5.1% (31/608), with three assemblages identified: A ( n  = 1) in pigs, D ( n  = 1) in foxes, and E ( n  = 27) in geese, cattle, pigs, ducks, and sheep, along with mixed infection of A + E ( n  = 1) in one pig and B + E ( n  = 1) in one sheep. No G. duodenalis was detected in humans (0/116). Conclusions The present results show that no overlap of subtypes between animals and villagers was found in Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis , indicating a minor role of domestic animals in infecting humans in this population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in domestic animals highlights the need for special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with domestic animals. Graphical Abstract

Background Giardia duodenalis is a common parasitic diarrheal agent in humans, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and multilocus genetic characterization of G. duodenalis in patients with diarrhea and animals in northeastern China, and to assess the epidemiological role of animals in the transmission of human giardiasis. Methods A total of 1739 fecal specimens from 413 diarrheal patients and 1326 animals comprising 16 mammal species were collected in Heilongjiang Province of China and screened for G. duodenalis by PCR and sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. All G. duodenalis -positive specimens were subtyped by PCR and sequencing of the bg , tpi , and gdh genes. To detect additional mixed infections of different assemblages, assemblage A/B/E-specific PCRs were performed to amplify the tpi gene. Results Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene determined the prevalence of G. duodenalis (5.81%, 24/413) in diarrheal patients, with a peak in minors aged 5–17 years, and identified assemblages A and B. MLG-AII and MLG-B1 were obtained based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the bg , tpi , and gdh genes, with MLG-AII being identical to a cat-derived isolate reported previously. By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, G. duodenalis was detected in 214 (16.14%) animals belonging to 11 mammal species, with the prevalence ranging from 1.69 to 53.85%, and assemblages A to G were identified. Sequence analysis of the bg , tpi , and gdh genes from 46 specimens produced 31 MLGs, including MLG-AI ( n  = 1), MLG-B2–B8 ( n  = 18), and MLG-E1–E23 ( n  = 27). Conclusions The finding of G. duodenalis in diarrheal patients enhances consciousness of detecting G. duodenalis in clinical practice and emphasizes the importance of health education in local inhabitants, especially in the age group of 5–17 years. The identification of seven assemblages (A to G) and 33 MLGs reveals genetic heterogeneity of G. duodenalis in the investigated areas. Due to insufficient homology data on the zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis , the precise epidemiological role that animals play in the transmission of human giardiasis needs to be assessed by more large-scale molecular epidemiological investigations of local humans and animals. Graphical Abstract

Cryptosporidium spp. are common parasites of humans and animals. Farm animals, especially pre-weaned calves, are considered to be one of main animal reservoir hosts of Cryptosporidium in the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves using molecular tools and to assess zoonotic transmission and elucidate the public health significance in northeastern China. A total of 151 fecal specimens from pre-weaned calves were collected in Heilongjiang Province and were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR. The average prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 47.68% (72/151). Cryptosporidium spp. were characterized by DNA sequencing of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Based on the SSU rRNA gene, five Cryptosporidium spp. were identified, including C. bovis (n = 34), C. andersoni (n = 26), C. ryanae (n = 5), C. meleagridis (n = 5) and C. parvum (n = 2). The SSU rRNA nucleotide sequences were identical to each other, respectively, within C. ryanae, C. parvum, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni. Four types of C. bovis were found in the SSU rRNA gene, with two novel types. The gp60 gene was successfully sequenced in one C. parvum isolate and three C. meleagridis isolates, with IIdA19G1 for C. parvum and IIIeA22G2R1 for C. meleagridis. Molecular analysis indicates that Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic in pre-weaned calves in Heilongjiang Province. The findings of C. parvum and C. meleagridis suggested the possibility of zoonotic transmission and public health significance. The transmission dynamics of C. parvum and C. meleagridis needed to be clarified by further molecular epidemiologic studies from humans and animals. Whether calves could act as the natural reservoirs of C. meleagridis needed to be confirmed by more systematic experimental infection studies.

Background Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are prevalent zoonotic pathogens responsible for the high burden of diarrheal diseases worldwide. Rodents are globally overpopulated and are known as reservoirs or carriers of a variety of zoonotic pathogens including Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi . However, few data are available on genetic characterizations of both pathogens in rodents in China. The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence and genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) from Heilongjiang, China. Methods A total of 242 wild brown rats were captured in Heilongjiang Province of China. A fresh fecal specimen was collected directly from the intestinal and rectal content of each brown rat. All the fecal specimens were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi by PCR and sequencing of the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene of the two pathogens, respectively. Results The infection rate was 9.1% (22/242) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 7.9% (19/242) for E. bieneusi . Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of C. ubiquitum (1/22, 4.5%) and three genotypes of Cryptosporidium , including Cryptosporidium rat genotype I (14/22, 63.6%), Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (6/22, 27.3%) and Cryptosporidium suis- like genotype (1/22, 4.5%). Meanwhile, two E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including D (17/19, 89.5%) and Peru6 (2/19, 10.5%). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype Peru6 was identified in rodents for the first time globally and Cryptosporidium rat genotype I and Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV were found in rats in China for the first time. The finding of zoonotic C. ubiquitum and C. suis -like genotype, as well as E. bieneusi genotypes, suggests that brown rats pose a threat to human health. It is necessary to control brown rat population in the investigated areas and improve local people’s awareness of the transmission risk of the two pathogens from brown rats to humans.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species of microsporidia found both in humans and animals. Farmed animals, particularly closely associated to humans, may play an important role of zoonotic reservoir in transmitting this disease to humans. The fur industry is a major economic component in some parts of China. To understand the prevalence, genotype variety and zoonotic risk of E. bieneusi in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs, two species of fur animals, fecal specimens of 110 blue foxes and 49 raccoon dogs from Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces in China were examined by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based PCR. E. bieneusi was detected in 16.4% (18/110) blue foxes and 4.1% (2/49) raccoon dogs. Altogether, four genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including two known genotypes D (n = 13) and EbpC (n = 5), and two novel genotypes named as CHN-F1 (n = 1) in a fox and CHN-R1 (n = 1) in a raccoon dog. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the four genotypes were the members of zoonotic group 1. Genotypes D and EbpC were found in humans previously. The findings of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi in the foxes and raccoon dogs suggest these animals infected with E. bieneusi may pose a threat to human health.

Due to the rarity of human cases and the nonspecific clinical symptoms of dioctophymiasis, Dioctophyma renale infection is not well recognized and is easily neglected or misdiagnosed. Recently, we diagnosed a human case of dioctophymiasis accompanied by renal cancer. To enhance the understanding of human dioctophymiasis, this case is presented here, and a retrospective study of this disease was conducted based on relevant papers screened from PubMed and three Chinese databases. In the end, 32 papers describing 37 human cases of dioctophymiasis were assessed. These cases were distributed in ten countries of Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, with the highest number in China ( n  = 22). The majority of the cases occurred in adults (91.9%, 34/37) and involved the kidneys (83.8%, 31/37). Ectopic parasitism mainly occurred in subcutaneous tissue (83.3%, 5/6). A proportion of 45.9% (17/37) of individuals had a history of eating raw or undercooked fish or frogs. The main clinical manifestations of human dioctophymiasis were loin pain (59.5%) and hematuria (59.5%). All the cases were diagnosed based on the morphological characteristics of eggs or adults in urine or tissue sections. Currently, there is no strictly defined therapeutic approach. This is the first retrospective analysis of human cases of dioctophymiasis. These review data will deepen our understanding of dioctophymiasis and help avoid misdiagnosis in clinical practice. En raison de la rareté des cas humains et des symptômes cliniques non spécifiques de la dioctophymiose, l’infection par Dioctophyma renale n’est pas bien reconnue et est facilement négligée ou mal diagnostiquée. Récemment, nous avons diagnostiqué un cas humain de dioctophymiose accompagné d’un cancer du rein. Pour améliorer la compréhension de la dioctophymiose humaine, ce cas est présenté ici et une étude rétrospective de cette maladie a été menée à partir de documents pertinents sélectionnés dans PubMed et dans trois bases de données chinoises. Finalement, 32 articles décrivant 37 cas humains de dioctophymiose ont été examinés. Ces cas ont été répartis dans dix pays d’Asie, d’Europe, d’Amérique du Nord et d’Océanie, le nombre le plus élevé étant enregistré en Chine ( n  = 22). La majorité des cas sont survenus chez des adultes (91,9 %, 34/37) et concernaient le rein (83,8 %, 31/37). Le parasitisme ectopique est principalement survenu dans les tissus sous-cutanés (83,3 %, 5/6). Une proportion de 45,9 % (17/37) des personnes avaient déjà mangé du poisson ou des grenouilles crus ou pas assez cuits. Les principales manifestations cliniques de la dioctophymiose chez l’homme étaient les douleurs lombaires (59,5 %) et l’hématurie (59,5 %). Tous les cas ont été diagnostiqués sur la base des caractéristiques morphologiques des œufs ou adultes dans l’urine ou les coupes de tissus. Actuellement, il n’y a pas d’approche thérapeutique strictement définie. Ceci est la première analyse rétrospective de cas de dioctophymiose chez l’homme. Les données de cette revue approfondissent notre compréhension de la dioctophymiose et aideront à éviter les erreurs de diagnostic en pratique clinique.

Background Intestinal pathogen infections are widespread among impoverished populations. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common pathogen of intestinal microsporidian species in humans worldwide . However, no epidemiological information is available on E. bieneusi infection in humans in Myanmar. The present study comprised the first identification and genotyping of E. bieneusi in humans conducted in Myanmar. Results A total of 172 fecal specimens were collected from the Wa people (one each) in four villages of Pangsang Township of the Matman District of Shan State, Myanmar, and each participant completed a questionnaire. E. bieneusi was identified and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The average prevalence of E. bieneusi was 8.72% (15/172), ranging from 3.85 to 13.89% by village. E. bieneusi infection was not related to any of the risk factors studied. Six genotypes were identified, comprising two known genotypes Peru6 ( n  = 10) and D ( n  = 1) and four novel genotypes (MMR23, MMR25, MMR86, and MMR87) (one each), and two people infected with genotype Peru6 were from the same family. A phylogenetic analysis based on a neighbor-joining tree of the ITS sequences of E. bieneusi indicated that all the six genotypes were clustered into group 1. Conclusions This is the first identification and genotyping of E. bieneusi in humans in Myanmar. The observations that the two people infected with genotype Peru6 were from the same family, and that all six genotypes obtained in the present study fell into zoonotic group 1, showed the potential for anthropogenic and zoonotic transmissions. The present data argue for the importance of epidemiological control and prevention from medical sectors.

A direct current (DC) microgrid containing a photovoltaic (PV) system, energy storage and charging reduces the electric energy conversion link and improves the operational efficiency of the system, which has a broad development prospect. The instability and randomness of PV and charging loads pose a challenge to the safe operation of DC microgrid systems. The safety of grid operation and charging need to be taken into account. However, few studies have integrated the safety of charging devices with grid operation. In this paper, a two-level control strategy is used for the DC microgrid equipped with hybrid energy storage systems (ESSs) with the charging equipment’s safety as the entry point. The primary control strategy combines the health of the charging equipment with droop control to effectively solve the problem of common DC bus voltage deviation and power distribution. The consistency the control algorithm for multiple groups of hybrid ESSs ensures the local side DC bus voltage level and ensures reasonable power distribution among the ESSs. The simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink show that the control strategy can achieve power allocation with stable voltage levels in the case of fluctuating health of the charging equipment, which guarantees the safe operation of the microgrid and charging equipment.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species causing diarrhea and other intestinal disorders in humans and animals. Like other infectious diseases, microsporidiosis usually disproportionately affects poor populations. In China, some ethnic minority areas remain poor. Currently, no information of E. bieneusi infection is available in minority populations. The present aims were to understand occurrence and genetic characterizations of E. bieneusi in ethnic minority groups from a poverty-stricken ethnic township in Yunnan Province, and to assess risk factors for E. bieneusi infection. 289 fecal specimens were collected from Yao people (one specimen each) with and without diarrhea, in Yunnan Province. E. bieneusi was identified and genotyped by PCR and sequence analysis of the ITS region of the rRNA gene. An average prevalence of 8.30% (24/289) was observed and four genotypes were identified-genotype Peru6 (n = 21) and three novel genotypes (one each). Genotype Peru6 was detected in two family members in each of three families. In a phylogenetic analysis, all of four genotypes fell into group 1 with zoonotic potential. The people owning individual pit toilets had a statistically higher prevalence of E. bieneusi (16.67%, 12/72) than those using public pit toilets (6.06%, 12/198). This is the first report on occurrence and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in ethnic minority groups in China. Genotype Peru6 was found in humans in China for the first time and showed dominance in Yao people. The same genotype was found in some family members and all the genotypes fell into group 1, suggesting the possibility of anthroponotic and zoonotic transmissions. The majority (83.33%, 20/24) of E. bieneusi positive individuals did not present diarrhea. In any case, it is important to recognize their existence and the importance that asymptomatic individuals to E. bieneusi may have from an epidemiological point of view, as transmitters of this pathogen. The analysis of risk factors provides scientific evidence for the development of effective strategies for prevention and control of E. bieneusi infection.