Parasites & Vectors· 2026Q1
First molecular survey of pigs in Victoria, Australia, reveals widespread Cryptosporidium infection, limited Giardia duodenalis occurrence and genotypes with zoonotic potential
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A molecular survey of 626 pig fecal samples in Victoria, Australia, found Cryptosporidium spp. in 51.1% of samples across 76% of farms, predominantly C. scrofarum and C. suis, with C. ubiquitum genotypes also found in humans.
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Key points
- Cryptosporidium spp. detected in 51.1% of 626 pig fecal samples from 37 farms in Victoria, Australia.
- C. scrofarum (77.5%) and C. suis (18.4%) were the most common Cryptosporidium species, with C. ubiquitum found in three samples.
- Giardia duodenalis was detected in only 1.1% of samples, identified as assemblage E (n=5) and assemblage A (n=2).
- Cryptosporidium prevalence was highest in weaners (68.6%) and semi-intensive systems (78.2%), and absent in adult pigs.
- Identified C. suis and C. ubiquitum subtypes (XXVa-1 and XIIa) have been previously found in humans, indicating zoonotic potential.
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Abstract
Abstract Background Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are enteric protozoan parasites of veterinary and public health significance, yet molecular epidemiological data from Australian pig populations remain limited, and no study has previously been conducted in Victoria. This study estimated prevalences and investigated species composition and genotypic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in faecal samples collected from pigs across farms in Victoria, Australia. Methods In total, 626 faecal samples were collected from pigs representing multiple age groups across 37 farms in the State of Victoria, Australia. Molecular detection and characterisation were performed using nested PCR targeting the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal rRNA gene ( SSU ) and gp60 loci for Cryptosporidium and the tpi locus for G. duodenalis , followed by Sanger sequencing. Results Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 320 samples (51.1%) across 28 farms (76%), with C. scrofarum (77.5%) and C. suis (18.4%) predominating. C. ubiquitum DNA was detected in three faecal samples from pigs on a single farm. Subtyping identified C. suis subtype XXVa-1 and C. ubiquitum subtype XIIa, both previously identified in humans. Giardia duodenalis was detected in seven samples (1.1%) from three farms, with assemblage E ( n = 5) and assemblage A ( n = 2) identified. Cryptosporidium prevalence estimates varied significantly by age group and farming system, being highest in weaners (68.6%) and semi-intensive systems (78.2%) and absent in adult pigs. Conclusions These findings establish the first molecular baseline for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in Victorian pigs, demonstrate the widespread occurrence of Cryptosporidium in pig production systems, identify genotypes with zoonotic potential and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance and targeted parasite management in Australian pig production.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Parasites & Vectors, 2026 · DOI ↗
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ParasitologyImmunology and Microbiology