ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in sheep and goats from Anhui Province and neighboring provinces. Methods A total 832 and 781 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven large-scale sheep farms and ten large-scale goat farms in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces of Henan, Jiangsu and Shandong. The prevalence and species of Cryptosporidium were investigated in the fecal samples from the sheep and goats in the study areas using nested PCR assay based on the Cryptosporidium-specific SSU rDNA gene, and the subgenotypes of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were characterized by amplification and sequencing of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Results The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 5.8% (48/832) in sheep and 8.7% (68/781) in goats in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces, respectively. The SSU rDNA gene-based PCR assay identified C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum in sheep and C. parvum in goats, and subtyping revealed that all C. ubiquitum subgenotypes belonged to XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subgenotypes belonged to IIdA19G1. Conclusion The identification of zoonotic C. ubiquitum XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 suggests that sheep and goats may serve as a potential source for human Cryptosporidium infections.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in sheep and goats from Anhui Province and neighboring provinces. Methods A total 832 and 781 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven large-scale sheep farms and ten large-scale goat farms in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces of Henan, Jiangsu and Shandong. The prevalence and species of Cryptosporidium were investigated in the fecal samples from the sheep and goats in the study areas using nested PCR assay based on the Cryptosporidium-specific SSU rDNA gene, and the subgenotypes of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were characterized by amplification and sequencing of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Results The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 5.8% (48/832) in sheep and 8.7% (68/781) in goats in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces, respectively. The SSU rDNA gene-based PCR assay identified C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum in sheep and C. parvum in goats, and subtyping revealed that all C. ubiquitum subgenotypes belonged to XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subgenotypes belonged to IIdA19G1. Conclusion The identification of zoonotic C. ubiquitum XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 suggests that sheep and goats may serve as a potential source for human Cryptosporidium infections.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of the rare cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMV-PTC).@*Methods@#The clinicopathologic data of 10 patients with CMV-PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was done using LSAB method. DNA sequencing for APC were applied using Sanger method. BRAF V600E mutation was examined using ARMS method. The cytological, morphological, IHC and molecular features were analyzed.@*Results@#All patients were female at an average age of 27 years old. The tumors were mostly located in the right lobe of thyroid. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in three patients; two were diagnosed as suspicious for PTC and one as PTC. Nine tumors presented as solitary nodule and two as multiple nodules in both lobes. Infiltration was demonstrated in three cases. The average size was 2.6 cm. The neoplastic cells were arranged in papillary, cribriform, solid and glandular patterns, with rare or without colloid inside the lumen. The number of morula varied, ranging from zero to many. The neoplastic cells were variably enlarged, showing round, oval or spindle shape. Nuclear irregularity was identified as irregular membrane, nuclear grooves or pseudoinclusion, but no typical ground glass feature. Peculiar nuclear clearing could be observed in the morular cells. IHC staining showed the neoplastic cells were negative for thyroglobulin and p63, but positive for TTF1, cytokeratin 19 and estrogen receptor. Diffuse staining with cytokeratin was seen in the neoplastic cells and the morula. Specific cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of β-catenin was seen in the neoplastic cells but not the morula. Ki-67 proliferation index was 1%-30%. No recurrence or metastasis was observed. One patient was demonstrated to harbor both somatic and germline mutations of the APC gene, who was found to have adenomatous polyposis and her mother died of colonic carcinoma. No BRAF V600E mutation was detected.@*Conclusions@#CMV-PTC is rare and shows atypical cytological and clinicopathological features, and it is easily misdiagnosed.TG, TTF1, ER and β-catenin are specific IHC markers for CMV-PTC. The morula is negative for cytokeratin 19, in contrast to squamous metaplasia. Although CMV-PTC has indolent clinical behavior, a definite diagnosis is necessary to rule out the possibility of APC gene mutation and related extra-thyroidal neoplasm, such as FAP and Gardner syndrome.