Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics of Microsporidia in Captive Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in China

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidian pathogens with zoonotic potential that pose significant public health concerns. To ascertain the occurrence genotypes of E. spp., we used nested PCR to amplify internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene DNA sequencing analyze 198 fecal samples from red pandas 6 zoos in China. The total rate microsporidial infection was 15.7% (31/198), 12.1% (24/198), 1.0% (2/198), 2.0% (4/198) (2/198) for bieneusi, cuniculi, intestinalis hellem, respectively. One panda detected positive a mixed (E. intestinalis). Red living semi-free conditions more likely be infected microsporidia (χ2 = 6.212, df 1, p < 0.05). Three known (SC02, D, PL2) one novel (SCR1) were found. SCR1) grouped into group 1 importance, while genotype PL2 formed separate clade associated 2. These findings suggest may serve as host reservoir microsporidia, potentially allowing transmission humans other animals.