Few data are available on the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in ostriches. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species or genotypes in ostriches. A total of 452 fecal samples from five farms, a zoo, and an animal rescue center in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopy of wet mount of fecal materials concentrated by the Sheather's sugar flotation technique. Fifty-three samples were Cryptosporidium-positive from four farms, with an overall prevalence of 11.7%. The percentage of animals shedding oocysts was 0, 16.2%, 7.2%, and 0 in 1-3 weeks, 4-8 weeks, 3-12 months, and more than 12 months ostriches, respectively (χ(2)=17.74; ρ<0.01). PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene of the 53 Cryptosporidium-positive samples showed the presence of only Cryptosporidium baileyi, which was confirmed by DNA sequencing of the SSU rRNA PCR products from 16 positive samples. Cross-transmission studies demonstrated that the C. baileyi isolate could infect chickens and quails. Thus, ostriches are commonly infected with C. baileyi that is genetically and biologically similar to C. baileyi found in other birds.
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