Prevalence, molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses from diverse husbandry systems across four provinces of northern and eastern China.

Horses carry zoonotic Cryptosporidium species; young horses and human handlers face transmission risk.

This molecular epidemiological study examined Cryptosporidium prevalence in 412 equine fecal samples from four Chinese provinces using SSU rRNA nested PCR and molecular subtyping techniques. The overall prevalence was 4.1% (17/412), with young horses (age <1 year) showing significantly higher infection rates (adjusted PR = 4.92). Three zoonotic species were identified: C. parvum (58.8%), C. andersoni (29.4%), and C. equi (11.8%). Four human-pathogenic C. parvum subtypes were detected, notably including IIcA5G3, which was previously unreported in equine hosts. All C. equi isolates were VIaA15G4, and most C. andersoni isolates were MLST subtype A4A4A4A1. These findings demonstrate that Chinese horses harbor multiple high-risk zoonotic Cryptosporidium species with direct human transmission potential, establishing horses as potential reservoir hosts and highlighting public health concerns for individuals with equestrian contact.

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