Epidemiology and transmission patterns of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp., and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> within a One Health framework in rural areas of Eastern Algeria

Gastrointestinal infections constitute a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, caused by various pathogens. Among these, <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> are noteworthy due to their zoonotic potential. In Algeria, molecular epidemiological data on cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are limited. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to examine the transmission dynamics of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp., and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> in various households. A total of 216 samples were collected from the rural Guelma and Souk Ahras provinces, located in the eastern part of Algeria. These included human and animal faeces, as well as water and soil samples. DNA was extracted, followed by nested PCR targeting the <i>SSU</i> rRNA gene to detect <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp., while the <i>gp60</i> gene was amplified for subtyping. Detection of <i>G. duodenalis</i> was performed by qPCR targeting the <i>SSU</i> rRNA gene, followed by amplification of <i>tpi</i>, <i>bg</i> and <i>gdh</i> genes for genotyping and subtyping. Several <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species, including <i>C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni</i> and <i>C. parvum</i>, were identified in human, animal and environmental samples. The zoonotic <i>C. parvum</i> subtype IIaA17G2R1 was detected in human, animal and soil samples. <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> assemblage B was detected in a human sample, while assemblage E was found in cattle and sheep. The current investigation underscores the importance of the One Health approach in addressing issues related to intestinal parasites, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and control measures in rural settings.