The Cryptosporidium "mouse" genotype is conserved across geographic areas

A 298-bp region of the Cryptosporidium parvum 18S rRNA gene and a 390-bp re gion of the acetyl coenzyme ri synthetase gene were sequenced for a range o f Cryptosporidium isolates from wild house mice (Mus domesticus), a bat (My otus adversus), and cattle from different geographical areas. Previous rese arch has identified a distinct genotype, referred to as the "mouse"-derived Cryptosporidium genotype, common to isolates from Australian mice. Compari son of a wider range of Australian mouse isolates with United Kingdom and S panish isolates from mice and cattle and also an Australian bat derived Cry ptosporidium isolate revealed that the "mouse" genotype is conserved across geographic areas. Mice are also susceptible to infection with the "cattle" Cryptosporidium genotype, which has important implications for their role as reservoirs of infection for humans and domestic animals.