Molecular and phylogenetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium from birds

Avian isolates of Cryptosporidium species from different geographic locatio ns were sequenced at two loci, the 18S rRNA gene and the heat shock gene (H SP-70). Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence data provided support for the existence of a new avian species of Cryptosporidium infecting finches and a second species infecting a black duck. The identity of Cryptosporidium ba ileyi and Cryptosporidium meleagridis as valid species was confirmed. Also, C. baileyi was identified in a number of isolates from the brown quail ext ending the host range of this species. (C) 2001 Australian Society for Para sitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.