# Occurrence and Multi-Locus Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Black Goats from Fujian Province, China

## TL;DR

This study identifies the presence and genetic diversity of a zoonotic protozoan in black goats in Fujian, China, revealing new insights for disease prevention.

## Contribution

The study reports a novel genotype and provides the first molecular epidemiological data on E. bieneusi in black goats in Fujian.

## Key findings

- E. bieneusi was detected in 7.79% of black goat fecal samples from nine regions in Fujian.
- Eight genotypes were identified, including a novel genotype named FJG-1 and seven previously known genotypes.
- All isolates belonged to Group 2, and infection rates varied significantly by region but not by age or gender.

## Abstract

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an important zoonotic intestinal protozoon causing diarrhea in humans and animals, threatening public health and livestock farming. This study aimed to investigate the infection and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi in black goats in Fujian, southeastern China. A total of 539 fecal samples were collected from nine regions. E. bieneusi was detected by nested PCR and sequencing targeting the ITS locus, and genotyped using four microsatellites and one minisatellite. The overall infection rate was 7.79%, with 42 positive samples. Eight genotypes were identified, including seven known genotypes and one novel genotype FJG-1. Ten multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were obtained, and all isolates belonged to Group 2. The infection rate differed significantly among regions (p < 0.01), but not among ages or genders (p > 0.05). This is the first molecular epidemiological survey of E. bieneusi in black goats in Fujian. The results enrich the genotype database and provide data for formulating regional prevention and control strategies against this pathogen.