Mongolian pika (Ochotona pallasi) a important Cryptosporidium species vector at China-mongolia border of China

Abstract Background Cryptosporidium, as intestinal protozoa, have been widely reported in wildlife, livestock and humans. Mongolian pika (Ochotona pallasi) live at high altitudes along the China-mongolia borderline, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). However, little information is available on the prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium in Ochotonidae worldwide, especially in Mongolian pika. The aim of this study was to investigate Cryptosporidium in the Mongolian pika at China-mongolia border of China. Methods In present study, eighty-three intestinal content specimens were collected from 15 sampling sites in XUAR (2021–2023). The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of all samples were amplified using nested PCR and sequenced. Results A total of 12 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium. Moreover, four known species, Cryptosporidium canis, C. ubiquitum, C. ryanae, and C. sp yak, and a novel Cryptosporidium species, here named as Cryptosporidium sp. Mongolian pika, were also identified. Conclusions The findings indicated that Mongolian pika is an important reservoir host for multiple Cryptosporidium species, which is potentially circulated among Mongolian pikas, ruminants and carnivors in this alpine region, China-mongolia border of China.