Cryptosporidiumis a global epidemic parasite and one of the most important intestinal pathogens causing diarrhea in animals and humans. Despite extensive research on this parasite group, little is known about rates ofCryptosporidiuminfection in lesser pandas. In this study, we use molecular diagnostic tools to detectCryptosporidiuminfections and identifyCryptosporidiumspecies in the lesser panda. Using a PCR approach, we sequenced the 18S rRNA gene in fecal samples collected from 110 captive lesser pandas held throughout China (approximately one third of thecaptive population). We determinedCryptosporidiumspecies via a BLAST comparison of our sequences against those of publishedCryptosporidiumsequences available in GenBank and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. We report that captive lesser pandas were infected with a singleCryptosporidiumspecies,Cryptosporidium andersoni, at a prevalence of 6.36 % (7/110). The present investigation revealed the existence ofC. andersoniinfection in captive lesser panda and suggested that proper control measures should be taken carefully to protect the welfare of zoo workers and visitors.

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