Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. from Water Samples in Mosul City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Protozoan parasites are significant in waterborne parasitic diseases because they are resistant to common disinfection methods and have stable cystic phases in the environment. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate protozoan parasites in water samples collected from different regions that collect rainwater. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 water samples were collected from different regions in Mosul City, Iraq, from November 2019 to the end of March 2020. After sample collection, the water samples were examined to investigate oocysts or cysts of protozoan parasites using direct wet smear, Sheather’s sugar solution, and the Modified Ziehle–Nelseen stain method. Results: The results showed that 43.3% of the samples examined were infected with protozoan parasites, and the detected parasites were found in different ratios across the various regions. Were high percentage was 65.5% Al-Kossiat region and the low percentage was 20% in the Ajaamea region. Conclusion: This study recorded the high number of (oo)cysts of these protozoan parasites in water samples at a percentage (58.4%).

Keywords

• cryptosporidium spp
• giardia spp
• protozoa parasite
• rainwater