Iranian Journal of Parasitology (Mar 2011)
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Recreational Waters of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari Province of Iran Using Nested-PCR-RFLP
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in water samples collected from recreational ponds of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiyari Province of Iran .Methods: Thirty water samples were collected from November 2009 to May 2010. Each sample contained 10 liters of water. We used the SSU rRNA-based PCR-RFLP technique.Results: Out of thirty samples examined, 6 (20%) were positive for different Cryptosporidium spp. Restriction pattern analysis showed that C. parvum has been the most prevalent genotype, followed by C. hominis and C. canis , respectively. In this area, the higher prevalence of C. parvum compared with other genotypes is consistent with the distribution of cattle.Conclusion: Farm animals, particularly cattle are the main source of cryptosporidial contamination for recreational waters in this area.