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The identification of Cryptosporidium species in Isfahan, Iran by PCR-RFLP analysis of the 18S rRNA gene

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Abstract

Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan that causes diarrheal illness in humans and animals. Different species of Cryptosporidium have been reported and it is believed that species characteristics are an important factor to be considered in strategic planning for control. We therefore analyzed oocysts from human and animal isolates of Cryptosporidium by PCR-RFLP to determine strain variation in Isfahan. In total, 642 human fecal samples from children under five years of age, imunocompromised patients, and high-risk persons and 480 randomly selected rectal specimens of cows and calves in Isfahan were examined. Microscopic examination showed that 4.7% (30/642) of human samples and 6.2% (30/480) of animal samples were infected with Cryptosporidium. After identification of the samples infected with the parasite, oocysts were purified and their DNA was extracted. We used PCR-RFLP analysis of a 1750-bp region of the 18S rRNA gene to identify Cryptosporidium species. The human samples were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum II, C. muris, C. wrairi, and a new genotype of Cryptosporidium (GenBank accession no. DQ520951). The cattle samples were identified as C. parvum II, C. muris, C. wrairi, C. serpentis, C. baileyi, and a new genotype of Cryptosporidium (GenBank accession no. DQ520952). We also found a new genotype infecting both human and cattle samples (GenBank accession no. DQ520950). In addition to demonstrating the widespread occurrence of most species of Cryptosporidium, C. parvum, we also observed extensive polymorphism within species. Furthermore, the occurrence of the same species of parasite in both animal and human samples shows the importance of the animal and human cycle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    M. Azami & D. D. Moghaddam

  2. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    R. Salehi & M. Salehi

Authors
  1. M. Azami
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  2. D. D. Moghaddam
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  3. R. Salehi
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  4. M. Salehi
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Correspondence to M. Azami.

Additional information

Published in Russian in Molekulyarnaya Biologiya, 2007, Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 934–939.

The article was translated by the authors.

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Azami, M., Moghaddam, D.D., Salehi, R. et al. The identification of Cryptosporidium species in Isfahan, Iran by PCR-RFLP analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. Mol Biol 41, 851–856 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0026893307050196

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