Molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Iranian children, tehran, iran

N Taghipour1, E Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad, A Haghighi

  • 1Dept. of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly the IId A20G1a subtype, is prevalent in diarrheal infections among children in Tehran, Iran. This finding highlights the significant role of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cryptosporidium is a global protozoan parasite causing significant human and cattle infections and diarrhea.
  • Understanding Cryptosporidium subtypes is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the subtypes of Cryptosporidium in children with diarrhea in Tehran, Iran.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium using the GP60 gene.

Main Methods:

  • Fecal samples were collected from 794 children with diarrhea.
  • Cryptosporidium was identified using Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining.
  • Genotyping and subtyping were performed by sequencing the GP60 gene.

Main Results:

  • 19 (2.40%) samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium.
  • Cryptosporidium parvum accounted for 89.47% of isolates, while C. hominis comprised 10.52%.
  • The predominant C. parvum subtype was IId A20G1a (41.18%).

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of C. parvum, especially the IId A20G1a subtype, indicates significant zoonotic transmission in Iran.
  • Molecular subtyping is essential for tracking Cryptosporidium transmission dynamics.

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