Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
Published on: September 14, 2019
Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. Isolated From Immunocompromised Patients and Children
Abdollah Rafiei1, Zahra Rashno2, Alireza Samarbafzadeh3
1Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran ; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
Background:
Cryptosporidium is known to be one of the most important causes of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised patients. Genotype characterization of Cryptosporidium species in each region would help in the treatment of this disease, as well as to locate the source of infection and to prevent the disease.
Objectives:
This current research was conducted in order to analyze the molecular characterization of isolated Cryptosporidium spp. in the Southwest of Iran.
Materials And Methods:
In this survey, 390 fecal samples were collected from immunocompromised individuals and children under five-years-of-age. Parasitic infection was evaluated using wet mount preparation, formalin ether, a modified acid fast staining method and microscopic examination. Finally, a PCR-RFLP assay was performed on the extracted DNA collected from fecal samples that were positive for Cryptosporidium by the acid fast method.
Results:
Among the 390 fecal samples, 16 cases (4.1%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. Molecular and genotype characterization found the following protozoan species; 11 Cryptosporidium parvum (68.8%), 4 C. hominis (25%), and one case of C. meleagridis (6.2%).
Conclusions:
The present study emphasized the public health importance of Cryptosporidium spp. in the study area. In addition, it seems that zoonotic species are the most important causes of infection in the region. As far as we are aware this the first report of a C. meleagridis infection in Iran.
Insights
Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in Southwest Iran revealed Cryptosporidium parvum as the most common species. This study highlights the public health significance of Cryptosporidium infections and potential zoonotic sources.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised individuals.
- Genotyping Cryptosporidium species aids in disease treatment, source identification, and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species isolated in Southwest Iran.
- To understand the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in the region.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 390 immunocompromised individuals and children under five.
- Parasitic infection was identified using microscopy (wet mount, formalin ether, acid-fast staining).
- PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used for molecular and genotype characterization of Cryptosporidium DNA.
Main Results:
- 16 out of 390 samples (4.1%) tested positive for Cryptosporidium.
- The identified species were Cryptosporidium parvum (68.8%), Cryptosporidium hominis (25%), and Cryptosporidium meleagridis (6.2%).
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium species pose a significant public health concern in the studied area.
- Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species appear to be major contributors to infections in the region.
- This study reports the first instance of Cryptosporidium meleagridis infection in Iran.
More Related Videos
12:11A Modified EPA Method 1623 that Uses Tangential Flow Hollow-fiber Ultrafiltration and Heat Dissociation Steps to Detect Waterborne Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp.
Published on: July 9, 2012
09:13Author Spotlight: Identifying Compensatory Pathways in Malaria Parasites Containing Hypomorphic Allele of Essential Protein Kinases
Published on: November 22, 2024
