Özçelik, Semra Cumhuriyet University - School of Medicine - Department of Parasitology, Turkey , Malatyalı, Erdoğan Adnan Menderes University - School of Medicine - Department of Parasitology, Turkey , Alim, Ahmet Cumhuriyet University - School of Pharmacy - Department of Microbiology, Turkey , Değerli, Serpil Cumhuriyet University - School of Medicine - Department of Parasitology, Turkey

The investigation of Cryptosporidium spp. in water samples by PCR

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Objective: Cryptosporidium spp. are intestinal pathogens of humans and animals. Environmental and tap water samples obtained from different regions in Sivas were examined for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection. Methods: Approximately 10 lt of water collected and filtered from spring and tap waters from villages and towns in Sivas province were examined. All samples were examined both with the Modified Acid Fast (MAF) staining method and PCR for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. A genus specific PCR assay was designed for the specific amplification of the 18S SSU rRNA gene. Results: None of the 92 water samples analyzed by MAF were positive, whoever 2 water samples (2.2%) from the Kangal and Suşehri counties were positive by PCR. Conclusions: The PCR technique is more reliable in diagnosing Cryptosporidium in water samples. It is possible that the oocysts are decomposed in water and it is difficult to identify them by MAF.

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PCR , Cryptosporidium , water , MAF , Sivas , Turkey

Cumhuriyet Medical Journal

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