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Showing 5 results for Cryptosporidium

Mesgarian, F, Sharbatkhori, M, Mohammadi, R, Rajabi, Mh,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (1-2015)
Abstract

Abstract Background and Objective: Cryptosporidium is a common protozoan causing diarrhea in human, specifically in children. Hence, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of this protozoan among diarrheic children hospitalized in Gonbad Kavus in 2011. Material and Methods: Three stool samples were collected from diarrheic children in two hospitals of Gonbad city and a relevant questionnaire was filled out for each child. The stool samples were concentrated by formalin ether method, and the infection was assessed by modified acid-fast staining method. Results: Of 547 children, 27 (4.9%) were infected with cryptosporidiosis. There was no significant relationship between the amount of infection and gender and habitation area (urban/ rural). The infection rate was significantly prevalent in 2-4-year-old children (P=0.013). The most and the least infection rate were observed in spring and winter, respectively (P< 0.0001). There was a significant association between the disease and keeping animal (P= 0.041) Conclusion: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in diarrheic children in Gonbad is almost equal to other regions of the country and keeping animal and spring season may be considered as the risk factors for the disease. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Diarrhea, Children, Golestan, Iran
Shakerian, A, Sharafati-Chaleshtori, R, Karshenas, Aa, Rahimi, E,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite causing diarrheal cryptosporidiosis. Numerous outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported worldwide.  The transmission via milk, water and raw animal products is one of the important ways. The aim of this study was the identification of hsp70 gene in Cryptosporidium parvum in raw cow’s milk samples.

Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 38 raw cow’s milk samples of bulk tank were randomly collected from traditional and semi industrial cattle farms in Isfahan.  To identify the protozoa in milk samples, the extracted DNA was evaluated by Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Based on Nested polymerase chain reaction, 2 samples (5.26%) were infected to Cryptosporidium parvum.

Conclusions: The contamination of milk with Cryptosporidium Parvum is less than that of the other foodstuffs. Thus, it is necessary to reduce food contamination and to have appropriate health education programs.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium Parvum, Milk; Polymerase Chain Reaction.


Hossein Hashemzadeh Farhang , Parisa Shahbazi ,
Volume 10, Issue 6 (11-2016)
Abstract

ABSTRACT

         Background and Objectives: Cryptosporidium parvum is a coccidian protozoan that causes diarrhea in immunocompromised humans and newborn animals. The severity of the disease depends on the immunological status of the affected. Cryptosporiosis can have lethal effects on immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS patients. About 10% of AIDS patients die following an infection with C. parvum. Since there is no efficient treatment for cryptosporidiosis, there is an urgent need to search for more effective and safer alternatives. IgY is an avian immunoglobulin found in egg yolks. Due to its several advantages, IgY technology has been successfully used in biomedical research on humans and animals in the recent years. In this study, the specific chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against C. parvum whole oocyst antigens was produced and examined.

         Methods: The effect of specific chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against whole oocyst antigens was examined. IgY sample was obtained from eggs of chickens immunized with C. parvum whole oocyst antigens and analyzed with lysate of C. parvum oocysts by dot blot assay.

         Results: The IgY was produced with concentration of 9.7 mg/ml. This antibody was able to recognize the whole oocyst antigens until the dilution of 1:1000, but the best dilution for other immunoassays was 1:500.

         Conclusion: Since chicken egg yolk is a cheap and convenient source for mass production of specific antibodies, the use of IgY against whole oocyst antigens could be considered a suitable candidate for passive immunization against cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals.

         Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum, IgY, Oocysts.


Masoud Soosaraei, Ahmad Daryani, Mehdi Sharif, Shabeddin Sarvi, Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi, Mahdi Fakhar,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (1-2021)
Abstract

Background and objectives: Cryptosporidium spp. is a major cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans. There are no data available on geospatial distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in the Mazandaran Province, Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the spatial patterns and demographic factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection in the Mazandaran Province, North of Iran.
Methods: Fecal specimens were collected from diarrheic individuals (n=215) who were referred to health centers in the Mazandaran Province during 2014-2015. The specimens were examined for presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining.
Results:  Cities of Sari, Neka, Noshahr and Behshahr were identified as disease hotspots. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in subjects under 10 years of age as well as those living in low-altitude areas and rural areas without access to standard water sources.
Conclusion: Our findings and the GIS-derived data could be used to facilitate cryptosporidiosis surveillance and monitoring of Cryptosporidium spp. distribution in the study area.
Mansour Dabirzadeh , Reza Shahraki , Mohammadreza Beheshtizadeh , Mahdi Khoshsima Shahraki,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasites causing waterborne diseases worldwide. The parasite’s oocysts are resistant to conventional water treatment, making molecular detection crucial for identifying contamination sources.
Methods: A total of water samples were collected from different sites in Zabol and Zahedan, southeastern Iran. Microscopic screening was performed after concentration and staining with modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Trichrome methods under 1000× oil-immersion magnification. DNA was extracted from positive samples, and the SSU rRNA gene (~800-900 bp) was amplified by PCR. The resulting products were subjected to enzymatic digestion using AluI and RsaI restriction enzymes, and representative amplicons were sequenced.
Results: Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in several water samples. PCR amplification successfully produced fragments of the expected size without nonspecific bands. AluI digestion revealed distinct fragment patterns consistent with Cryptosporidium spp., while RsaI showed no cutting sites. Sequence analysis through BLAST showed high identity (≥99%) with C. parvum isolates. The phylogenetic tree constructed using the BLAST distance-tree method grouped the sequence closely with C. parvum, confirming its identity.
Conclusion: Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium from water samples in southeastern Iran indicated contamination primarily with C. parvum. These findings emphasize the necessity of continuous molecular surveillance to ensure the safety of drinking and recreational waters in the region.


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