Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium sp in the Cattle Stool Samples in Ardabil City, Northwestern Iran

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite that is now recognized as one of the leading causes of diarrhea in cattle. Surface waters contaminated with human and animal feces serve as main source for epidemic spread of Cryptosporidium parasites. In this study, we used a small-subunit rRNA-based Pcr-restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technique to determine the prevalence and to characterize species of Cryptosporidium parasites in cattle's in Ardabil city in Iran. Among 107 samples examined, 19 samples showed positive results. Restriction pattern analysis showed C andersoni as the most common species with 14 cases; followed by C parvum, bovine genotype, with 5 cases. Our results confirm that zoonotic transmission can be occur in the study region.