Identification and Subtyping of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in Cancer Patients, Isfahan Province, Central Iran.

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Subtyping data about Cryptosporidium spp. in Isfahan, Iran is limited; therefore, we aimed to study the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. in cancer patients, associated risk factors, and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 187 cancer patients from the Oncology Department of Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2014-2020 and screened for Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopical techniques. Nested PCR amplifying 18S rRNA gene was used to detect Cryptosporidium spp. in samples, followed by subtyping using nested PCR amplifying gp60 sequences. Results: Overall, the rate of infection with Cryptosporidium spp. was 4.3% (n=8). Five samples out of eight samples were identified as Cryptosporidium spp. using a nested PCR for the 18S rRNA gene, two subtypes of C. parvum named IIaA18G3R1 (n = 2) and IIaA17G2R1 (n = 2), and one subtype of C. hominis named IbA6G3 were identified by sequencing of the gp60. The IbA6G3 subtype has rarely been detected in other investigations. Conclusion: This is the first survey on the subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in this region. The results of the present survey show both zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission routes in the region.

Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in Iranian Dogs Using Seminested PCR: A First Report.

Cryptosporidium is a parasitic protozoon with a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Cryptosporidiosis has been reported from numerous countries, including Iran. Molecular identification can be applied to characterize Cryptosporidium, of which there are over 30 species and 50 genotypes. Herein, we report the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Iranian dogs for the first time based on 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. One hundred forty fecal samples of herd dogs were collected from Isfahan, central Iran. The samples were concentrated using sucrose flotation and subjected to Kinyoun staining. DNA extraction of positive samples was performed, and molecular diagnosis was carried out using highly specific seminested PCR for the characterization of Cryptosporidium species. Finally, sequencing and DNA analysis were performed to identify Cryptosporidium species. A total of 2.14% of herd dogs were positive for cryptosporidiosis in both microscopy and molecular methods. In all cases, the causative agent was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum. Dogs associated with positive samples had been in close relationship with livestock. Cryptosporidiosis in the herd dogs in Isfahan could be due to their close contact with animals, particularly cattle and sheep. Given that dogs with cryptosporidiosis lack clinical symptoms, they are a potential source of zoonotic transmission of this disease as they are companion animals for humans. Dogs with cryptosporidiosis are a potential source of the zoonotic transmission of this disease.

Isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. from different water sources in Isfahan, central Iran, 2014.

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoeba found in a wide variety of natural habitats. The high percentage of the presence of Acanthamoeba in different environmental sources represents a sanitary risk for public health, especially immunocompromised patients and contact lens wearers. Acanthamoeba can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, otitis, lung lesions, and skin infections in individuals with immune deficiencies. In the present study, the status of contamination of water sources in Isfahan, central Iran is analyzed through parasitological method. Totally 93 samples were utilized consisting of 59 samples of tap water and 34 samples of environmental water collected from Isfahan in May and June 2014. After filtering, cultivation was done in non-nutrient agar medium, and then the cultured media were kept at 25-30 °C. The samples were analyzed based on the morphological criteria. Acanthamoeba spp. were found in 25 (73.53 %) out of 34 environmental water samples and 17 (28.8 %) out of 59 tap water. Generally, Acanthamoeba spp. were found in 42 (45.16 %) of the samples. The results of the present study showed that the water contamination with Acanthamoeba spp. in different regions of Isfahan can be a potential infection source for at high risk people. It could be suggested that public education and precaution are quiet necessary.

Parasites and chronic renal failure.

Suppression of the human immune system results in an increase in susceptibility to infection by various infectious agents. Conditions such as AIDS, organ transplantation and chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) are the most important cause of insufficient immune response against infections. Long term renal disorders result in uremia, which can suppress human immune system. Parasitic infections are one of the most important factors indicating the public health problems of the societies. These infections can be more hostile and life threatening in susceptible individuals than in the normal people. In these patients some parasitic infections such as blastocystiosis, cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis have been reported to be more prevalent. This review aimed to give an overview about parasitic infections in patients with renal disorders.