Molecular Characterization of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Detected in Humans in Ağrı, Türkiye

Background

We aimed to determine the prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients who admitted hospital with diarrhea and to gain information about the transmission of these parasites in Ağrı, Türkiye.

Methods

This study included 184 patients who applied to Ağrı-Diyadin State Hospital, Türkiye in 2022. The immunochromatographic card test was used for detection of the G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Nested PCR-RFLP analysis of the COWP gene and sequence analysis of the gp60 gene were used to genotype and subtype Cryptosporidium spp., whereas Nested PCR and sequence analyses of β-giardin gene were used genotype G. intestinalis.

Results

Of the 184 stool specimens examined, 12 (14.29%) and 7 (3.80%) were positive for G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. The Cryptosporidium species were identified as C. parvum belonging to the IId sub-type family. The G. intestinalis were identified assemblages A.

Conclusion

Assemblage A, which is associated with diarrhea, is responsible for giardiasis and C. parvum IId subtype, often found in sheep, goats and cattle, is responsible for cryptosporidiosis in Ağrı, Türkiye.

Distribution of Toxocara vitulorum in Cattle of Ağrı Region

OBJECTIVE

Parasitizing in the small intestines of cattle, buffalo and bison, Toxocara vitulorum is seen in countries with humid tropical and subtropical climates, including Türkiye. Adult parasites can cause digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea or constipation, and sometimes death, especially in calves. This study was planned to investigate the distribution of T. vitulorum in cattle of the Ağrı region.

METHODS

In this study, stool samples of the size of a walnut were taken from the rectum of 200 calves 0-6 months old and 200 cattle older than 1 year in the province of Ağrı and its districts, and the preparations were prepared using the saturated zinc sulfate flotation method and the preparations were examined under a light microscope.

RESULTS

T. vitulorum eggs were detected in 70 (35%) of 200 calves aged 0-6 months and 21 (10.5%) of 200 cattle over one year old. The difference in positivity between cattle over one year old and calves was statistically significant (p=0.001). With fecal examination ın 22 of the calves (11%), Trichostrongylidae spp. eggs were detected.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that the prevalence of T. vitulorum in calves was high in Diyadin, Eleşkirt, Doğubayazıt, Hamur, Taşlıçay, Tutak and Patnos districts of Ağrı province. We believe that larger-scale studies should be conducted on the spread of this parasite, which causes significant low yields in cattle breeding.